NEB approves Trans Mountain expansion toll

Canada’s National Energy Board has approved toll methodology for the planned expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline between Edmonton, Alta., and Burnaby, BC, near Vancouver.

Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP plans to twin the 1,150-km pipeline to raise total capacity to 890,000 b/d from 300,000 b/d (OGJ Online, Jan. 11, 2013). If completed, the existing pipeline would carry oil products, light crude, and synthetic crude oil. The new pipeline would carry heavier oils.

The project would involve about 980 km of new pipeline and 11 new pump stations. In addition to expanding capacity for exports to the US, the project would give producers in the Canadian oil sands region access they need as output grows to waterborne trade.

The NEB said it has not received an application for physical expansion of the pipeline.