(Nova Gas Transmission)

By Sheldon Spackman

Pipeline Proposal

Indigenous session underway for proposed natural gas pipeline west of Rocky Mountain House

Jan 21, 2020 | 12:06 PM

A two-day session is underway as the Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) hears from local First Nations regarding a natural gas pipeline proposed for west of Rocky Mountain House.

The session for the NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) plan to build and operate the Edson Mainline Expansion Project is taking place at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Gasoline Alley. The commission will be hearing from representatives from the Bearspaw First Nation, Chiniki First Nation, Wesley First Nation, and Piikani First Nation.

The Edson Mainline Expansion Project is for approximately 85 kilometres of natural gas pipeline in two separate sections, northwest and southwest of Rocky Mountain House.

CER officials say they recognize that Indigenous peoples have an oral tradition for sharing knowledge from generation to generation, adding this information cannot always be shared meaningfully in writing.

“Indigenous knowledge can provide relevant information to the CER, including information that may otherwise have been unavailable,” reads a media release from the commission.

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The 48-inch diameter pipeline would also provide associated facilities, including valve sites and pipeline tie-ins to its current system.

It’s anticipated the proposed project will increase pipeline capacity to transport natural gas production from the Peace River Project Area to intra-basin areas located in central Alberta.

If approved and built, some temporary infrastructure such as access roads, stockpile sites and construction camps would also be required during construction.

The proposed in-service date for the project is April 2022, with the company expecting to spend $509 million in capital costs.

A preliminary list of issues identified by the Board, include the need for the project, economic feasibility, potential commercial impacts, potential environmental and socio-economic effects, and the appropriateness of the general route and land requirements.

Others include the potential impacts on Indigenous rights and interests, the impacts on owners and users of the land, the Project’s design suitability, safety and security during construction and operation, and contingency planning for leaks, accidents or malfunctions during construction and operation.

Two additional sessions regarding the proposed project are scheduled to take place Feb. 25 – 26 in Edmonton.

Click here to see a map of the project.