A public hearing to review the proposed Sundre Crossover Pipeline project has been postponed.
Originally scheduled for deliberation in Calgary on Nov. 1, the proceeding has ó following further review of submitted concerns ó been rescheduled until December, said Sarah Kiley, a communications officer with the National Energy Board.
The timeline was extended to accommodate requests from local landowners who felt they did not have enough time to submit written evidence, she told the Round Up last week.
Nova Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) has applied to the NEB for an order approving the construction and operation of an approximately 21-kilometre long, 42-inch wide pipeline that would run from northeast of Sundre to near Elkton to connect two existing pipelines for the transportation of sweet natural gas.
Although these types of applications do not generally require a public hearing, the NEB has previously said it will hold one in light of concerns raised.
Bergen-area landowner Lance Greer as well as Duane Grace, representing Grace Feedyard, are among those who have expressed concerns. Stoney Nakoda Nations has also supported the request to extend timelines.
"The Stoney Nakoda submitted that the hearing timelines are unrealistic and preclude intervenors having time to prepare evidence and engage in a meaningful way in the process. The Stoney Nakoda submitted that the timelines do not allow time to perform a traditional knowledge study," reads a letter signed by Sheri Young, secretary of the board reviewing the process.
The Louis Bull Tribe had also previously applied for intervenor status, with tribe officials citing concerns about economics and safety.
"Unless there was a flawless safety record on any pipeline, and there is no 100 per cent guarantee for water, livelihood continuance or continuity, then, for this reason alone, I am opposed," wrote one of Louis Bull's representatives.
Intervenors now have until Dec. 4 to file additional written evidence. Nova Gas will also have an opportunity to provide supplemental evidence in response by Dec. 11. The oral portion of the hearing is now scheduled to begin Dec. 18 in Calgary, said Kiley.
"While the board believes that extensions are warranted, it has not been persuaded that extensions to hearing deadlines into 2018 are necessary to allow the applicants to meaningfully and fairly participate in the hearing," wrote Young, adding that in the board's view, "the commencement of the oral portion of the hearing to (Dec. 18) provides a reasonable amount of time for the applicants to be in a position to present their case."
"The board is cognizant of submissions made previously by NGTL regarding the importance of meeting the planned (April 1, 2018) in-service date of the project. However, expediency cannot be achieved at the expense of procedural fairness."
Pullquote
"Expediency cannot be achieved at the expense of procedural fairness."Sheri YoungNEB review board secretary
