National Energy Board
Symbol of the Government of Canada
Skip to content | Skip to institutional links

Common menu bar links

Home > Reports > Regulatory Agenda > Regulatory Agenda - October, November and December 2007

Institutional links

Regulatory Agenda - October, November and December 2007

31 December 2007

The NEB is an active, effective and knowledgeable partner
in the responsible development of Canada's energy sector
for the benefit of Canadians.

This issue of the Regulatory Agenda covers the period from October till the end of December 2007.

Cat. No. NE12-4/2006-11E
ISSN 1494-7153

Instructions for Filing

Correspondence

All correspondence should be addressed to:

Secretary
National Energy Board
444 Seventh Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0X8
Fax: 403-292-5503
Fax (toll free): 1-877-288-8803

Applications and other filings, number of copies to be filed

You may submit your application and other filings to the Board in one of three ways:

  1. Electronically: From the National Energy Board Web site, click on View or Submit a Regulatory Document, scroll down to the option entitled Submit documents electronically. One (1) copy of your signed original document(s) and a printed copy of your efiled receipt must also be mailed (see address above); or
  2. Fax one (1) copy of your signed documents (see number above); or
  3. Mail one (1) copy of your signed documents (see address above). In the case of an application, twenty-five (25) copies of your signed documents must also be mailed.

Additional information on filings

Filings and types of documents that can be filed electronically and creating PDF documents: see Filer's Guide to Electronic Submission [PDF 529 KB].

Applying electronically to participate in a hearing using on-line forms: see Submit documents electronically.

Templates providing alternative ways to file your documents and assistance with the provision of multiple copies due to undue financial burden: see Alternative Ways to File Your Documents.

Communication Numbers

General Information:

Telephones: 403-292-4800
Toll Free 1-800-899-1265

Faxes: 403-292-5503
Toll Free 1-877-288-8803
Publications Office:

Telephone: 403-299-3562
Fax: 403-292-5576
Email: publications@neb-one.gc.ca
Web Site: www.neb-one.gc.ca
For information: Carole Léger-Kubeczek (carole.leger-kubeczek@neb-one.gc.ca)
Communications Officer
Telephone: 403-299-2717
Telephone (toll free): 1-800-899-1265

Preface

The purpose of this agenda is to provide information on the Board's activities. Except where otherwise noted, jurisdiction over the items in the agenda is exercised pursuant to the National Energy Board Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. N-7, as amended.

"We promote Safety and Security, Environmental Protection
and Efficient Energy Infrastructure and Markets"

NEB Moves Forward

NEB Partnering with Provincial Regulators

NEB and Oil and Gas Commission of B.C. take steps to improve pipeline safety and regulatory efficiency

The National Energy Board (NEB) and the Oil & Gas Commission (OGC) of British Columbia signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that improves pipeline safety and provides opportunities for further regulatory efficiency for energy development.

The MOU, signed at the NEB on 12 December, also establishes a protocol for coordinating the training and technical liaison in areas common to both the NEB and the OGC.

A key part of the MOU covers greater cooperation and coordination between the two regulators in the event of a pipeline incident or emergency. For example, in the event of a pipeline incident or emergency that takes place within B.C. on an NEB-regulated pipeline, the OGC will provide assistance as requested by the NEB. This assistance may include monitoring the pipeline operator's response with respect to managing the emergency, ensuring public safety and minimizing the impact on the environment. The NEB will be responsible for the investigation of the incident as well as the clean-up and rehabilitation operations. If such an incident occurs on a BC-regulated pipeline, the NEB will provide assistance to the OGC.

The MOU also covers such matters as notifying each other when conducting an audit of a pipeline or taking enforcement action against a pipeline company that is regulated by both federal and provincial authorities.

Public Hearing Applications

Hearings in Progress

1. Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited (Imperial), Mackenzie Valley Aboriginal Pipeline Limited Partnership, ConocoPhillips (North) Limited, Shell Canada Limited and ExxonMobil Canada Properties - Proposed Mackenzie Gas Project - GH-1-2004 (Files 3200-J205-1, 2520-C-19-4, 2620-C-19-7, 2620-C-12-7 and 2620-C-20-7)

On 8 October 2004, the Board received applications for approval to construct and operate a natural gas pipeline and related facilities through the Mackenzie Valley in Canada's Northwest Territories to an interconnect point just south of the NWT/Alberta border. The 762 millimetre (30-inch) natural gas transmission pipeline would transport 34 million cubic metres (1.2 billion cubic feet) per day of natural gas from the Arctic to the south. The capital cost is estimated at over 16.2 billion dollars.

