The Canadian government has once again approved the Trans Mountain expansion project (TMEP), a necessary step for the much-delayed pipeline project.
“Today’s (June 18) announcement confirms the value of this Project to Canada’s economic future. It is also a vote of confidence in the ability of a project of this magnitude to succeed. This is a major milestone, not only for us, but more importantly for the shippers, communities, workers, local businesses and Indigenous peoples who have been involved in the development of the Project and are waiting to share in its success,” said Ian Anderson, President and CEO of Trans Mountain Corporation.
“Today is the culmination of a lengthy and thorough review that considered the thousands of hours of environmental and technical studies, scientific evidence and meaningful engagement that were part of the comprehensive assessment.”
In the 10 months since the Federal Court of Appeal decision halted Project progress in August 2018, TMEP and its partners have been continuing to advance necessary design and planning work. This work will help move the project forward to support Canada’s energy resource development, bringing thousands of jobs and significant financial opportunities to communities at a time when our economy needs both.
Next steps following the approval include the granting of the project’s Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity or (CPCN) by the National Energy Board (NEB). The company also expects an NEB process to reinstate the record from the previous regulatory proceeding and Trans Mountain will request that the project be brought back to the same state of construction readiness that it was prior to the Federal Court of Appeal decision.
Trans Mountain has always been confident that the Project has and will meet every standard, every regulation, and every test of environmental protection and stewardship.
“Our Project will be the best built, safest, and most technically advanced pipeline possible. The extensive Crown-led Indigenous consultations and marine environment review recommendations have made TMEP an even stronger, and more responsive project.
TMEP has evolved substantially since it was first proposed, much of this in response to consultation and input from the public, Indigenous peoples, local governments and technical experts,” said Ian.
“We have worked hard to establish and build upon our existing relationships with Indigenous peoples along our pipeline and marine corridors. Together, we’ve explored and, in many cases, settled on agreements that provide new opportunities and prosperity, in addition to ensuring the Project design and planning incorporates appropriate measures to protect Indigenous interests in the lands and waters.”
The project is subject to 156 conditions that are enforced by the NEB and demonstrate the rigour and detail that will go into every stage of the expansion to mitigate risks, respect the rights of those directly affected and operate safely.
In addition, Trans Mountain has made hundreds of commitments to address concerns raised by the public, local and provincial governments and Indigenous communities that encompass a wide range of areas. Trans Mountain is required by the NEB to implement each and every one of these commitments.
“We are ready to re-start the Project. We thank the many Canadians who have been unwavering in their support, and we’re excited to deliver on our commitments and ensure as many people as possible will benefit from this important Canadian project,” said Ian.
For more information visit www.transmountain.com
