The proposed Express Pipeline Ltd. crude oil pipeline from Alberta to Wyoming has received environmental approval from Ottawa.
The Canadian federal cabinet endorsed a favorable ruling from the National Energy Board. The approval includes 39 points Express is required to meet on wildlife, fisheries, vegetation, and other issues.
Express, a 50-50 venture of Trans- Canada PipeLines Ltd. and Alberta Energy Co. Ltd., must still receive approval from regulators in the U.S.
It must also receive approval from an NEB panel and the Canadian cabinet on economic and technical merits of the proposed 170,000 b/d line from Hardesty, Alta., to the international border near Wild Horse, Alta. The Canadian portion of the system is to consist of 270 miles of 24 in. line, as well as terminal, storage, and pump facilities.
From Wild Horse, the system would extend across Montana to Casper, Wyo., then carry crude to U.S. Midwest markets on the Platte Pipeline owned by Express.
Express hopes to receive approvals in time to start construction Aug. 1 and go on stream early in 1977.
Linefill is to take place by next December.
Alberta Energy sale
Meanwhile, Alberta Energy is considering the sale of a one-third interest in its pipelines to pay for its share of the $530 million Express project.
The company is considering setting up an income trust, similar to a royalty trust, to raise about $350 million. That would pay for its 50% interest in Express and for upgrading of the Platte Pipeline, bought this year by Express to move oil from Casper to the Midwest.
Alberta Energy's pipeline interests include the Alberta Oil Sands Pipeline from Fort McMurray to Edmonton, the Cold Lake oil pipeline, a 33% interest in the Alberta ethane gathering system, a 19% interest in the Wabasca River pipeline, and its share in Express.
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