CALGARY, Alberta, May 20, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Energy Board (NEB) is making available $75,000 under its Participant Funding Program to assist people and groups with an interest in the regulatory process for the proposed Komie North Extension project (the Project). This program is meant to help landowners, Aboriginal groups, as well as incorporated not-for profit organizations that are not industry based and other interested persons who need assistance with the costs related to their participation in the process.
NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited, has filed a project description indicating its intent to construct and operate four new segments of pipeline and related facilities. If approved, these segments would add another 166 kilometres to what is commonly known as the Alberta System.
The new sections would be built alongside or contiguous to existing rights-of-way over a distance of approximately 115 kilometres while the remaining portion, about 51 kilometres in length, would require new rights-of-way. The projected in-service date would be April 2014.
While the NEB is in receipt of the project description, the actual hearing application has not yet been filed. The project description is a preliminary document that notifies the Board of the intent to proceed with an application. When filed, the hearing application will trigger the regulatory process.
This funding is to help interested parties review and comment on the Komie North Extension and facilities application to be submitted by NGTL. Funding must be used to prepare for and participate in the hearing process which will be announced by the Board at a later date.
To receive funding, recipients will have to register as an intervenor in the NEB's regulatory process for this project.
A funding review committee, independent of the regulatory process, will consider all applications for funding and make recommendations on the allocation of funds.
The deadline to submit a funding application is 20 July 2011. Funding applications received by the Board after this date will not be considered.
Interested parties are encouraged to review information on the proposed project, as well as the NEB's Draft List of Issues and the Draft Scope of the Environmental Assessment before submitting an application.
This information, as well as the Participant Funding Program Guide, the Application for Funding Form and the StandardContribution Agreement can be found on the Board's website
( www.neb-one.gc.ca ) under Public Registries / Anticipated Applications.
Please visit the NEB website for general information about the hearing process and how you can participate effectively. To access the information, go to www.neb-one.gc.ca, select Hearings and Information Sessions, and then click on Participate in a Public Hearing.
The NEB is an independent federal agency that regulates several parts of Canada's energy industry. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest.
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The National Energy Board announced today that Participant Funding would be available for the Komie North Extension Project. NGTL is proposing to construct and operate the extension pipeline project, which would be located north eastern British Columbia and north western Alberta. The deadline to apply for funding is 20 July 2011. To find out more about the Project, or to apply for funding, visit www.neb-one.gc.ca.
For further information: Carole Léger-Kubeczek
Email:
Communications Officer
Telephone: 403-299-2717
TTY (teletype): 1-800-632-1663
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