NEB approves TMX Anchor Loop

National Energy Board approves TMX - Anchor Loop Application

25/06
For release at 2:30 p.m. (MST)
26 October 2006

CALGARY - The National Energy Board (NEB) approved today an application submitted by Terasen Pipelines (Trans Mountain) Inc. for a 158 kilometre pipeline, the TMX - Anchor Loop Project, the majority of which will pass through Jasper National Park and Mount Robson Provincial Park.

The application was granted on the basis that the pipeline is necessary to meet the present and future needs of the Canadian public. Subject to the final approval are a number of conditions that cover all phases of the project's lifecycle.

The conditions include the filing of an updated project specific Environmental Protection Plan, as well as a Restoration Plan. Together, these documents compile all the environmental protection procedures, mitigation measures, and monitoring commitments that will ensure the protection of the environment.

The project will see the construction and operation of a pipeline loop with two segments along the existing Trans Mountain pipeline right-of-way. Starting at a location west of Hinton, Alberta, a 30-inch pipe will cover the 7.6 kilometre distance to Hinton and will then extend another 151 kilometres to Rearguard, British Columbia using a 36-inch diameter pipe. The wider diameter pipe would postpone, or eliminate any foreseeable need for future expansion through both parks.

The pipeline loop is meant to address existing capacity constraints on the Trans Mountain pipeline and, as a result, is intended to increase the ability of Canadian producers and marketers to access west coast markets. The new pipeline is expected to have an additional capacity of 40,000 b/d which will bring up the total capacity of the Trans Mountain system to 300,000 b/d by the third quarter of 2008.

The project required an environmental screening under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEA Act). To achieve greater regulatory efficiency, the NEB worked together with other federal and provincial authorities to create a coordinated environmental screening process that would meet the various environmental assessment requirements.

The NEB considered the application at an oral public hearing held on 8, 9, and 10 August 2006 in Calgary, Alberta.

The NEB is an independent federal agency that regulates several aspects of Canada's energy industry. Its purpose is to promote safety and security, environmental protection, and efficient energy infrastructure and markets in the Canadian public interest, within the mandate set by Parliament in the regulation of pipelines, energy development and trade.

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For further information:

Carole Léger-Kubeczek (clegerkubeczek@neb-one.gc.ca)
Communications Officer
Telephone: 403-299-2717
Telephone (toll free): 1-800-899-1265
Telecopier: 403-292-5503
Telecopier (toll free): 1-877-288-8803
TTY (teletype): 1-800-632-1663

Reasons for Decision

See Fill'er Up! Canada's Oil Sands and Takeaway Pipelines