Nova Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada Corp., received approval from Canada’s National Energy Board for its 972-MMcfd Leismer-to-Kettle River Crossover application. The project, about 90 km south of Fort McMurray, Alta., will consist of 77 km of pipeline and related facilities. About 29 km will follow existing right-of-way.
Approval depends on NGTL demonstrating it has met all 22 NEB-imposed conditions. 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 beginning construction and must demonstrate how these species are being monitored during and after construction.
NGTL also must develop and implement a caribou habitat restoration plan addressing caribou issues during both construction and operation of the pipeline. NEB also mandated monthly reports on NGTL’s consultation activities with aboriginal groups potentially affected by the pipeline.
NGTL expects the pipeline to enter service April 2013. The company earlier this year received NEB approval to expand its Peace River natural gas pipeline by adding three loops (OGJ Online, Mar. 1, 2012).
Contact Christopher E. Smith at [email protected].
