Funding available to participate in the NEB's regulatory process regarding the NGTL Merrick Mainline Project

CALGARY, 25 Aug. 2014 /CNW/ - The National Energy Board (NEB or the Board) is making available $200,000 under its Participant Funding Program (PFP) to assist interested persons to participate in the regulatory process of the proposed NOVA GAS Transmission Limited (NGTL) Merrick Mainline Project (Project).  A higher amount may be considered once applications for funding are received.

NGTL filed a project description on 4 June 2014, informing the Board that an application seeking approval to construct and operate new pipeline facilities in northeast British Columbia will be submitted in Q4 2014. The proposed Project will be an extension of the NGTL System and will facilitate the connection of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) gas supply to BC markets, Pacific Northwest markets and emerging liquefied natural gas (LNG) export markets through access to the NOVA Inventory Transfer (NIT) market hub.

The Project's primary permanent facilities will include:

• approximately 260 km of 1219 mm (NPS 48) pipeline
• tie-in to the Groundbirch Mainline
• Merrick Interconnect Meter Station
• mainline valve sites
• launcher and receiver facilities
• cathodic protection facilities miscellaneous works such as pipeline warning signs and aerial markers

Funding is being made available to help those persons who are directly affected or have relevant information or expertise to prepare for hearing related activities, including review and comment on the Project application, expected to be filed with the NEB in Q4 2014.

Funding applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Funding will only be awarded to prepare for hearing related activities conducted after your PFP application has been approved and you have signed the contribution agreement. Please review the Participant Funding Program Guide to determine when and how to apply for funding and what will be covered by this funding.

 A preliminary Draft List of Issues identifying the topics that the Board may consider during the review process is available on the NEB website. This list may be updated after the application has been filed. Those who are interested in applying for Participant Funding are encouraged to review information on the proposed project.

To receive funding, interested persons must apply for and be accepted as an Intervenor in the NEB's regulatory process for this project. Details about the hearing process will be announced by the Board at a later date.

Interested persons should also review the Application for Funding Form and the Contribution Agreement available on the Board's website (www.neb-one.gc.ca) under Public Participation and select Participant Funding Program.

For general information about the NEB hearing process and how you can participate effectively, please visit the NEB website, select Hearing and Information Sessions, and then click on Participate in a Public Hearing.

The National Energy Board is an independent federal regulator of several parts of Canada's energy industry with the safety of Canadians and protection of the environment as its top priority. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest.  For more information on the NEB and its mandate, please visit www.neb-one.gc.ca.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The National Energy Board announced today that it is making $200,000 available under its Participant Funding Program to support participation in the hearing for the proposed NOVA Gas Transmission Limited (NGTL) Merrick Mainline Project. The proposed project will be an extension of the NGTL System and will facilitate the connection of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin gas supply to markets in BC, the Pacific Northwest and emerging liquefied natural gas export markets. Funding applications should be submitted as soon as possible. To find out more about the project, or to apply for funding, visit www.neb-one.gc.ca.

SOURCE: National Energy Board