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project overview
In response to the rapidly increasing production of natural gas from the northeastern B.C. shale basins, TransCanada’s wholly owned subsidiary, NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) is proposing to extend the Alberta System from a tie in point downstream of the existing Gordondale Meter Station to the Groundbirch area in northeast British Columbia. The Groundbirch Mainline Project will be constructed for the purpose of transporting sweet natural gas.
The Groundbirch Mainline Project is approximately 77 kilometres (km) of 36-inch diameter pipe and related facilities including three meter stations. The proposed pipeline with an estimated cost of $200 million, is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2010, subject to regulatory approvals.
Status & TimelineS
Projects are subject to various internal and external approvals. Timelines are subject to change without notice.
2008
Q3
- Initiated public consultations with landowners and stakeholder, and engagement with Aboriginal communities
Q4
- Hosted open house events as part of ongoing public consultation activities
- Initiated environmental field studies along with engineering design
- Completed binding open season
2009
Q2
- Hosted open house event to discuss routing changes to the Alberta portion of the project
- Application filed with National Energy Board
2010
Q3
- Pending approval, commence construction of the pipeline
- Expect to begin meter station construction
Q4
- Expect to complete construction of meter stations and bring pipeline in service
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
In order to construct and operate the Groundbirch Mainline Project, NGTL will require a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity pursuant to section 52 of the National Energy Board Act. The Project is also subject to environmental assessment pursuant to s.5 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. In addition, various ancillary permits will be required for specific aspects of the project.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
TransCanada is proud of the relationships we have built with our landowners and neighbours over the last 50 years and we are committed to consulting with the public about our activities. We believe that through consultation with landowners and stakeholders, and engagement with Aboriginal communities, we can address questions and concerns and integrate important public input into our activities. We will seek public input on the project in a number of ways, including:
- Community open houses
- Stakeholder presentations
- One-on-one meetings with interested stakeholders
- Brochures or information packages mailed to individuals
- Project web page
- Public notices placed in local newspapers
- Input through the regulatory process
ENVIRONMENT & SAFETY
Our facilities are designed, constructed and operated in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and to minimize risks to our employees, the public and the environment. We respect the diverse environments and culture in which we operate. We work diligently to minimize negative environmental impacts from our activities, while upholding our responsibility to meet today’s energy demands. We develop, implement and continually refine environmental policies and programs that allow us to not only comply with government regulations, but to act as a leader in our industry.
The safety of the public and our employees is our top priority. We will meet or exceed industry and government standards that have been designed to ensure public safety. Our commitment is reflected in the design and construction of our facilities, as well as in our operating and maintenance practices.
We maintain an ongoing public awareness program to keep the lines of communication open with our neighbours about our facilities and how to live and work safely around pipelines. As part of this program, we involve local emergency response agencies to ensure there is an understanding about the specifics of our pipeline, which will lead to the safe and effective response in the unlikely event of an incident.
CAREERS
Opportunities directly associated with the Groundbirch Mainline Project are limited. If you’re interested in a career at TransCanada, please check out our current opportunities.
CONTACTS
TransCanada Media inquiries
1.800.608.7859
Groundbirch Mainline Project Team
TransCanada Corporation
450 – 1st Street SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 5H1
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