january 8, 2019 suite 210, 517 tenth avenue sw calgary

450 – 1 Street SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 5H1

Tel: (403) 920-5052 Fax: (403) 920-2347 Email: [email protected]

January 8, 2019 Filed Electronically

National Energy Board Suite 210, 517 Tenth Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2R 0A8

Attention: Ms. Sheri Young, Secretary of the Board

Dear Ms. S. Young:

Re: NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) Project Description for the North Corridor Expansion Project (Project)

NGTL, a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada), proposes to construct and operate new pipeline facilities in Alberta (AB). The Project is required to expand pipeline capacity to transport gas from the Peace River Project Area (PRPA) to growing intra-basin demand markets located in northeastern Alberta.

The Project Description (PD) for the Project is provided under cover of this letter.

The Project primary permanent facilities will include: · approximately 56 km of 1,219 mm (NPS 48) pipeline (in two sections) · approximately 25 km of 914 mm (NPS 36) pipeline (in one section) · a compressor unit addition and related components at or near an existing NGTL

compressor station · mainline valve sites · launcher and receiver facilities · cathodic protection facilities · access roads

The proposed in-service date for the Project is April 2022.

NGTL plans to file an application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to construct and operate the Project, pursuant to Section 52 of the National Energy Board Act (NEB Act), in the second quarter 2019. In the interim, NGTL is proceeding with field studies, the environmental and socio-economic assessment (ESA), engineering design, stakeholder,

January 8, 2019 Ms. S. Young of 2

landowner and Aboriginal engagement, regulatory consultation and other activities to support the application.

An ESA will be required under both the NEB Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) pursuant to Section 46 of the Regulations Designating Physical Activities because the Project involves the construction and operation of a new pipeline over 40 km in length.

The enclosed PD provides a description of the Project consistent with guidance available through the NEB website. It is intended to: · facilitate efficient regulatory review of the Project by the NEB · facilitate determination of the scope of assessment required pursuant to the NEB Act and

CEAA 2012 · provide the Crown with sufficient information to begin consultation with Aboriginal groups

potentially affected by the Project · provide the NEB with sufficient information to initiate its Participant Funding Program

(PFP), Enhanced Aboriginal Engagement and public consultation activities · inform other regulatory authorities, Aboriginal groups, landowners and stakeholders

Accordingly, in addition to providing the enclosed PD for consideration by the NEB, NGTL also requests that the Crown begin any necessary consultation with Aboriginal communities as soon as possible.

Yours truly, NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.

Original signed by

Robert Tarvydas Director, Regulatory Facilities Canadian Gas Pipelines

Enclosure

cc: Director General, MPMO Operations Distribution Lists

North Corridor Expansion Project

PROJECT DESCRIPTION – JANUARY 2019

Submitted to:The SecretaryNational Energy BoardSuite 210, 517 – 10th Avenue SWCalgary, Alberta T2R 0A8

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. North Corridor Expansion Project Project Description Contents

January 2019 Page i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Name and Nature of Project ...............................................................................1 1.2 Scope and Timing ..............................................................................................1 1.3 Federal Work and Undertaking ..........................................................................2 1.4 Project Proponent ...............................................................................................4

1.4.1 TransCanada ....................................................................................4 1.4.2 NGTL System ..................................................................................4

1.5 Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment .............................................4 1.5.1 Scope of Project and Scope of Assessment .....................................4 1.5.2 Other Assessment Regimes..............................................................5 1.5.3 Crown Consultation with Aboriginal Groups ..................................5

1.6 Participant Funding Program .............................................................................6 1.7 Proponent Contact Information..........................................................................6

2.0 PROJECT INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... 7

2.1 Main Components and Structures ......................................................................7 2.1.1 Location of Project Components .....................................................7 2.1.2 Pipeline Routing and Facilities ........................................................9 2.1.3 Parallel and Non-Parallel Right-of-Way ..........................................9 2.1.4 Mainline Valve Sites ......................................................................10 2.1.5 In-Line Inspection Facilities ..........................................................11 2.1.6 Cathodic Protection ........................................................................11 2.1.7 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System .......................11 2.1.8 Construction Right-of-Way and Temporary Workspace ...............11 2.1.9 Compressor Station Site .................................................................12

3.0 PROJECT ACTIVITIES ........................................................................................................... 13

