NDP Leader John Horgan said that the “rubber-stamp approval” by the federal National Energy Board fails to meet the concerns of British Columbians about the proposed Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain pipeline project.
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If approved by the federal government in December this year, Trans Mountain would add 987 kilometres of brand new pipeline to triple the capacity of a system that now transports 300,000 barrels of oil per day from Alberta’s tar sands to ports and refineries in Vancouver and Washington.
The project would expand the existing Trans Mountain pipeline system between Edmonton, and Burnaby, B.C., by increasing capacity from 300,000 barrels of crude per day to 890,000.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet is set to make a final decision by the end of the year.
The project has faced fierce opposition from environmental groups and tribes in the USA and Canada, as well as the British Columbia government.
Vancouver’s mayor says he will “vigorously advocate” for the federal government to reject the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline expansion.
Earlier this year, the city signed a “mutual benefits agreement” with Trans Mountain that would see the pipeline company pay $1.3 million towards a new clubhouse at Ledgeview if the project is approved by the federal government.
“Our view is that we need the Line 3 replacement plus one other, according to the timelines they would be built, whether it’s Energy East, or Trans Mountain or Gateway or (Keystone) XL”, he said.
But backers say the project would bring many economic benefits, including jobs, revenue and royalties.
The board spent 25 months deliberating over the Trans Mountain expansion application, which was submitted in December 2013. We will only support new heavy-oil pipelines in British Columbia if our five conditions can be met.
The NEB’s 533-page decision noted evidence from the City of Vancouver, the City of Burnaby and Tsleil-Waututh First Nation that a spill in the Burrard Inlet in the Vancouver area would have adverse environmental effects, but concluded that “a large spill in Burrard Inlet is not a likely event”.
Even if B.C. comes on board – and there has been speculation a deal could involve Alberta agreeing to buy B.C. electricity – the project still faces aboriginal court challenges, a plan by environmentalists to force a referendum using B.C.’s initiative legislation, and the threat of civil disobedience during construction.
The regulator had faced a deadline of May 20 to release its recommendation on Kinder Morgan’s proposal.
Environmental groups have argued that expanding the capacity to ship crude oil will lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and some aboriginal communities in British Columbia say it will disrupt their native traditions and way of life.
Other complaints filed with the NEB: Pearl Singleton reported harassment from a Trans Mountain land agent in 2012 and low-flying helicopters scaring her animals; Christina Kehler swears to having Trans Mountain employees harass her and her husband with an inconsistent approach to farming practices on or near the company’s easement.
Today (May 19) the National Energy Board (NEB), a federal regulatory agency, granted conditional approval for the project.
The B.C. Chamber of Commerce immediately expressed its support for the development.
It would increase vessel traffic through the Salish Sea – seven-fold. Energy Minister Marg McCuaig-Boyd said she was pleased with the decision, adding that market access is critical to Alberta and to the rest of Canada.
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Kinder Morgan will have to address 157 engineering, safety, environmental and emergency preparedness conditions, including holding $1.1 billion in liability coverage and plans to reduce and offset emissions.
