Canada’s National Energy Board has approved Nova Gas Transmission Ltd.’s Northwest Mainline Expansion project. The project includes building and operation three natural gas pipeline loops totaling 111.2 km alongside existing right-of-ways in northeast British Columbia and northwest Alberta, linking gas supplies in Canada’s Upper Peace River area to Canada and the US.

NEB accepted NGTL’s submission of adequate market demand for the gas to be transported by the project and was satisfied with the company’s efforts at minimizing potential environmental effects by following largely existing right-of-ways. If the project is built it will not result in new permanent access roads.

NGTL must meet regulatory conditions set forth in the approval and is required to submit regular updates to NEB on consultation activities with aboriginal groups describing how any concerns were addressed. NGTL must also provide NEB with a plan regarding aboriginal participation in construction monitoring.

NGTL, a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada Corp., estimates the Northwest Mainline Expansion Project’s cost at $324 million.

Contact Christopher E. Smith at chriss@ogjonline.com.