3.1 Project Definition .............................................................................................13 3.2 Construction and In-Service Timelines ...........................................................14 3.3 Operations and Maintenance............................................................................14

3.3.1 Health, Safety and Environment ....................................................14 3.3.2 System Protection and Controls .....................................................15 3.3.3 Emergency Response .....................................................................15 3.3.4 Public Awareness ...........................................................................15 3.3.5 Maintenance Programs...................................................................16

3.4 Decommissioning or Abandonment ................................................................16

Contents

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. North Corridor Expansion Project

Project Description

Page ii January 2019

4.0 LAND ....................................................................................................................................... 17

4.1 Land Ownership ...............................................................................................17 4.1.1 Federally Owned and Administered Land .....................................17 4.1.2 Consultation with Landowners, Occupants and Crown

Disposition Holders .......................................................................17 4.2 Land Use ..........................................................................................................18

4.2.1 Crown Disposition Holders............................................................19 4.2.2 Wildlife Management Units and Watershed Units ........................19 4.2.3 Industry ..........................................................................................19 4.2.4 Recreation ......................................................................................19 4.2.5 Reserves Under the Indian Act ......................................................19 4.2.6 Designated Environmental and Cultural Sites ...............................20

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES ............................................................................................. 21

5.1 Key elements ....................................................................................................25 5.1.1 Species at Risk or Species of Special Conservation Status ...........25 5.1.2 Fish and Fish Habitat .....................................................................27 5.1.3 Wetlands ........................................................................................29 5.1.4 Traditional Land and Resource Use ...............................................30 5.1.5 Heritage Resources ........................................................................30 5.1.6 Socio-Economic Effects.................................................................31

6.0 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT .......................................................................................... 33

6.1 Program Overview ...........................................................................................33 6.2 Community Engagement .................................................................................34

6.2.1 Stakeholder Identification, Early Engagement and Material Development ..................................................................................34

6.2.2 Stakeholder Notification and Engagement ....................................34 6.2.3 Execution Planning, Local Business Engagement and

Construction ...................................................................................35 6.2.4 Transition to Operations ................................................................35

6.3 Stakeholders .....................................................................................................35 6.3.1 Community and Government Stakeholders ...................................35 6.3.2 Municipalities ................................................................................36 6.3.3 Land and Water Users ....................................................................36

6.4 Preliminary Community Feedback ..................................................................36


January 2019 Page iii

7.0 ABORIGINAL ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM ........................................................................... 39

7.1 Aboriginal Engagement Program Overview ....................................................39 7.1.1 Identification of Potentially Affected Aboriginal Groups .............39 7.1.2 Aboriginal Engagement Feedback .................................................40

8.0 REGULATORY AUTHORIZATIONS ...................................................................................... 43

8.1 Federal Authorizations .....................................................................................43 8.2 Provincial Authorizations ................................................................................43 8.3 Regional and Municipal Approvals .................................................................44

9.0 DISTRIBUTION LISTS ............................................................................................................ 45

9.1 Federal Authorities...........................................................................................45 9.2 Provincial Authorities ......................................................................................45 9.3 Other Authorities .............................................................................................46 9.4 Aboriginal Communities and Organizations ...................................................46

10.0 REFERENCES CITED ............................................................................................................ 48

GLOSSARY

APPENDICES

Contents


Project Description

Page iv January 2019

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1-1 Overview Map of Proposed Project .................................................................. 3 Figure 2-1 Location of Main Project Components ............................................................. 8 Figure 2-2 Parallel ROW and Non-Parallel ROW ........................................................... 10 Figure 3-1 Preliminary Project Schedule .......................................................................... 14 Figure 4-1 Land Use in the Project Area .......................................................................... 18 Figure 5-1 Natural Subregions Traversed by the Project ................................................. 22 Figure 7-1 Location of Potentially Affected Aboriginal Groups ...................................... 42

LIST OF TABLES

Table 2-1 Approximate Coordinates of Project Components ........................................... 7 Table 2-2 Parallel ROW and Non-Parallel ROW ............................................................. 9 Table 4-1 Land Ownership Along Proposed Pipeline Route .......................................... 17 Table 5-1 Natural Subregions Encountered by Project Components .............................. 21 Table 5-2 Preliminary Potential Interactions Table – Key Issues and Potential

