National Energy Board grants more time for construction to begin on North Montney Pipeline Project

CALGARY, Sept. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - The National Energy Board (NEB) is extending the date in the sunset clause for the North Montney Pipeline Project to June 10, 2017. The sunset clause said that construction must begin before June 10, 2016 or approval for the project will expire. NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) wrote to the NEB on March 28, 2016 asking that the sunset clause be extended for one year until June 10, 2017.

The North Montney Project would tie into the proposed Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Pipeline which is intended to ship natural gas to the Pacific NorthWest Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant in Prince Rupert, BC which is proposed by Progress Energy Canada Ltd. (PECL). The Pacific NorthWest LNG project is currently being reviewed by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

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

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

This change to the date in the sunset clause does not come into effect unless it is approved by Governor in Council.

Quick Facts

• The North Montney Project is a proposal to build and operate 301 kilometres of natural gas pipeline and related facilities connecting NGTL's Groundbirch Mainline to the North Montney gas fields in northeastern British Columbia.
• The National Energy Board recommended that the project be approved on April 15, 2015, subject to 45 conditions, including the sunset clause.

Related Links

• Link to Letter Decision for NGTL North Montney Project - –Request for Extension of Sunset Clause
• North Montney Project - –Sunset Claus Extension Request

The National Energy Board is an independent federal regulator of several parts of Canada's energy industry with the safety of Canadians and protection of the environment as its top priority. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest. For more information on the NEB and its mandate, please visit www.neb-one.gc.ca.

SOURCE National Energy Board

Sarah Kiley, Communications Officer, National Energy Board, Email: [email protected], Telephone: [phone], Telephone (toll-free) 1-800-899-1265