The project would create up to 1,470 jobs during construction, C$175m ($140.9m) in labour income and contribute nearly C$285m ($229m) to Alberta's economy
NGTL Edson Mainline expansion project approved. (Credit: David Mark from Pixabay.)
The Canadian government has approved the C$509m ($409m) NOVA Gas Transmission (NGTL) Edson Mainline expansion project with 25 conditions.
The expansion project forms part of the C$1.5bn ($1.15bn) expansion of TC Energy’s NOVA Gas Transmission (NGTL) pipeline system.
The government’s approval was based on facts, science, indigenous knowledge, the public interest, following consideration of the concerns of potentially impacted indigenous communities.
Canada’s Natural Resources Department has carried out several Crown consultations over the past five months to consult and mitigate potential impacts on the rights of indigenous communities.
The government consultations followed a detailed review of the project by the Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator (CER), which recommended the 24 conditions.
The government claimed that reconciliation with indigenous populations is its top priority.
Canada Minister of Natural Resources Seamus O’Regan Jr. said: “We want good projects to get done, moving our natural resources to new markets and creating good jobs.
“This means meeting our duty to meaningfully consult with potentially impacted Indigenous communities and addressing risks to the environment. By taking the time to do the hard work, good projects are being built in Canada.”
The Edson Mainline expansion project is expected to provide natural gas producers with diversified access to markets and helps offset coal-fired electricity in Canada by 2030.
In addition to the 24 conditions, the government has added a new condition directly in response to concerns raised by indigenous groups.
Indigenous populations will receive funding in support of their active participation in the ongoing regulatory process and to report on its engagement with Indigenous groups.
The proponent is required to comply with a total of 25 binding conditions related to safety, environmental and wildlife protection, and protection of indigenous rights and interests.
With the execution of NGTL’s environmental protection procedures, mitigation measures and conditions, the project is anticipated to not cause any adverse environmental effects.
Furthermore, the expansion project is expected to create up to 1,470 jobs during construction, C$175m ($140.9m) in labour income, and contribute nearly C$285m ($229m) to Alberta’s economy.