Adverse Effects ............................................................................................... 23 Table 5-3 Wildlife Species at Risk with Potential to Occur in the Project Area ............ 26 Table 7-1 Preliminary List of Potentially Affected Aboriginal Groups .......................... 40 Table 8-1 Preliminary List of Federal Regulatory Approvals and Authorizations ......... 43 Table 8-2 Preliminary List of Alberta Regulatory Approvals and Authorizations ......... 44 Table 9-1 Federal Government Recipients of Project Description ................................. 45 Table 9-2 Alberta Government Recipients of Project Description ................................. 45 Table 9-3 Other Authorities Receiving Project Description ........................................... 46 Table 9-4 Potentially Affected Aboriginal Groups Recipients of Project

Description ...................................................................................................... 47

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A Project-Specific Fact Sheet and Letters Appendix B TransCanada brochure: Aboriginal Relations Appendix C NEB brochure: Information for Proposed Pipeline or Power Line Projects

That Involve a Hearing


January 2019 Page 1 of 50

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 NAME AND NATURE OF PROJECT

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada), proposes to construct, own and operate new pipeline facilities in Alberta (AB) that will form an integral part of the existing NGTL System. These facilities are referred to as the North Corridor Expansion Project (Project), and are described in more detail below.

The Project is required to expand pipeline capacity to transport gas from the Peace River Project Area (PRPA) to growing intra-basin demand markets located in northeastern Alberta. The Project is underpinned by incremental firm transport – delivery (FT-D) contracts. All Project components are required to meet increased design flow requirements across the North Central Corridor (NCC) in April 2022.

1.2 SCOPE AND TIMING

The preliminary scope of the Project includes approximately 56 km (in two sections) of 1,219 mm (NPS 48) outside diameter (OD) pipe and approximately 25 km (in one section) of 914 mm (NPS 36) pipe including valve sites and pipeline tie-ins, and one compressor unit addition with related components. The proposed pipeline additions are sections that will loop existing NGTL System mainlines; that is, adding pipe parallel or adjacent to, and interconnect with the existing NGTL System.

A geographic overview of the proposed Project is provided in Figure 1-1.

Specifically, the Project scope includes the following:

• NCC Loop (North Star 2 Section) – approximately 24 km of NPS 48 pipe

• NCC Loop (Red Earth 3 Section) – approximately 32 km of NPS 48 pipe

• Northwest Mainline Loop No. 2 (Bear Canyon Extension Section) – approximately 25 km of NPS 36 pipe

• Hidden Lake North Compressor Station Unit Addition (Hidden Lake Unit Addition)

The final scope of the Project may be subject to refinements based on factors including changes to commercial commitments for transportation service, detailed routing and siting, environmental studies and input from stakeholders, landowners and Aboriginal groups.

The targeted in-service date for the Project is April 2022.

Section 1 Introduction


Project Description

Page 2 of 50 January 2019

At this stage in Project planning, approximately 77 km (95%) of the proposed pipeline route parallels existing NGTL right-of-way (ROW) or other existing linear disturbances such as pipelines, roads and electrical power lines. Temporary infrastructure such as access roads, stockpile sites, construction camps and contractor yards will be required during construction. Where the pipeline routes parallel existing NGTL pipelines or other pipelines, existing access roads will be used as much as practical.

1.3 FEDERAL WORK AND UNDERTAKING

In addition to a requirement for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) pursuant to Section 52 of the National Energy Board Act (NEB Act), other permits and approvals might be required under applicable federal and provincial legislation.

An environmental assessment will be required under both the NEB Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) pursuant to Section 46 of the Regulations Designating Physical Activities because the Project involves the construction and operation of a new pipeline over 40 km in length.

This Project Description was prepared in accordance with guidance from the NEB website and the Prescribed Information for the Description of a Designated Project Regulations enacted under CEAA 2012. It is intended to:

• facilitate efficient regulatory review of the Project by the NEB

• facilitate determination of the scope of assessment required pursuant to the NEB Act and CEAA 2012

• provide the Crown with sufficient information to begin consultation with Aboriginal groups potentially affected by the Project

• provide the NEB with sufficient information to initiate its Participant Funding Program (PFP), Enhanced Aboriginal Engagement and public consultation activities

• inform other regulatory authorities, Aboriginal groups, landowners and stakeholders



Figure 1-1: Overview Map of Proposed Project



Project Description


1.4 PROJECT PROPONENT

The Project will be constructed and owned by NGTL, a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada. TransCanada operates the NGTL System pursuant to an Operating Agreement between TransCanada and NGTL. TransCanada applies corporate policies in its operation of the NGTL System that are common to TransCanada’s operations of other federally-regulated pipelines.

