On December 16, 2010, the National Energy Board (NEB) approved
the application for the construction and operation of the Mackenzie
Gas Project. The Project includes the 1,196 kilometer Mackenzie
Valley Pipeline, three onshore natural gas fields and a 457
kilometer pipeline to carry natural gas liquids from near the coast
of the Beaufort Sea to northwestern Alberta and onwards to southern
markets. The NEB attached 264 conditions to the Project's
approval in areas such as engineering, safety and environmental
protection. The NEB will monitor the Project throughout its
lifespan to ensure these conditions are being met.
The NEB began hearing evidence in January 2006 on five applications
filed by a number of parties, including lead partner Imperial Oil.
The Board held over 58 days of hearing sessions in 15 communities
throughout the Northwest Territories and northern Alberta.
To move forward, the NEB's decision must now be approved by
the Federal Cabinet. If the Project is approved, construction is
expected to begin in 2014 and the pipeline is scheduled to be in
operation by the end of 2018. If the Project proceeds, it will be
the largest pipeline system to be constructed and operated in
Canada's north.
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