The Canadian National Energy Board intends to explore how mediation can be used to resolve disputes during detailed route hearings for proposed oil and gas pipelines.
The board last week sent a draft Mediation Practice Direction to landowners and industry stakeholders for comment.
NEB implemented a pilot project using the document during the detailed route hearing for Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline Ltd.'s Halifax and St. John laterals. The board noted both the company and landowners expressed interest in resolving objections through mediation rather than the hearing process.
The deadline for comments is Feb. 9.
NEB also wants comments and suggestions for using alternative dispute resolution tools for other types of applications.
