Name and Location
Northern Gateway pipeline project, Canada.

Client
Endridge.

Project Description
The project involves the construction of a 1 177 km twin pipeline, from Northern Alberta’s oil sands, through Northern British Columbia to the deep-water port of Kitimat, at the head of the Douglas Channel.

The Kitimat marine terminal will include two ship berths and 19 tanks for oil and condensate. While docked at the terminal, tankers loading export oil will be surrounded by a containment boom.

The forecast is for the terminal to have the capacity to serve about 220 ship calls a year.
The westbound 36-inch-diameter pipeline will carry up to 525 000 bbl/d of oil.

Value
C$7.9-billion.

Duration
Not stated.

Latest Developments
A Canadian court has overturned the approval of Enbridge’s Northern Gateway oil pipeline, adding another steep obstacle to a project fiercely opposed by environmentalists and many First Nations.

Canada’s former Conservative government approved the project in 2014, subject to more than 200 conditions.

After the approval, numerous British Columbia First Nations, along with environmental groups, filed lawsuits seeking to overturn the decision.

The Federal Court of Appeal ruled in a two-to-one decision released in June this year that government had failed in its duty to consult with aboriginal groups on the project and sent the matter back to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet for a “prompt redetermination”.

In its 153-page judgment, the court determined that Canada’s consultation with First Nation communities was “brief, hurried and inadequate.” It said government failed to grapple with their concerns and had not shown any intention to correct any errors or omissions in the original regulatory panel review.

The court also noted that it would have taken government little time and effort to meaningfully engage with First Nations, but that it had not been done. Trudeau’s cabinet will now have to fulfil that duty before a new permit can be issued.

The court decision has been heralded by environmental groups and First Nations, which have said the decision “shuts the door” on the 1 177-km pipeline.

Meanwhile, Enbridge has said in a statement that it remains “fully committed” to building the C$7.9-billion pipeline and that it is working with partners, including First Nation communities who support the project, to determine the next steps.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
None stated.

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Enbridge, tel +1 403 231 3900 or fax +1 403 231 3920.