1.4.1 TransCanada

TransCanada is a leader in the responsible development and reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure, including:

• natural gas pipelines • oil pipelines • power generation • gas storage facilities

With over 65 years of experience building pipelines safely and reliably, TransCanada has an established track record for operational excellence and has developed and maintained relationships with landowners, stakeholders, and Aboriginal groups across its pipeline systems.

TransCanada’s network of approximately 91,900 km natural gas pipelines connects virtually every major continental natural gas supply basin and market, and transports more than 25% of the gas consumed daily across North America.

1.4.2 NGTL System

The NGTL System is an integrated natural gas pipeline system comprised of approximately 24,000 km of pipeline, associated compression, and other facilities located in AB and British Columbia (BC). The NGTL System gathers and transports natural gas produced in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (WCSB) for delivery to intra-basin and export markets.

1.5 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT

1.5.1 Scope of Project and Scope of Assessment

The following physical works and activities will be included in the Project scope for the purpose of completing an environmental and socio-economic assessment (ESA) pursuant to the requirements of the NEB Act and CEAA 2012:



• construction and operation of up to approximately 81 km of new pipelines and related facilities, including: • various pipeline valve sites • launcher and receiver facilities • cathodic protection (CP) • miscellaneous pipeline works (e.g., integration with communication and

control systems) • alternating current mitigation • hydrostatic testing

• construction and operation of one compressor unit addition, including: • foundations • compressor building • mechanical and electrical auxiliary buildings • high-pressure piping • aerial coolers • utility gas • scrubbers • fencing

• construction-related temporary infrastructure, such as: • access (e.g., roads and travel lanes) • pipe and equipment storage sites • contractor offices and yards • borrow pits • construction camps

1.5.2 Other Assessment Regimes

Since the Project will form part of a federal work and undertaking subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the NEB, the Project will be subject to federal environmental assessment processes. Nevertheless, provincial agencies or other regulatory bodies in Alberta might choose to participate in the federal assessment or regulatory processes to facilitate consideration of any concerns or provide advice.

1.5.3 Crown Consultation with Aboriginal Groups

NGTL and its parent company, TransCanada, recognizes that its Aboriginal engagement program is complementary to any Crown consultation concerning potential impacts on Aboriginal and treaty rights, and that the NEB’s process can be relied upon by the Crown.

To the extent that the Project triggers the need for Crown consultation with Aboriginal groups, it is critical that such consultation be initiated and completed in a



Project Description


timely manner. A key objective of this document is to enable the Crown to begin any necessary consultation as soon as possible.

1.6 PARTICIPANT FUNDING PROGRAM

The Project will require a public hearing under the NEB Act and will trigger the NEB-administered PFP. This program helps fund timely and meaningful participation by eligible parties such as stakeholders (e.g., municipalities), landowners and Aboriginal groups in the NEB’s hearing process for facility applications.1

Given the nature and number of steps that will be required to complete the PFP, NGTL requests that the NEB’s public announcement of PFP availability is made within two months of this Project Description filing, consistent with the timing the Board used for other recent applications for a CPCN.2

1.7 PROPONENT CONTACT INFORMATION

Crystal Rothenburger Regulatory Project Manager Regulatory Facilities NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. 450 – 1 Street SW Calgary, AB T2P 5H1


Brock Gent Legal Counsel Law, Canadian Pipelines NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. 450 – 1 Street SW Calgary, AB T2P 5H1


1 See the NEB’s Participant Funding Guide. 2 See the NEB’s PFP availability announcements for the Wolverine River Lateral Loop (Carmon Creek

section), 2017 NGTL System Expansion Project, Towerbirch Expansion Project and 2021 NGTL System Expansion Project (NEB Filing IDs: A3W4L3, A70450, A73309 and A92839, respectively).

