Enbridge - Northern Gateway Pipelines

November 30, 2009
The Daily News (Prince Rupert)
 
To the Editor,
 
I would like to encourage the City of Prince Rupert and the Skeena-Queen Charlotte Regional District to take the time to fully understand what's involved in the extensive review process led by the National Energy Board (NEB) and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA).
 
This independent, quasi-judicial process will include public hearings at locations along the proposed route, which could include Prince Rupert, with witnesses providing sworn testimony and evidence being tested by cross-examination. This will allow people to test the scientific research being put forward by our experts. There will also be an opportunity for the public to provide comments in a more informal manner, both at the hearing or simply by letter.
 
Under the requirements of the NEB and CEAA, the scope of the review will include so-called "big picture" issues, contrary to what some groups are saying. For example, the NEB/CEAA panel will consider:
 
- The need for the project
- Alternatives to the project
- Cumulative environmental effects
- Potential marine effects of increased tanker traffic
- Public comments
 
The regulatory review process is also designed to ensure First Nations are consulted. This occurred with respect to the draft terms of reference for the NEB/CEAA Joint Review Panel process and funding was available to assist with participation expenses. CEAA has already announced that funding would be available for the public and Aboriginal groups for a Joint Review Panel process.
 
It is important for the local government and your readers to know that if a public inquiry was initiated, its findings would not be binding. In fact, it is the NEB/CEAA process whose recommendations are binding. In the event of a public inquiry, Northern Gateway would still be mandated to undergo the NEB/CEAA review process.
 
Enbridge believes this project should be looked at with the closest scrutiny and it is the NEB/CEAA process that can provide the highest level of regulatory review. I would encourage both the Council and the Regional District to accept the offer made by the NEB to make a presentation on their process at an upcoming council meeting.
 
For more information on the regulatory review process, please visit our website at www.northerngateway.ca or call 1-888-434-0533.
 
Steven Greenaway
Vice President, Public & Government Affairs
Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines