NEB grants North Montney pipeline extension

The sunset clause for the North Montney pipeline project declared that construction on the North Montney pipeline project must begin before 10 June 2016 or approval for the project will expire. However, on 28 March 2016, NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) wrote to the NEB, asking whether the sunset clause could be extended for one year – until 10 June 2017.

In its request, NGTL said that it would not be in a position to begin construction of the pipeline until Progress Energy Canada Ltd. decides whether or not to proceed with the Pacific NorthWest LNG project.

In response to this request, the National Energy Board (NEB) has decided to extend the date in the sunset clause to the to 10 June 2017. However, the sunset clause date change does not come into effect unless Governor in Council approves it.

In a letter to the proponents, the NEB noted that the project is still in the public interest and the original project conditions, that require it to be designed, constructed and operated in a way that is safe and protects the environment, still stand.

The North Montney pipeline project proposes to build and operate 301 km of natural gas pipeline and the related facilities. It will connect NGTL's Groundbirch Mainline to the North Montney gas fields in northeastern British Columbia.

The North Montney project would tie into the proposed Prince Rupert gas transmission pipeline, which intends to transport natural gas to the Pacific NorthWest liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Prince Rupert, BC.

Adapted from press release by Anna Nicklin

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/19092016/neb-grants-north-montney-pipeline-extension/