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. North Corridor Expansion Project Project Description

Section 2 Project Information


2.0 PROJECT INFORMATION

2.1 MAIN COMPONENTS AND STRUCTURES

Primary components of the Project are as follows:

• up to approximately 56 km of 1,219 mm (NPS 48) pipeline and approximately 25 km of 914 mm (NPS 36) pipeline

• one compressor unit addition and related components at or near existing an compressor station

• mainline valve sites

• launcher and receiver facilities

• CP facilities

• access roads

All pipeline sections will include pipeline valves, CP facilities and miscellaneous pipeline works. Launchers and receivers and/or provisions for launchers and receivers will be installed for in-line inspection (ILI) purposes.

2.1.1 Location of Project Components

For approximate geographical coordinates of the main Project components, see Table 2-1. For the locations of main Project components, see Figure 2-1.

Table 2-1: Approximate Coordinates of Project Components

Section Component Easting Northing UTM Zone

North Central Corridor Area NCC Loop (North Star 2 Section)

Start: MLV NCCA 90 North Central Corridor 456154 6330813 11N End: MLV NCCA 100 North Central Corridor 478485 6326960 11N

NCC Loop (Red Earth 3 Section)

Start: MLV NCCA 40 North Central Corridor 636851 6305847 11N Start: MLV NCCA 30 North Central Corridor 607887 6311456 11N

Northwest Mainline Area Northwest Mainline Loop No. 2 (Bear Canyon Extension)

Start: MLV NW35 North West Mainline 326236 6229670 11N End: MLV NW50 North West Mainline/ Alces River Compressor Station

319159 6251263 11N

Compressor Unit Addition and Control Valve Hidden Lake North Compressor Station 334603 6361547 11N Note: Final pipeline routing and compressor unit addition locations will be informed by engineering and environmental site evaluations, stakeholder, landowner and Aboriginal engagement, land acquisition and consultation with regulatory agencies.



Project Description


Figure 2-1: Location of Main Project Components




2.1.2 Pipeline Routing and Facilities

Pipeline Route and Site Selection

NGTL employs a systematic and thorough route selection process using a variety of tools, such as:

• desktop studies • helicopter reconnaissance • ground verification and field surveys • engineering, geotechnical and environmental field studies

This route selection process takes into account the objectives of minimizing the total route length or land requirements, meeting applicable regulatory requirements and reducing the environmental footprint, while carefully assessing overall cost and constructability, and meeting customer demands.

Feedback received through the stakeholder, landowner and Aboriginal engagement programs informs the assessment of proposed routes and sites.

2.1.3 Parallel and Non-Parallel Right-of-Way

Approximately 77 km (95%) of the proposed pipeline route parallels existing NGTL ROW or other existing linear disturbances such as pipelines, roads and electrical power lines. Deviations from existing rights-of-way by the proposed route may be required as a result of physical constraints, including to:

• accommodate crossing watercourses with pipeline • reflect stakeholder, landowner and Aboriginal feedback • avoid potentially unstable terrain and environmentally sensitive areas • address potential construction issues and requirements

For the approximate lengths of both parallel ROW and non-parallel ROW, see Table 2-2.

Table 2-2: Parallel ROW and Non-Parallel ROW

Project Component

Approximate Parallel ROW 1, 2

(km)

Approximate Non-Parallel ROW 1, 2

(km) North Central Corridor Area NCC Loop (North Star 2 Section) 24 0 NCC Loop (Red Earth 3 Section) 31 1 Northwest Mainline Area Northwest Mainline Loop No. 2 (Bear Canyon Extension) 23 2

TOTAL 77 4 Note: 1. Includes pipeline and access road parallels. Pipelines paralleled include NGTL System and pipelines owned by third parties. 2. The numbers have been rounded.



Project Description


Figure 2-2 depicts the parallel ROW and non-parallel ROW associated with the proposed routes.

Figure 2-2: Parallel ROW and Non-Parallel ROW

2.1.4 Mainline Valve Sites

Mainline valves will be installed at intervals as required along the proposed pipelines and will be located within the permanent ROW. Temporary workspace (TWS) will be required at these sites during construction. The permanent sites will be fenced to ensure the safety and protection of the asset and public, as well as protection of the environment.

Access to valve sites will be via the permanent ROW or permanent or temporary access roads during both construction and operations.




2.1.5 In-Line Inspection Facilities

Launchers and receivers or provisions for launchers and receivers will be installed for ILI purposes.

