Enbridge files pipeline project for review
Enbridge's proposed pipeline project has been submitted to the National Energy Board for review.
The company filed its application to construct the Northern Gateway Pipeline on Thursday, May 27. The application process could take over a year to complete.
"The Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline project will open important new markets for Canadian crude oil," said company president and CEO Patrick Daniel. "It will create jobs and a substantial long-term boost to our nation's economy as well as the communities through which it will pass."
With a capital cost of $5.5-billion, the pipeline project is expected to create thousands of job opportunities for regional residents during construction and operation of the twin pipeline from Bruderheim AB to Kitimat.
One 36-inch pipeline would transport crude oil for export from BC, where a marine terminal would be built, while another 20-inch pipeline would carry up to 193,000 barrels per day of condensate inland from the coast.
Daniel said the project would provide about $36-million per year in tax revenue.
He also lauded Enbridge's "long-standing reputation as a safe pipeline operator."
"Construction and operation of the Northern Gateway pipeline system and marine terminal will be a model of world-class safety and environmental standards," he said.
The regulatory application encompasses eight-volumes and will be reviewed by a Joint Review Panel established by the Minister of Environment and the National Energy Board.
The company's application can be viewed online at www.neb-one.gc.ca or on the company's own website at www.northerngateway.ca.
Copies will be made available in public libraries in communities along the proposed pipeline's route.
The Northern Gateway Alliance community coalition based out of Prince George welcomed the filing.
"It's time now to bring opportunity to the north through significant infrastructure investment, conducted in an environmentally-sensitive manner," said chairman Colin Kinsley, former mayor of Prince George.
But First Nation and environmental groups expressed alarm and disappointment at the filing, saying Enbridge has ignored public opposition including a ban imposed by several First Nation groups.
"Enbridge poses a grave threat to the future of coastal First Nations' way of life," said Art Sterritt, executive director of Coastal First Nations. "We are not willing to roll the dice with our children's future."
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