Quebec lays new roadblocks for Energy East pipeline

TransCanada Corp.’s plans for a pipeline to ship Alberta oil to Canada’s East Coast face a new hurdle after Quebec said this week the project must meet seven conditions before it will be allowed to proceed through the province.

Quebec’s demands for the Cdn$ 12 billion (US$ 10.6 billion) project, known as Energy East, follow a failed vote in the U. Senate aimed at forcing presidential approval for another controversial TransCanada pipeline project, Keystone XL.

Quebec Environment Minister David Heurtel set out the conditions the Energy East pipeline must meet in an 18 November letter to the company.

The conditions include an environmental assessment that examines its impact on greenhouse gas emissions and an outline of the pipeline’s economic benefits for the province.

Under the seven conditions, the company will also be required to consult with local communities to “ensure the project’s social acceptability,” and comply with legislation on aboriginal consultation and participation.

Like B.C. Premier Christy Clark, who wants benefits for her province from the Northern Gateway pipeline, Heurtel also asked for an assurance that the project will generate economic benefits for all of Quebec.

Quebec’s other conditions include: a thorough emergency plan, including a compensation fund in case of a spill; consultation with nearby communities on potential social impacts; respect for the highest technical standards, assuring public safety and environmental protection; involvement of First Nations to satisfy their concerns; no impact on Quebec’s natural gas supply.

Edited from various sources by Elizabeth Corner

Sources: The Globe and Mail, CBC

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/project-news/24112014/quebec-lays-new-roadblocks-for-energy-east-pipeline/