Ottawa has approved the NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) Edson Mainline Expansion Project with 25 conditions.
According to the press release, the decision was based on “facts, science, Indigenous knowledge, the public interest and careful consideration of the concerns of potentially impacted Indigenous communities.”
This $509-million project will create up to 1,470 jobs during construction and contribute approximately $285 million to Alberta’s GDP.
The Edson Mainline Expansion Project provides natural gas producers diversified access to markets for their products and contributes toward the phase-out of coal-fired electricity in Canada by 2030.
Over the past five months, Natural Resources Canada undertook extensive Crown consultations as part of fulfilling our duty to consult and accommodate and mitigate potential impacts on the rights and interests of Indigenous communities.
These consultations followed a thorough review of the project by the Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator (CER).
In addition to the 24 conditions recommended by the CER, the Ottawa has added a new condition in direct response to concerns raised by Indigenous groups. The proponent is required to provide funding to Indigenous groups to support their active participation in the ongoing regulatory process and to report on its engagement with Indigenous groups. In total, the proponent must comply with 25 binding conditions related to safety, environmental and wildlife protection, and protection of Indigenous rights and interests.
With the implementation of NGTL’s environmental protection procedures, mitigation measures and conditions, the project is unlikely to cause adverse environmental effects.