2.1.6 Cathodic Protection

The pipeline sections of the Project will share the CP system that currently protects the NGTL System. Requirements for upgrades to the existing CP system will be evaluated as detailed design progresses, including investigation of potential alternating current (AC) mitigation where required. New test stations will be installed at appropriate intervals and locations along the Project to monitor the effectiveness of the applied CP current.

Compressor station CP requirements will be determined during detailed design.

2.1.7 Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System

The Project will include installation and operation of a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, which allows for remote monitoring. The Project’s SCADA system will be connected to TransCanada’s Operations Control Centre (OCC), located in Calgary, AB. Once the Project facilities are placed in-service, they will be monitored and controlled from TransCanada’s 24-hour OCC as part of the NGTL System.

2.1.8 Construction Right-of-Way and Temporary Workspace

Dimensions of the pipeline construction ROW (including permanent ROW and TWS) will vary depending on the ownership, location and nature of existing parallel ROW. Where available and feasible, TWS will also be obtained from existing contiguous ROW to reduce potential disturbances. The pipeline components will require a minimum construction ROW of 32 m for safe and efficient construction. In addition to the minimum construction ROW, further TWS will be required for bends, road and foreign line crossings, graded areas and handling and storing soil material.

During construction, land will be required for temporary infrastructure such as construction camps, borrow pits, access roads, pipe/equipment storage sites, contractor offices/yards and similar construction-related purposes. Land disturbed for these purposes will be reclaimed after construction as required by Crown land permit conditions or as per private agreements with freehold landowners.

In addition to construction ROW, site-specific TWS will be required at highway, railway, road, pipeline and watercourse crossings and at other locations to accommodate pipeline construction activities.



Project Description


The construction ROW and site-specific TWS will be reclaimed after construction. A permanent ROW will be established and maintained for pipeline operations.

2.1.9 Compressor Station Site

The compressor unit addition will have a footprint of approximately 200 m by 300 m at or near to existing NGTL compressor site. Land requirements will be evaluated based on engineering, environmental considerations and stakeholder, landowner and Aboriginal engagement.

In addition to remote monitoring by TransCanada’s OCC, a local safety system automatically shuts down the compressor in case of abnormal operation conditions. These permanent sites are fenced.

Subject to detailed design, the compressor unit addition will include the following:

• foundations • compressor building • mechanical and electrical auxiliary buildings • high-pressure piping • aerial coolers • utility gas • scrubbers • fencing


Section 3 Project Activities


3.0 PROJECT ACTIVITIES

The Project will have the following phases:

• definition • construction and commissioning • operations and maintenance • decommissioning and abandonment

3.1 PROJECT DEFINITION

Work on the Project began in Q2 2018 with the start of preliminary engagement and routing studies. Activities during the definition phase include:

• completing Project planning and preliminary design in sufficient detail for the preparation of regulatory applications, which will include completing route selection and developing survey alignment plans

• initiating and conducting biophysical and socio-economic studies and assessments, including field surveys

• undertaking preliminary engineering design and geotechnical studies and field work

• initiating engagement with potentially affected Aboriginal groups

• initiating consultation with landowners, occupants and Crown disposition holders

• preparing regulatory applications and initiating the regulatory review process

The information in this Project Description is based on conceptual design, intended to initiate development of the Project. It will be refined over time as field and other additional data are collected and assessed, and as engineering and construction planning progresses through preliminary and detailed design.

Ongoing consultation and engagement programs provide information that can inform the final design, as well as commercial negotiations, and environmental and socio-economic assessments.

The Project application for a CPCN under Section 52 of the NEB Act will reflect changes and refinements to the Project that are made after this Project Description is submitted to the NEB. The application, which will include an ESA, is scheduled for filing with the NEB in early Q2 2019.

The Section 52 application will be based on preliminary design, experience constructing and operating pipelines and compressor stations in some of the Project



Project Description


areas for over 35 years and in other parts for as much as 60 years, initial results from desktop data, initial field investigations, and engagement and consultation programs.

3.2 CONSTRUCTION AND IN-SERVICE TIMELINES

Opportunities to optimize the infrastructure, pipeline and facility construction schedule will be pursued throughout the Project development process. Environmental timing windows will be considered during detailed construction planning. Construction is currently planned to occur between Q1 2021 and Q1 2022.

For the preliminary Project schedule, see Figure 3-1.

