|
project overview
TransCanada’s wholly owned subsidiary, NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd (NGTL), is proposing to construct a 300-kilometre, 42-inch natural gas pipeline and install 26 megawatts of additional compression and associated facilities on the northern section of the Alberta System. The pipeline will connect the northwest portion of the Alberta System at the existing Meikle River compressor station to the northeast portion of the system at the existing Woodenhouse compressor station.
The North Central Corridor (NCC) pipeline project will provide capacity needed to address:
- Increasing gas supply in northwest Alberta;
- Declining gas supply in northeast Alberta;
- Growing intra-Alberta delivery requirements; and
- Reduced delivery capability to interconnecting pipelines at the Alberta-Saskatchewan border (Eastern Gate - Empress and McNeill)
When compared to potential alternatives, the NCC is the most cost-effective solution to transport gas supply from the northwest portion of the Alberta System to the northeast portion of the system and the Alberta-Saskatchewan border. The estimated capital cost of this expansion is $983 million.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
TransCanada is committed to consulting with all interested stakeholders and Aboriginal Peoples about our proposed plans. TransCanada’s stakeholder and aboriginal engagement process involves identifying all interested parties, First Nation and Métis communities and engaging with them to promote information exchange in an open, honest, consistent and timely manner with the intent to contribute to the successful and responsible completion of the project. We share information with stakeholders and aboriginal communities in a number of ways, including advertising, distributing literature, conducting one-on-one meetings, providing presentations and conducting three informational open houses.
TransCanada has worked successfully with local communities to identify routing and construction concerns. For example, one of the communities provided traditional and cultural information that resulted in a re-routing of part of the proposed right-of-way to avoid potential adverse impact to local interests. TransCanada will continue to work with all stakeholders and aboriginal communities throughout the permitting and construction phases and during operation of the NCC to ensure potential negative impacts are avoided or minimized and provide opportunities such as contracting, procurement and community investments.
TransCanada is aware of the potential for outstanding land claims. Land claims must be resolved on a government to government basis, through negotiations between the aboriginal community and the federal and provincial governments. TransCanada does not have the authority to resolve land claim issues; however, we must comply with all provincial laws and regulatory requirements related to proposed project developments on Crown and Public Lands. In this case, it means TransCanada was required to file an application with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for a permit to construct and operate the proposed NCC pipeline.
TransCanada encourages the federal and provincial governments and First Nations to negotiate resolution of land claim issues. TransCanada will continue to communicate and engage with aboriginal communities on matters related to the proposed NCC pipeline.
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 lead 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.
TIMELINE
Projects are subject to various internal and external approvals. Timelines are subject to change without notice.
2010
- In-service target date is April 2010
2009
- Complete construction of phase 2
2008
- Regulatory review, approval and permitting
- Begin construction of phase 1 after receiving regulatory approvals
2007
- Initiate public consultation, stakeholders and aboriginal engagement
- Submit application to the Alberta Utilities Commission for Permit to Construct
CAREER OPPORTUNITES
Careers
Most of the NCC project’s employment requirements will be in 2008 and 2009. If you’re interested in a career at TransCanada, please check our current opportunities.
FACT SHEET & NEWS RELEASE
CONTACTS
Derek Siegel
Project Manager
403.920.6095
North Central Corridor Pipeline Project toll-free number
1.800.361.6522
Mailing address
TransCanada
P.O. Box 1000
450 – 1st Street SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 5H1
Media inquiries
1.800.608.7859
|
