Trans Mountain’s Engagement Process
Public input is an important part of any major pipeline project, and forms a critical component of the application. For the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, we are reaching out to all landowners along the pipeline and meeting with community leaders, elected officials, environmental groups and Aboriginal Peoples to get their input and perspective. This community engagement began in April 2012 and will continue through 2013 as part of the preparations for Trans Mountain’s Facilities Application to the National Energy Board (NEB), expected in late 2013. The Facilities Application asks the NEB for permission to build the necessary facilities associated with the proposed expansion project.
In our discussions with communities, questions include:
- What should be included in environmental studies related to the proposed expansion project?
- What kinds of benefits do communities want to see?
- What are the best options for the route of the proposed expanded pipeline?
- How should we time construction activities in communities, if the project is approved?
- How do you want to be engaged in the project?
We’re also looking for general input on how the proposed Trans Mountain Expansion Project can be improved. We want to know what questions need to be answered, what additional information needs to be provided and what concerns need to be addressed. This type of input will influence the design of the proposed project, the content of our application to the NEB and the commitments we make in it.
National Energy Board’s Process
The National Energy Board (NEB) will run its own engagement process once Trans Mountain’s Facilities Application has been filed. Through this process, the NEB will ask for input and comments from the public on the proposed project.
The NEB’s engagement process includes a public hearing. Those who would be directly affected by the proposed expansion project will have the opportunity to participate in the public hearing. In addition, participant funding is available from the NEB to assist intervenors with their participation expenses. Further details about this fund are available here.
In making a recommendation to the federal cabinet whether the proposed Trans Mountain Expansion project should proceed, the NEB reviews the project’s economic, technical and financial feasibility, and its environmental and socio-economic impact.
The NEB will consider all comments gathered during Trans Mountain’s pre-application engagement program as well as comments submitted to the NEB during the regulatory review phase.