Figure 3-1: Preliminary Project Schedule

3.3 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE

3.3.1 Health, Safety and Environment

All activities associated with the Project, including health, safety and environmental (HSE) performance will conform to all applicable laws and regulations and will align with the National Energy Board Onshore Pipeline Regulations.

NGTL will address responsibilities for HSE performance through TransCanada’s Operational Management System (TOMS) supporting safety, security, integrity, emergency management and environmental protection programs. This framework will apply to the complete life cycle of the Project, from design and construction, through operations to abandonment. It is reviewed and updated regularly.

Preliminary Project Planning

Aboriginal and Stakeholder Engagement

Environmental and Engineering Field Work

Landowner Engagement and Acquisition

Traditional Knowledge (TK) Studies

Regulatory Review Process

Provincial Regulatory Approvals

Detailed Route Approval Process

Detailed Engineering and Construction Planning

Compression Construction and Commissioning

Pipeline Construction and Commissioning (Summer)

Pipeline Construction and Commissioning (Winter)

Q22022

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1Activity Description 2018 2019 2020 2021

Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q4Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3




3.3.2 System Protection and Controls

Once the proposed Project facilities are placed in service, they will form part of the NGTL System and will be monitored and controlled 24 hours a day from TransCanada’s OCC as part of the NGTL System.

TransCanada’s OCC SCADA system continuously monitors pipeline flow, pressure, temperature and equipment status. The SCADA system alerts the OCC operator of significant operational changes in the pipeline system to enable appropriate action to be taken.

Project facilities will also have local safety systems to react to abnormal operational events or loss of communications.

3.3.3 Emergency Response

Emergency management during Project construction will be governed by the Project-specific Emergency Response Plan, and during operations by TransCanada’s overarching Emergency Management Corporate Program Manual and related operating procedures.

Before the Project facilities are put into operation, TransCanada will work with external emergency response personnel to ensure appropriate:

• communications protocols • operations and product awareness • understanding of TransCanada’s emergency response procedures

These measures help ensure that company emergency plans are coordinated with plans maintained by other affected agencies.

3.3.4 Public Awareness

TransCanada’s existing Public Awareness (PA) program will be applied during the operational life of the Project.

The PA program is designed to increase awareness of pipeline safety and thereby protect the public, environment and TransCanada facilities. The program is intended to reach affected members of the public, landowners, Aboriginal groups, excavators, contractors, emergency response providers and local public officials. It provides education about living and working safely near TransCanada facilities and includes safety messages on special incident response notification and evacuation measures, as appropriate, as well as information about TransCanada’s Integrity Management Program (IMP).



Project Description


3.3.5 Maintenance Programs

TransCanada’s standard preventive maintenance programs will be incorporated in the design and operation of the proposed Project facilities. These programs include:

• aerial surveys and leak detection • internal inspections • CP monitoring • pipeline markers at roads and pipeline watercourse crossings • planned maintenance activities

3.4 DECOMMISSIONING OR ABANDONMENT

Decommissioning or abandonment activities will comply with applicable regulatory requirements in force at that time of decommissioning or abandonment. Additional information will be provided in NGTL’s Section 52 application.


Section 4 Land


4.0 LAND

This section describes the land requirements, ownership, and land use for the Project as well as NGTL’s preliminary engagement activities with landowners, occupants and Crown disposition holders. The land requirements for the Project include:

• permanent Crown and freehold land for the proposed pipeline and associated facilities

• TWS requirements for construction of the pipeline, laydown areas, campsites and stockpile sites

4.1 LAND OWNERSHIP

For the various land types crossed by the pipeline components, see Table 4-1.

Table 4-1: Land Ownership Along Proposed Pipeline Route

Land Type Approximate

Percentage of Land Crossed Private (Freehold) 40 Provincial (Crown) 60 Federal (Crown) 0 Municipal 0

Total 100

The Hidden Lake North Compressor site is located on Provincial (Crown) land. The proposed Hidden Lake Unit Addition is planned to be located at or near to the existing compressor site.

4.1.1 Federally Owned and Administered Land

The Project is not located on any federally owned or administered land.

