TransCanada makes initial filing for Energy East pipeline

TransCanada Corp. has taken an initial step forward obtaining regulatory approval for its proposed CAN$ 12 billion Energy East oil pipeline.

Earlier this week, TransCanada filed a preliminary project description of its Energy East oil pipeline with the National Energy Board (NEB) – a key step in securing regulatory approval for the line. The document provides details on the project based on environmental studies, engineering assessments and community consultations.

The 4600 km Energy East pipeline will be North America's longest and most expensive pipeline. The pipeline will connect 1.1 million bpd of Alberta crude to refineries and export terminals in Quebec and New Brunswick. In addition, it will let eastern Canadian refineries replace 700 000 bpd of imported crude oil will less expensive Western Canadian oil.

Although TransCanada does not need to obtain Quebec's consent as the project falls under federal review, TransCanada has decided to gain as much support as it can for the project by submitting it for a formal examination under the government's environmental review agency, BAPE.

TransCanada spokesperson Philippe Cannon said, "We're willing to look at everything...we recognise that people in Quebec place a lot of trust in the BAPE and find a lot of value in that process."

TransCanada expects to file a full regulatory application for Energy East this summer, with startup expected in 2018.

Edited from various sources by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/05032014/transcanada_makes_initial_filing_for_energy_east_oil_pipeline/