NEB to continue hearing Aboriginal evidence for Trans Mountain Project

The National Energy Board (NEB or the Board) will continue hearing oral traditional evidence from registered Aboriginal intervenors for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project on 13 November in Kamloops, BC.

The Board recognises that Aboriginal peoples have an oral tradition for sharing stories, lessons, and knowledge from generation to generation. This information cannot always be shared adequately in writing yet it will make up an important component of the evidence the panel will consider as it decides whether or not to recommend approving the project.

Aboriginal intervenors may also file written evidence in addition to their oral traditional evidence. Other intervenors, Trans Mountain or the Board may ask participants questions about their oral traditional evidence. It is up to the individual Aboriginal groups to decide whether they will respond to any questions orally, in writing or both.

The hearings were originally scheduled to run throughout August. After receiving input from a number of Aboriginal groups, the Board amended its hearing schedule in order to avoid interfering with the salmon harvest, among other reasons. The Board has scheduled four sessions:

• Edmonton, AB – 25 August 2014 – 5 September 2014
• Chilliwack, BC – 16 October 2014 – 24 October 2014
• Kamloops, BC – 13 November 2014 – 20 November 2014
• Victoria, BC – 24 November 2014 – 28 November 2014

Trans Mountain submitted its application to the Board on 16 December 2013. The project would expand the existing Trans Mountain pipeline system in Alberta and British Columbia and include approximately 990 km of new pipeline, new and modified facilities, such as pump stations and tanks, and the reactivation of 193 km of existing pipeline between Edmonton and Burnaby, BC. There would also be an expansion of the Westridge Marine Terminal.

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/13112014/neb-to-continue-hearing-aboriginal-evidence-for-trans-mountain-project-1012/