2. Pipelines Enbridge Inc. (Enbridge) - Proposed Alberta Clipper Project - OH-4-2007 (File OF-Fac-Oil-E101-2006-04 01)

On 30 May 2007, Enbridge filed an application for the construction and operation of the Alberta Clipper Pipeline Project. The project consists of a proposed 1,607 kilometre (km) oil pipeline extending from Hardisty, Alberta to Superior, Wisconsin. The Canadian portion of Alberta Clipper would involve the construction and operation of approximately 1,074 km of new 914 millimetre outside diameter (36-inch) oil pipeline between Enbridge's Hardisty Terminal and the Canada - United States border near Gretna, Manitoba. If approved, the pipeline will have an initial capacity of 450,000 barrels per day. The estimated cost of the project is expected to be $2 billion with construction to be completed by the end of December 2009.

3. Enbridge Southern Lights GP Inc., on behalf of Engridge Southern Lights LP, and Engridge Pipelines Inc. (EPI) - Applications for Line 13 Transfer, Line 13 Reversal and Capacity Replacement for the Southern Lights Project - OH-3-2007 (File OF-Fac-Oil-E242-2007-01 01)

On 9 March 2007, the NEB received an application for the Southern Lights Project which consists of transferring EPI's Line 13 to ESL, remove it from southbound crude oil service and reverse the flow to transport diluent northbound from the Canada/US border near Gretna, Manitoba to Edmonton, and constructing a 286 kilometre light sour crude oil 508 millimetre pipeline from Cromer, Manitoba to the Canada/US border near Gretna, Manitoba.

4. Emera Brunswick Pipeline Company Ltd. (EBPC) - Brunswick Pipeline Project / Detailed Route Hearing (File PA-MNP 2006-001)

On 12 July 2007, EBPC filed Plans, Profiles and Book of Reference for the NEB's approval. Subsequently, a number of letters of opposition were filed by affected residents. The NEB will hold a public hearing in Saint John, New Brunswick starting on 28 January 2008.

EBPC has already received approval to build a 145 kilometre pipeline with a 762 millimetre diameter from the Canaport™ Liquefied Natural Gas Facility at Mispec Point in Saint John, New Brunswick to a point on the international border near St. Stephen, New Brunswick.

5. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge) - Line 4 Expansion Project - OH-5-2007 (File OF-Fac-Oil-E101-2007-02 02)

On 28 June 2007, Enbridge applied to the NEB for permission to extend its highest capacity line by 180 kilometres. If approved, Enbridge plans to connect three existing, but currently unused, segments of 48-inch diameter pipe with 137.6 kilometres of new 36-inch diameter pipe, moving the origin of Line 4 from Hardisty, Alberta to the Enbridge terminal in Edmonton.

The oral hearing is set to start on 22 January 2008.

New Facility Application

1. SemCAMS Redwillow ULC (SemCAMS) - Redwillow Pipeline Project - GH-2-2008 (File OF-Fac-Gas-S393-2007-01 04)

SemCAMS is proposing to construct and operate a 149.7 kilometre, 323.9 millimeter pipeline to gather 30 per cent dehydrated sour gas from the Grizzly Valley area southwest of Tumbler Ridge, B.C. into existing Alberta regulated gathering and processing facilities. The application was filed on 7 December 2007.

Past Hearing Decisions Issued in 2007

1. TransCanada PipeL ines Limited (TransCanada) - Gros Cacouna Receipt Point Application - RH-1-2007 (File OF-Tolls-Group1-T211-2006-10 01)

2. TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada) and TransCanada Keystone GP Ltd. (Keystone) - Transfer of certain pipeline facilities from TransCanada to Keystone - MH-1-2006 (File OF-Fac-G-T241-2006-01) (3400-T241-1)

3. TransCanada Keystone Pipeline GP Ltd. (Keystone) - Proposed Keystone Pipeline Project - OH-1-2007 (File OF-Fac-Oil-T241-2006-01 02)

4. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge) - Line 9 Tolls and Tariff Application - RH-2-2007 (File OF-Tolls-Group1-E101-2007-02 01)

5. Enbridge Pipelines (Westspur) Inc. (Enbridge) - Proposed Alida to Cromer Capacity Expansion (ACCE) Project - OH-2-2007 (File OF-Fac-Oil-E103-2006-03 01)

Non Hearing Applications

Electricity Matters

Matters Completed

1. Susquehanna Energy Products, LLC - Name change regarding electricity export permits (File OF-EI-Elec-S385 01)

2. Avista Energy, Inc. - Revocation of export permits (File 6200-A161-1)

3. ENMAX Energy Marketing Inc. - Variation to reduce export volumes regarding electricity export permits (File OF-EI-Elec-E139-2005-01 03; formerly 6200-E139-2)

4. Duke Energy on behalf of Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company - Name change regarding electricity export permits (File OF-EI-Elec-D156 01; formerly 6200-C230-1)

5. WPS Energy Services, Inc - Name change regarding electricity export permits (File OF-EI-Elec-I152 01; formerly 6200-W058-1)

6. Advantage Energy, Inc. - Name change regarding electricity export permits (File OF-EI-Elec-I154 01; formerly 6200-A101-1)

7. Shell Energy North America (Canada) Inc., on behalf of Coral Energy Canada Inc. - Name change regarding electricity export permits (File OF-EI-Elec-S386 01; formerly 6200-C362-1)

8. Beyond Energy & Trade, Inc. - Name change regarding electricity export permits (File OF-EI-Elec-B239 01)

9. Sempra Energy Trading Corp - Name change regarding electricity export permits (File OF-EI-Elec-S388 01; formerly 6200-S169-1)

10. New Brunswick Power Transmission Corporation (NB Power) - International Power Line Project (File OF-Fac-IPL-N102-2004-01-02)

Gas Matters

Matters Completed

1. Spectra Energy Midstream Canada Partner Corporation (SEMCPC) - Application for Leave to Open the West Doe Pipeline Diversion, pursuant to Section 47 of the National Energy Board Act (File OF-Fac-Gas-S383-2007-02 01)

2. Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline Inc. - Application pursuant to Section 58 of the National Energy Board Act for Cusody Transfer Station Facilities for Heritage Gas Limited for Heritage Service to the Halifax Peninsula (File OF-Fac-Gas-M124-2007-02 01)

3. NuVista Energy Ltd. - Application pursuant to Section 58 of the National Energy Board Act for the construction of the Hayter-Eye Hill Pipeline (File OF-Fac-Gas-N296-2007-01 01)

Matter Pending

4. Talisman Energy Canada - Application pursuant to Section 58 of the National Energy Board Act for the Compass Gas Pipeline (File OF-Fac-Gas-T077-2007-01 02)

Pipeline Matters

Matters completed

1. Enbridge Pipelines (Westpur) Inc. - Alida to Cromer Capacity Expansion (ACCE) Project - Approval of the form of Plans, Profiles and Books of Reference (File OF-Fac-Oil-E103-2007-01 01)

2. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. - Application under Section 58 of the National Energy Board Act for Tanks 32 and 35, New Meters at Enbridge's Edmonton Terminal (File OF-Fac-Oil-E101-2007-05 01)

3. Kinder Morgan Canada Inc./Trans Mountain Pipeline L.P. (Trans Mountain) TMX - Anchor Loop Project - Application for Approval of a Deviation and Plans, Profiles & Books of Reference (PPBoRs) pursuant to subsection 45(1) of the National Energy Board Act (File  OF-Fac-Oil-T099-2006-01 05)

4. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. - Application pursuant to Section 58 of the National Energy Board Act for receipt facilities for the Alida to Cromer Capacity Expansion (ACCE) Project at Enbridge's Cromer Terminal (File OF-Fac-Oil-E101-2007-02 02)

5. Westcoast Energy Inc. carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission - West - Application concerning the acquisition and operation of certain pipeline facilities owned by Westcoast Transmission Company (Alberta) Ltd (File OF-Fac-Gas-W102-2007-06 01)

6. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. - Application pursuant to Section 58 of the National Energy Board Act for the Enbridge Connection at the Edmonton Terminal to the Kinder Morgan North 40 Connection Project (File OF-Fac-Oil-E101-2007-06 01)

7. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. - Application pursuant to Section 58 of the National Energy Board Act for access diluent return line project at Edmonton's Terminal (File OF-Fac-Oil-E101-2007-07 01)

8. Enbridge Pipelines Inc - South Terminal Development at Enbridge's Edmonton Terminal - Application for variance to Order XO-E101-02-2007 (File OF-Fac-Oil-E101-2007-08 01)

Matters pending

9. Burlington Resources Canada (Hunter) LTD. - Application filed under Section 58 of the National Energy Board Act for the Chinook Ridge 4” Gathering Pipeline Project (File OF -Fac-Gas-B105-2007-01 01)

10. Murphy Oil Company Ltd. - Application filed under Section 58 of the National Energy Board Act to construct and operate the Tupper Pipeline (File OF-Fac-Gas-M267-2007-01 01)

11. TransCanada Keystone Pipeline GP Ltd. - Keystone Pipeline Project - Cushing Expansion - Application filed under Section 21(1) and Section 58 of the National Energy Board Act (the Act) to vary and construct seven new pump stations, add pump units at initial Keystone pump stations and build interconnecting piping between Keystone Hardisty Terminal and other terminals located at Hardisty (File OF-Fac-Oil-T241-2007-01 01)

Frontier Matters

Frontier Matters - Geological and Geophysical Activities

1. Frontier activities for October 2007

No new applications for geological, geophysical or geotechnical operation authorization were received in October. Outstanding applications are being reviewed.

2. Frontier activities for November 2007

No new applications for geological, geophysical or geotechnical operation authorization were received in November. Outstanding applications are being reviewed.

3. Frontier activities for December 2007

Six (6) new applications for a geological, geophysical or geotechnical operation authorization were received in December. Outstanding applications are being reviewed.

Frontier Matters - Drilling

1. Frontier activities for October 2007

Two (2) new applications were received in October under Section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act. All other applications are being reviewed.

2. Frontier activities for November 2007

One (1) new application was received in November under Section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act.

  • Paramount Resources Ltd. was given "Approval to Alter the Condition of a Well" for the well Paramount et al Cameron M-73 pursuant to subSection 19(3) of the Canada Oil and Gas Production and Conservation Regulations on 1 November 2007.

All other applications are being reviewed.

3. Frontier activities for December 2007

Eight (8) new applications were received in December under Section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act.

  • MGM Energy Corp. was given "Approval to Drill a Well" for the well MGM et al Atik P-19 pursuant to Section 83 of the Canada Oil and Gas Drilling Regulations on 11 December 2007.
  • Petro-Canada was given "Approval to Drill a Well" for the well Petro-Canada Balckwater Kwijika M-59 pursuant to Section 83 of the Canada Oil and Gas Drilling Regulations on 11 December 2007.

All other applications are being reviewed.

Frontier Matters (CPRA only)

Matters Completed

1. Devon Canada Corporation

In the matter of the Devon Paktoa C-60(A) Application for a Declaration of a Significant Discovery dated 24 April 2007, the Board has declared the following lands to be part of a Significant Discovery on 2 October 2007:

Latitude Longitude Sections
69o 40 N 136o 15' W 22-27, 32-39, 42-50, 53-60
69o 40 N 136o 30' W 4-10, 16-20, 28-30, 39, 40
69o 50 N 136o 30' W 11, 21, 31

2. Husky Oil Operations Limited

In the matter of the Husky et al Stewart D-57 Application for a Declaration of a Significant Discovery dated 27 November 2006, the Board has declared the following lands to be part of a Significant Discovery on 6 December 2007:

Latitude Longitude Sections
64o 20 N 125o 15' W 45, 55, 56, 65, 66
64o 30 N 125o 15' W 51, 52, 61, 62

Traffic, Tolls and Tariffs Matters

Matters Completed

1. TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada) - Application for Approval of 2008 Firm Transportation Short Notice Service Toll and Approval of Tarriff Amendments (File OF-Tolls-Group1-T211-2007-08 01)

2. TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada) - Application for Approval of Tariff Amendments as Supported by TTF Resolution 12.2007 (File OF-Tolls-Group1-T211-2007-09-01)

3. Maritimes &Northeast Pipeline Management Ltd. (M&NP) - Application for Approval of Resolution on Minimum Floor Price for M&NP Interruptible Service (File OF-Tolls-Group1-M124-2007-01 01)

4. TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada) - Application for Approval of Mainline Interim Tolls effective 1 January 2008, as supported by Unopposed Tolls Task Force resolution 13.2007 (File OF-Tolls-Group1-T211-2007-10 01)

5. Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline Management Ltd. - Application for Interim Tolls effective 1 January 2008 (File OF-Tolls-Group1-M124-2007-02 01)

6. 0720471 Canada Ltd. - Application for exemption under Section 129(1.1) of the National Energy Board Act (File OF-Tolls-Group2-Z051-2007-01)

7. Westcoast Energy Inc. carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission - West - Application for 2008 Interim Tolls for Transmission (Zones 3 and 4) (File OF-Tolls-Group1-W102-2007-02 01)

8. Alliance Pipeline Ltd. - National Energy Board Financial Regulatory Audit for 2005 to 2007 (File OF-Tolls-Group1-A159-Fin Aud 01)

9. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. - application for Southern Access Expansion Deferral Account (File OF-Tolls-Group1-E101-TFGen 01)

Appeals

Appeal Completed

1. Friends of Rockwood Park - Applications for Leave to Appeal and Judicial Review - GH-1-2006

On 9 July 2007, the Friends of Rockwood Park filed an application for judicial review with the Federal Court of Appeal (FCA). In August 2007, the Friends of Rockwood Park applied to the FCA for leave to appeal with respect to the same decision. The grounds for both the judicial review and the leave to appeal were that the Board failed to comply with Section 16 of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the Board's Final Scoping Document dated 23 June 2006, and that the environmental assessment was therefore invalid and unlawful. On 20 September 2007, the FCA dismissed the leave to appeal, with costs to the respondents. The Friends of Rockwood Park filed a discontinuance of the Judicial Review on 11 October 2007.

Appeal Pending

2. Flint Hill Resources - Application for Leave to Appeal - RH-1-2005

Flint Hill Resources applied to the Federal Court of Appeal for leave to appeal the Board's decision of 28 April 2005 in which it approved two applications from Enbridge Pipelines Inc. to recover, in its Canadian pipeline tolls, US$20 million per year for five years related to the extension of service on the Spearhead Pipeline which runs from Chicago, Illinois to Cushing, Oklahoma and an initiative by Mobil Pipe Line Company to reverse the flow of its pipeline which runs from Patoka, Illinois to Corsicana, Texas.

Energy Matters

Changes to the Pre-Application Meetings Guidance Notes

The National Energy Board revised and updated their Pre-Application Meetings Guidance Notes and notified stakeholders on 13 November.

Amendments to the Onshore Pipeline Regulations, 1999 (OPR) and National Energy Board Processing Plant Regulations (PPR) Decommissioning Regulatory Amendments

The National Energy Board issued a letter on the Board's website on 16 November to say that the above regulations had been pre-published in the Canada Gazette Part 1.

Energy Reports Releases

  • Short-term Canadian Natural Gas Deliverability 2007-2009, released 10 October 2007
  • Winter Energy Outlook,  released 30 October 2007
  • Canada's Energy Future, released 15 November 2007

Profile

The NEB is an independent federal agency that regulates several parts of Canada's energy industry. Its purpose is to promote safety and security, environmental protection, and efficient energy infrastructure and markets in the Canadian public interest, within the mandate set by Parliament in the regulation of pipelines, energy development and trade.

Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2009 as represented by the National Energy Board

This document is published separately in both official languages. For further information, please contact:

Communications Team
National Energy Board
444 Seventh Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0X8
Telephone: 403-292-4800
Telephone toll free:
1-800-899-1265
Telecopier: 403-292-5503
Telecopier toll free :
1-877-288-8803

Sa Majesté la Reine du Chef du Canada 2009 représentée par l'Office national de l'énergie

Ce document est publié séparément dans les deux langues officielles. Pour plus de renseignements :

Équipe des communications
Office national de l'énergie
444, Septième Avenue S.-O.
Calgary (Alberta) T2P 0X8
Téléphone : 403-292-4800
Téléphone (sans frais) :
1-800-899-1265
Télécopieur : 403-292-5503
Télécopieur (sans frais) :
1-877-288-8803

 

Date Modified: 2010-07-23

Top of Page
Important Notices