Canada’s energy regulator, the National Energy Board (NEB), has conditionally recommended the approval of Kinder Morgan’s C$6.8bn ($5.19bn) Trans Mountain oil pipeline expansion project.
NEB has issued a 533-page report recommending the Governor in Council approve the project, subject to 157 conditions.
Prior to recommending the project, the board carried out a scientific and technical examination of all the evidence brought before the NEB panel.
A comprehensive environmental assessment of the project was also completed in accordance with its authority under the National Energy Board Act (NEB Act), as well as the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 (CEAA 2012).
NEB considered all the evidence and arguments that were made for and against Trans Mountain’s application to construct and operate the project through the public hearing process.
By considering all the evidence and relevant factors, the board found that the benefits of the project would outweigh the residual burdens. At the time of taking the final decision, the Governor in Council will decide whether or not the project should proceed.
In case NEB is directed to issue a certificate, Appendix 3 of the report will provide all the terms and conditions that the board considers necessary for approval.
As part of the Trans Mountain expansion project, the existing Trans Mountain pipeline system between Edmonton and Burnaby is proposed to be expanded to increase its capacity from 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 890,000 bpd.
The project includes about 987km of new pipeline along with new and modified facilities such as pump stations and tanks, while 193km of existing pipeline would be reactivated.
Under the proposal, the Westridge marine terminal will also be expanded.
