CALGARY,
AB, April 30, 2024 /CNW/ - The Canada Energy
Regulator (CER) has approved the final pipeline leave to open (LTO)
application for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP). The
pipeline is now authorized to carry crude oil from Trans Mountain's
Edmonton Terminal, located in Strathcona County, AB, to its
Westridge Marine Terminal, located in Burnaby, BC, in Western Canada.
Companies regulated by the CER must apply for and obtain LTO
before a pipeline, pipeline section or associated facilities such
as pump stations or tanks can operate. The application process
allows the Commission of the CER to determine whether the pipeline
or facilities are safe to use.
Throughout construction, the CER worked with the Trans Mountain
Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC-TMX) to ensure
meaningful Indigenous oversight of construction activities. The
IAMC-TMX strengthened the safety and environmental oversight of the
project to prevent harm, help protect Indigenous rights and
interests and build relationships. The CER will continue working
with the IAMC-TMX as the pipeline moves into operations and
throughout its lifecycle.
Although the TMEP construction is complete, the CER is a
lifecycle regulator. Its oversight role to ensure Trans Mountain
adheres to conditions, regulations, codes and standards will
continue throughout the life of the pipeline.
Quick Facts
- The new pipeline twins the existing Trans Mountain pipeline
system and will increase Trans Mountain's shipping capacity from
300,000 barrels per day (b/d) to 890,000
b/d.
- Trans Mountain is required to undertake reclamation activities
to return the land to its original state and to provide
the CER post-construction environmental monitoring
reports.
- The TMEP is subject to 156 project conditions related to
environmental protection, pipeline and facility integrity, safety,
Indigenous relations, socio-economic matters, emergency management,
worker accommodations, and financial assurances, among other
things.
- In the operation phase, the CER will conduct compliance
verification activities such as inspections and in-depth management
system audits to ensure that the company keeps the pipeline
safe.
- The CER oversees Trans Mountain's emergency management
program and requires the company to perform emergency response
exercises and publish information on its emergency management
programs and procedure manuals.
Quotes
"Today marks a significant milestone, and we recognize that our
regulatory oversight role continues as we ensure the pipeline is
operated safely and the company delivers on its commitments. We
hold the companies we regulate to the highest standards, and our
commitment to that remains steadfast. We also look forward to
continuing our collaboration with the IAMC-TMX, and recognize that
meaningful First Nations, Métis and Inuit involvement in regulatory
oversight is key to building and operating energy projects now and
into the future."
Tracy Sletto
Chief Executive Officer
"The IAMC-TMX Indigenous Caucus will continue to work with
federal regulators to oversee the Trans Mountain system, which is
entering its operational phase to ensure the company complies with
all the regulatory requirements and fulfills its obligations with
the Indigenous Communities impacted by this project."
Ray Cardinal
Indigenous Chair of the Trans Mountain Indigenous Advisory and
Monitoring Committee
Associated Links
- Project webpage
- Project backgrounder
- Project conditions
- Indigenous Monitoring
- Leave to Open Applications
- Factsheet: Leave to open application
The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) works to keep energy moving
safely across the country. We review energy development projects
and share energy information, all while enforcing some of the
strictest safety and environmental standards in the world. To find
out how the CER is working for you visit us online or connect on
social media.
SOURCE Canada Energy Regulator