Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP has applied to Canada’s National Energy Board for approval of its Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which would transport an additional 590,000 b/d of Western Canadian crude oil between Edmonton, Alta., and Burnaby, BC.
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers welcomed the move. “Bolstered market access for Canada’s energy is critical to create jobs and provide economic benefits for all Canadians,” said CAPP Vice-Pres. Greg Stringham.
KMEP plans to twin the existing 1,150-km pipeline, raising total capacity to 890,000 b/d. The project will include 980 km of pipeline and 11 pump stations. The existing line will be repurposed to carrying oil products, light crude, and synthetic crude oil, with the new line dedicated to heavier oils.
NEB earlier this year approved KMEP’s toll methodology for expansion of the line (OGJ Online, May 17, 2013). The government of British Columbia has resisted a competing project—Enbridge Inc.’s Northern Gateway pipeline—saying the project has not adequately addressed spill preparedness (OGJ Online, June 10, 2013). Environmental and some First Nations groups have also spoken out in opposition to Northern Gateway.
Contact Christopher E. Smith at [email protected].
