TransCanada Corp.’s Keystone Pipeline GP Ltd. can begin winter clearing work on the North Spread of its Keystone XL project. Canada’s National Energy Board (NEB) approved the company’s request as Keystone has satisfied the regulatory requirements for clearing of trees and shrubs along the pipeline route’s north section, starting at Hardisty, Alta.
Clearing activities in other areas of the project, other construction activities, and any activity during the restricted activity periods for migratory birds are excluded from the approval. Further pipeline construction is subject to NEB approval.
In 2009, TransCanada applied to NEB to build and operate the Keystone XL pipeline, a 36-in. system that would ship 700,000 b/d of crude oil from Alberta to the US. The Canadian portion would traverse 529 km from Hardisty, crossing the Canada-US border at Monchy, Sask.
In 2010, NEB issued a report recommending that Governor in Council approve the Keystone XL pipeline project, subject to 22 conditions. On Apr. 22, 2010, Governor in Council directed NEB to issue a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the project.
TransCanada has completed oil tank construction at the Hardisty terminal and completed two horizontal directional drill crossings of the Red Deer River and South Saskatchewan River. Work is also ongoing at several pump stations.
