NEB recommends NGTL expansion project

The National Energy Board (NEB) is recommending that the Federal government approve NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.’s (NGTL) proposed expansion to its existing system in northern Alberta.

The board’s final report, released on 1 June, lists 48 conditions that NGTL would have to meet should the project go ahead. Five of the conditions in the report are specific to the protection and restoration of caribou habitat. The project would run through three boreal woodland caribou ranges. Boreal woodland caribou are listed as Threatened on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act.

The board granted intervenor status to 37 groups and individuals while seven groups were granted commenter status. The board heard oral traditional evidence from six Indigenous groups in Fort McMurray, Grande Prairie and Edmonton, Alberta in late autumn 2015.

As required by federal law, the board has submitted its report with its recommendation on the project to the Minister of Natural Resources Canada.

Overview

On 31 March 2015, NGTL applied to the board to construct and operate approximately 230 km of pipeline in five pipeline section loops and two compressor station unit additions in northern Alberta, mostly adjacent to existing sites. More than 90% of the project would be on provincial Crown lands.

The total estimated cost of the project is CAN$1.29 billion.

NGTL estimated that the project would generate CAN$800 million in labour income during construction, and CAN$1.2 billion in gross domestic product in Canada.

NGTL’s planned in-service date is 1 April 2017.

Edited from source by Stephanie Roker

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/06062016/neb-recommends-ngtl-expansion-project/