Canadian pipeline gets efficient regulatory approach

May 22, 2000
The Canadian National Energy Board, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office have signed a memorandum of understanding providing for a single-window approach for the environmental assessment process for the proposed Georgia Strait Pipeline Crossing project. The pipeline must meet both federal and provincial requirements, and this agreement will prevent unnecessary duplication of permitting efforts.


The Canadian National Energy Board, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the British Columbia Environmental Assessment Office have signed a memorandum of understanding providing for a single-window approach for the environmental assessment process for the proposed Georgia Strait Pipeline Crossing project. The pipeline must meet both federal and provincial requirements, but this agreement will prevent unnecessary duplication of permitting efforts.

Georgia Strait Pipeline Crossing Ltd.�a joint undertaking of British Columbia Hydro & Power Authority and Williams Gas Pipeline Co.�is proposing to construct and operate a natural gas pipeline to Vancouver Island. The pipeline would transport natural gas from Sumas, Washington, across Washington state, and then across the seabed of Georgia Strait to one of several potential landfall locations between Mill Bay and Cowichan Bay on Vancouver Island.

The capital cost of the Canadian portion of the facilities is estimated at $57 million (Can.). The company plans to commission the line in November 2002.