Following the federal approval, Trans Mountain will continue to seek all necessary permits for the project.
The construction on the project is scheduled to begin in September 2017, with an in-service date for the twinned pipeline expected in late 2019.
Kinder Morgan Canada president Ian Anderson said: “This is a defining moment for our project and Canada’s energy industry.
“This decision follows many years of engagement and the presentation of the very best scientific, technical and economic information.”
The expansion project will allow Canada to access world markets for its resources by building on an existing pipeline system.
The benefits of the project include $46.7bn in taxes and royalties for governments and 800,000 person years of employment over the life of the project.
It will enable producers to earn an additional $73.5bn in revenues.
The next steps involved in the commencement of the project include a final cost estimate review with shippers committed to the project and a final investment decision by the Kinder Morgan board of directors.
Anderson said: “We have approval from the NEB with 157 conditions that we’re committed to meeting.
“We’ve seen all levels of government coming together to address issues raised over the course of our review, including newly announced enhancements to Canada’s marine safety regime, provincial and federal climate change strategies, and deeper consultations with Aboriginal communities.”
In 2012, Kinder Morgan Canada announced that it would go ahead with its proposed plans to expand the existing Trans Mountain Pipeline system.
The pipeline system is laid between Edmonton, Alberta and Burnaby, British Columbia.
Image: Kinder Morgan plans to construction of the project in September 2017. Photo: courtesy of supakitmod/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net.
