The National Energy Board (NEB) released its decision on Trans Mountain Pipeline ULC’s variance application to alter the pipeline corridor of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project for 1.8 kilometres within Chilliwack, B.C.
After considering and weighing all the evidence before it, the NEB found that the proposed variance application is in the public interest and is consistent with the requirements of the National Energy Board Act.
The NEB’s decision to approve Trans Mountain’s Chilliwack variance application now goes to the Federal Government (Governor in Council). If approved, the detailed route approval process for the area in which this variance is located will be proceeding in the fall of 2018.
This decision comes after four days of oral hearing between January 15-18, 2018 in Chilliwack, where the NEB panel heard from intervenors including the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance, the City of Chilliwack and the WaterWealth Project. Understanding that Indigenous Peoples have an oral tradition for sharing stories, lessons, and knowledge from generation to generation, the NEB panel also heard Oral Traditional Evidence from the S’ólh Téméxw Stewardship Alliance.
The pipeline corridor would now follow the existing Trans Mountain pipeline easement. The applied-for variance avoids BC Hydro infrastructure within the originally approved corridor. The pipeline would also be 500 metres shorter in length.
Prior to beginning construction on the pipeline, the company must also satisfy all applicable NEB pre-construction conditions.
(National Energy Board)
