Government of Canada Accepts Recommendation to Approve Natural Gas Pipeline Proposal

OTTAWA, June 10, 2015 /CNW/ - The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today announced the Government of Canada's decision to accept the National Energy Board's (NEB) recommendation to approve the North Montney Mainline Pipeline project, subject to 45 conditions.

The North Montney Mainline Pipeline proposal was submitted by NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) to the NEB for review in 2013. The $1.7-billion project will transport natural gas from northeastern British Columbia to the existing NGTL system, where it can be sold to markets in Alberta and, through a separate pipeline, to the proposed Pacific NorthWest LNG terminal.

In April 2015, the NEB found that with the 45 terms and conditions imposed, the project is in the public interest. No project will be approved without meeting the highest standards for public safety and environmental protection. After carefully reviewing the report, the Government accepts the independent Panel's recommendation to approve NGTL's North Montney proposal.

The proposal underwent a rigorous, science-based review by a three-member Review Panel of the independent NEB, which recommended the imposition of the 45 conditions. The NEB is responsible for life-cycle regulation of the 73,000 kilometres of pipelines transporting crude oil, natural gas and petroleum products across Canada with a world class safety regime.

The proposed 42-inch North Montney pipeline would have initial gas transportation capacity of 2.1 billion cubic feet per day. NGTL must next demonstrate to the NEB how it will meet the necessary conditions before construction can begin. This includes requirements to engage further with Aboriginal groups and local communities on efforts to mitigate project impacts.

Quotes

"After carefully reviewing the NEB's report, the Government of Canada approves this proposal, subject to 45 conditions set out by the independent review panel. The approval of this project contributes to Canadian energy security and jobs while supporting the competitiveness of our natural resources globally. No project can be approved unless it's demonstrated to be safe for Canadians and safe for the environment. Through our plan for Responsible Resource Development, we are enhancing environmental protection and engaging First Nations in all aspects of resource development."

Greg Rickford
Canada's Minister of Natural Resources

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NEB's News Release (and Report) Recommending North Montney Mainline Project (https://www.neb-one.gc.ca/bts/nws/nr/2015/nr18-eng.html)

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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www.nrcan.gc.ca