In a significant step in the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, Trans Mountain today filed its written Final Argument with the National Energy Board (NEB) as part of the regulatory review. The company says the Project is the safest and most viable option while minimizing environmental impacts and maximizing economic benefits.

FROM TRANS MOUNTAIN MEDIA CENTRE

This filing is the culmination of more than three years of environmental and technical studies, engineering and design work as well as engagement with communities, stakeholders, landowners and Aboriginal groups and becomes a part of the extensive regulatory process that has been underway since 2013.

“The scrutiny and rigour this Project has undergone, both inside and outside of the formal NEB process, is unprecedented. Our team takes pride in the efforts made to consider input and present the very best scientific and technical evidence to both the public and the regulator, ” said Ian Anderson, President of Kinder Morgan Canada.

Key points outlined in Trans Mountain’s Final Argument include:

  • The Project will result in significant economic benefits to Canada: During construction and the first 20 years of operation this includes an increase in GDP of $18.2 billion, higher netbacks to producers of $61 billion and $19.9 billion in federal and provincial taxes and royalties.
  • 28 Mutual Benefits Agreements have been reached with Aboriginal groups.
  • Our commitment to an enhanced Emergency Management Program building on the existing plans and the company’s focus on operating, managing and protecting the integrity of the pipeline system.
  • A $100 million investment in Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) to create new response bases along the tanker route and fund new equipment. This will cut planning standards for response times in half and increase response capabilities.
  • 89% of the proposed expansion parallels the existing pipeline system or existing linear infrastructure, minimizing environmental and community impacts.

Today’s filing also includes Trans Mountain’s evidence (in Part 1 and Part 2) in reply to Intervenors final evidence, as well as comments on the draft conditions released by the NEB on August 12, 2015.

“The draft conditions are thorough and comprehensive, but achievable for Kinder Morgan Canada,” added Anderson. “They demonstrate the kind of rigour and detail that goes into every stage of this Project to mitigate risks, protect the environment and operate safely – and it’s important that people understand these conditions are required and enforced by the regulator.”

In its comments, Trans Mountain is seeking clarification or requesting proposed changes to the draft conditions. Many of the comments are aimed at reconciling the construction schedule with the requested actions or information in the conditions.

In addition to the NEB process, Trans Mountain has conducted a robust public engagement program since the announcement of the proposed Project in 2012 that has included consultation with thousands of individuals to date. Through some 159 open houses and workshops along the pipeline and marine corridors and more than 24,000 points of engagement with Aboriginal communities, Trans Mountain improved and optimized its planning and mitigation measures to address concerns.

“The input and feedback we’ve gathered has created a stronger, safer and more responsive Project,” said Anderson. “For more than 60 years, Trans Mountain has been working closely with neighbours and stakeholders. That will continue throughout the review process, construction and operation of the expansion.”

  • The following are examples of how Trans Mountain has optimized the Project as a result of stakeholder feedback and in response to concerns:
  • A proposed increase in isolation valves from 94 to 126 resulting in a significant reduction of potential spill volumes.
  • An increase in pipeline wall thickness in high consequence areas such as urban locations and at river crossings.
  • Routing of the pipeline to avoid 22 river crossings at significant fish bearing rivers such as the Fraser River, upper North Thompson, Albreda, Coldwater and Coquihalla River.
  • Routing to avoid environmentally sensitive areas such as Cheam Wetlands and avoidance of three BC Class A Parks.
  • Routing of the pipeline to minimize community impacts in the Westsyde neighbourhood in Kamloops and the Burnaby Mountain tunnel route option to avoid adjacent communities.