Trans Mountain Pipeline, which is owned by Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, announced an increase to its proposed expansion project on Jan. 10 .
Additional commitments from customers will result in an increase in the proposed expansion capacity from 750,000 bpd (barrels per day) to 890,000 bpd. The expansion represents a capital investment of $5.4 billion and will complete the twinning of the existing pipeline from near Edmonton to Burnaby.
“Over the next several months, we’ll be doing additional engineering work and studies to assess how the increased capacity will impact the scope of the project,” said said Ian Anderson, president of Kinder Morgan Canada.
“We will continue our open and inclusive engagement program already underway with landowners, communities and Aboriginal Groups.”
“Thirteen customers in the Canadian producing and oil marketing business have now signed binding, long-term contracts, which demonstrates the need for this proposed expansion that will serve both existing and new markets,” Anderson said.
Trans Mountain applied to the National Energy Board (NEB) in 2012 for approval of the toll methodology that would govern an expanded Trans Mountain pipeline and expects a decision by mid-2013.
“Trans Mountain has an existing footprint, established relationships and a superb safety record,” Anderson said.
Trans Mountain expects to file a Facilities Application with the National Energy Board (NEB) in late 2013, for authorization to build and operate the necessary facilities for the proposed expansion. The application will include the environmental, socio-economic, Aboriginal engagement, landowner and public consultation and engineering components and initiate a comprehensive regulatory and public review process. If approved, the project would be operational in 2017.
For almost 60 years, the 1,150-km Trans Mountain pipeline system has been safely and efficiently providing the only West Coast access for Canadian oil products, including the majority of the gasoline supplied to the Interior and south coast of British Columbia. For more information, visit www.transmountain.com.