CALGARY, June 21, 2012 /CNW/ - The National Energy Board (NEB or the Board) today announced its decision to approve the Leismer to Kettle River Crossover application submitted by NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL), with reasons for its decision to follow.
The project, located about 90 kilometres south of Fort McMurray, Alberta, will consist of approximately 77 kilometres of new pipeline and related facilities, of which about 29 kilometres will be contiguous with existing pipeline right of way.
During the oral public hearing held in Fort McMurray last month, the main concerns focused on Aboriginal and environmental issues. The panel also heard evidence dealing with other issues such as the need for and the economic feasibility of the proposed facilities and the suitability of the facilities design.
This approval is conditional upon NGTL being able to demonstrate that all 22 conditions imposed by Board have been met.
These conditions include mitigation requirements for the protection of the environment and additional requirements specifically for the protection of caribou. NGTL must conduct a comprehensive survey of species at risk before undertaking any construction and must demonstrate how these species are being monitored during construction and after the pipeline has been built.
In addition, NGTL must develop and implement a Caribou Habitat Restoration Plan that addresses caribou protection issues from the construction phase throughout the operation of the pipeline. NGTL must implement programs to demonstrate its commitment to monitor caribou, offset disturbances and restore caribou habitat.
The Board has also mandated NGTL to report monthly on its consultation activities with the Aboriginal groups that will be impacted during the construction of the pipeline.
The sweet gas pipeline has been designed for an initial capacity of approximately 27.5 million cubic metres (972 MMcf/d). The project is scheduled to be in operation around April 2013.
The NEB is an independent federal regulator of several parts of Canada's energy industry. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest.
This news release and the Letter Decision are available on the NEB's Internet site at www.neb-one.gc.ca under What's New!
Carole Léger-Kubeczek
Communications Officer
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 403-299-2717
TTY (teletype): 1-800-632-1663
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