NEB requests additional information from TransCanada regarding Keystone XL

The National Energy Board (Board) has issued an Information Request (IR) for additional information from TransCanada’s Keystone Pipeline GP Ltd. The IR has been issued in response to updates provided to the NEB by Keystone with the intent of beginning construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline in early 2019.

On August 29, 2018, Keystone submitted a portion of its Environmental Protection Plan to the Board, regarding condition 13(b). Further updates were provided by Keystone for conditions 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12 on September 28, 2018, with the intent of beginning construction in early 2019.

The Board has requested additional information from Keystone, as set out in the IR.

On March 11, 2010, the Board approved the Keystone XL Pipeline Project, subject to 22 conditions. This followed a careful consideration of the evidence, and a rigorous, science-based and thorough review of the Keystone XL Pipeline Project.

Most of the conditions imposed require Keystone to file documentation with the Board to demonstrate compliance. In some cases, the Board needs to review and approve the documentation before Keystone can move forward.

Keystone is directed to file responses to Board IR No. 2 by noon, Calgary time, on January 4, 2018. Keystone is also reminded, in the covering letter for the IR, that Conditions 7, 8 and 13 state that construction of any project component shall not commence until the associated condition filings are approved by the Board.

Quick Facts

• On February 27, 2009 TransCanada Keystone Pipeline GP Ltd. applied to the Board to build and operate the Keystone XL Pipeline. The Canadian portion of the pipeline would stretch for 529 kilometres from Hardisty, Alberta to the Canada/US border at Monchy, Saskatchewan.
• The 914 millimetre outside diameter or nominal pipe size 36 pipeline would ship approximately 111 300 m³/d (700,000 barrels per day) of crude oil.
• The Keystone XL Pipeline would be an addition to Base Keystone, a pipeline which already runs from Hardisty, AB to Haskett, Manitoba. The Base Keystone Pipeline was approved by the NEB in 2007 and began operation in 2010. The Base Keystone system includes the Keystone Pipeline and the Cushing expansion, which went into operation in 2014. The Base Keystone pipeline, together with the Keystone XL Project, is referred to as the Keystone system.
• The Board carried out a rigorous, science-based and thorough review of the Keystone XL Pipeline Project. After careful consideration of the evidence, the Board approved the Keystone XL Pipeline Project, subject to 22 conditions, on 11 March 2010.
• Governor-in-Council directed the NEB to issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity on April 22, 2010.