Edson Mainline Project Description
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450 – 1 Street SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 5H1 Tel: (403) 920-5052 Fax: (403) 920-2347 Email: [email protected] January 8, 2019 Filed Electronically National Energy Board Suite 210, 517 Tenth Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2R 0A8 Attention: Ms. Sheri Young, Secretary of the Board Dear Ms. S. Young: Re: NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) Project Description for the Edson Mainline Expansion Project (Project) NGTL, a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada), proposes to construct and operate new pipeline facilities in Alberta (AB). The Project is required to expand pipeline capacity to transport gas from the Peace River Project Area (PRPA) to growing intra demand markets located in central and southern Alberta. The Project Description (PD) for the Project is provided under cover of this letter. The Project primary permanent facilities will include: • approximately 86 km of 1,219 mm (NPS 48) pipeline • a compressor unit addition and related components at an existing NGTL compressor station • mainline valve sites • launcher and receiver facilities • cathodic protection facilities • temporary access roads The proposed in-service date for the Project is April 2022. NGTL plans to file an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to construct and operate the Project, pursuant to Section 52 of the National Energy Board Act (NEB Act), in the second quarter 2019. In the interim, NGTL is proceeding with field studies, the environmental and socio-economic assessment (ESA), engineering design, stakeholder, landowner and Aboriginal engagement, regulatory consultation and other activities to support the application. An ESA will be required under both the NEB Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) pursuant to Section 46 of the Regulations Designating Physical January 8, 2019 Ms. S. Young Page 2 of 2 Activities because the Project involves the construction and operation of a new pipeline over 40 km in length. The enclosed PD provides a description of the Project consistent with guidance available through the NEB website. It is intended to: • facilitate efficient regulatory review of the Project by the NEB • facilitate determination of the scope of assessment required pursuant to the NEB Act and CEAA 2012 • provide the Crown with sufficient information to begin consultation with Aboriginal groups potentially affected by the Project • provide the NEB with sufficient information to initiate its Participant Funding Program (PFP), Enhanced Aboriginal Engagement and public consultation activities • inform other regulatory authorities, Aboriginal groups, landowners and stakeholders Accordingly, in addition to providing the enclosed PD for consideration by the NEB, NGTL also requests that the Crown begin any necessary consultation with Aboriginal communities as soon as possible. Yours truly, NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Original signed by Robert Tarvydas Director, Regulatory Facilities Canadian Gas Pipelines Enclosure cc: Director General, MPMO Operations Distribution Lists Edson Mainline Expansion Project PROJECT DESCRIPTION Submitted to: The Secretary National Energy Board Suite 210, 517 – 10th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2R 0A8 NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Edson Mainline Expansion Project Project Description Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Name and Nature of Project ...............................................................................1 1.2 Scope and Timing ..............................................................................................1 1.3 Federal Work and Undertaking ..........................................................................2 1.4 Project Proponent ...............................................................................................4 1.4.1 TransCanada ....................................................................................4 1.4.2 NGTL System ..................................................................................4 1.5 Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment .............................................4 1.5.1 Scope of Project and Scope of Assessment .....................................4 1.5.2 Other Assessment Regimes..............................................................5 1.5.3 Crown Consultation with Aboriginal Groups ..................................5 1.6 Participant Funding Program .............................................................................6 1.7 Proponent Contact Information..........................................................................6 2.0 PROJECT INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... 7 2.1 Main Components and Structures ......................................................................7 2.1.1 Location of Project Components .....................................................7 2.1.2 Pipeline Routing and Facilities ........................................................9 Pipeline Route and Site Selection ....................................................9 2.1.3 Parallel and Non-Parallel Right-of-Way ..........................................9 2.1.4 Mainline Valve Sites ......................................................................11 2.1.5 In-Line Inspection Facilities ..........................................................11 2.1.6 Cathodic Protection ........................................................................11 2.1.7 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System .......................11 2.1.8 Construction Right-of-Way and Temporary Workspace ...............11 2.1.9 Compressor Station Site .................................................................12 2.1.10 Control Valve Site..........................................................................12 3.0 PROJECT ACTIVITIES ........................................................................................................... 13 3.1 Project Definition .............................................................................................13 3.2 Construction and In-Service Timelines ...........................................................14 3.3 Operations and Maintenance............................................................................14 3.3.1 Health, Safety and Environment ....................................................14 3.3.2 System Protection and Controls .....................................................15 3.3.3 Emergency Response .....................................................................15 3.3.4 Public Awareness ...........................................................................15 3.3.5 Maintenance Programs...................................................................16 3.4 Decommissioning or Abandonment ................................................................16 January 2019 Page i NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. Edson Mainline Expansion Project Contents Project Description 4.0 LAND ....................................................................................................................................... 17 4.1 Land Ownership ...............................................................................................17 4.1.1 Federally Owned and Administered Land .....................................17 4.1.2 Consultation with Landowners, Occupants and Crown Disposition Holders .......................................................................17 4.2 Land Use ..........................................................................................................18 4.2.1 Pipelines (Alford Section and Elk River Section) .........................18 Crown Disposition Holders............................................................18 Wildlife Management Units and Watershed Units ........................18 Industry ..........................................................................................18 4.2.2 Princess Compressor Station Unit Addition ..................................19 Wildlife Management Units and Watershed Units ........................19 Industry ..........................................................................................19 4.2.3 Recreation ......................................................................................19 4.2.4 Reserves Under the Indian Act ......................................................19 4.2.5 Designated Environmental and Cultural Sites ...............................21 5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES ............................................................................................. 23 5.1 Key Valued Components .................................................................................23 5.1.1 Sensitive Species and Species at Risk ...........................................29 5.1.2 Watercourses and Watercourse Crossings .....................................31 5.1.3 Wetlands ........................................................................................32 5.1.4 Traditional Land and Resource Use ...............................................33 5.1.5 Historical Resources ......................................................................34 5.1.6 Regional Socio-Economic Effects .................................................34 6.0 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT .......................................................................................... 37 6.1 Program Overview ...........................................................................................37