4.1.2 Consultation with Landowners, Occupants and Crown Disposition Holders

NGTL has identified landowners, occupants and Crown disposition holders along the proposed pipeline routes to:

• provide notice of the proposed Project and its planned scope identify early routing concerns and feedback

• provide notification of engineering and environmental field surveys

Preliminary Engagement started for the Project in Q2 2018. In Q4 2018, landowners, occupants and Crown disposition holders (including trappers and grazing lease

Section 4 Land


Project Description


holders) on the proposed routes were notified of the Project in a project notification package. Further engagement activities will occur throughout Project development to provide additional information to stakeholders and allow them to share their feedback with NGTL. Stakeholders will also be invited to attend open houses for the Project. During all forms of engagement, stakeholders are invited to contact NGTL with any questions, concerns or inquiries.

4.2 LAND USE

Approximately 52% of the lands crossed by the Project components are forested land in the Green Area of Alberta, with 48% within the White Area of Alberta. Forestry and oil and gas development are prominent activities in the surrounding areas.

For a map showing land use in the Project area, see Figure 4-1.

Figure 4-1: Land Use in the Project Area


Section 4 Land


4.2.1 Crown Disposition Holders

The Project will cross several Crown dispositions, including Trapper Permit Areas (TPA) and grazing leases. NGTL has and will continue to consult with Crown disposition holders that have dispositions that are crossed by the Project.

4.2.2 Wildlife Management Units and Watershed Units

There are five Wildlife Management Units (WMU) in the Northern Boreal WMU Series, and two Watershed Units in the Peace River and Hay Watershed/Chinchaga River Fish Management Zones traversed by the Project. These management units are associated with provincial and regional administration of hunting and fishing activities.

4.2.3 Industry

The main industries in the Project area include:

• oil and gas • forestry • agriculture • other activities such as trapping and guiding/outfitting

Oil and gas exploration, development activities and infrastructure in the Project area include:

• seismic exploration • pipelines and related facilities • well sites • gas processing plants • access roads

4.2.4 Recreation

The Project does not cross any parks or protected areas. Outdoor recreational activities such as hunting, hiking and snowmobiling/quading occur throughout the Project area. Recreational fishing occurs in the major watercourses along the Project route.

4.2.5 Reserves Under the Indian Act

The Project does not cross any Indian Reserves, as defined under the Indian Act. For a preliminary list of potentially affected Aboriginal groups, see Section 7.1.1.

Section 4 Land


Project Description


4.2.6 Designated Environmental and Cultural Sites

Portions of the Project traverse lands designated as having the potential to contain archaeological and palaeontological resources. This information as well as past patterns and regional sensitivities are assessed by Alberta Culture and Tourism and a determination is made by this agency as to the scope of any archaeological and/or palaeontological assessments necessary for the Project.

No part of the proposed Project is located on land under the jurisdiction of Parks Canada or in an existing:

• important bird area • national wildlife area • migratory bird sanctuary • other park or protected area


Section 5 Environmental Features


5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL FEATURES

NGTL has been constructing and operating pipelines and compressor stations in the general Project areas for over 35 years and in other parts for as much as 60 years. As a result, NGTL is familiar with the area including the existing conditions as well as the potential environmental and socio-economic effects associated with the construction and operation of these types of facilities.

This Project is located on both freehold land and provincial (Crown) land in the White and Green Areas of the province. The Project is located in the Dry Mixedwood, Central Mixedwood, and Lower Boreal Highlands natural subregions of the Boreal Forest Natural Region (Natural Regions Committee, 2006) (see Figure 5-1). The natural subregions encountered by the Project’s components are presented in Table 5-1.

Table 5-1: Natural Subregions Encountered by Project Components

Project Component Dry Mixedwood Central Mixedwood Lower Boreal

Highlands North Star 2 Section X Red Earth 3 Section X X Bear Canyon Extension Section

X X

Hidden Lake Unit Addition X

Forestry and agriculture are the dominant land uses in the Dry Mixedwood natural subregion. The Central Mixedwood natural subregion is an area known for oil and gas production as well as forestry. The Lower Boreal Highlands natural subregion has extensive forestry operations with little agricultural potential due to the short growing season.

The Project’s potential environmental and socio-economic interactions and effects are outlined in Table 5-2. These potential interactions and effects were developed in consideration of the nature and locations of the Project components, and from technical information in support of previous projects and NGTL’s extensive experience in a wide range of projects including those along the Project corridor. These potential interactions identify possible effects that could result from the Project before the application of mitigation measures to avoid or reduce the potential effects of the Project. NGTL has a broad suite of established mitigation, as well as options for site-specific measures, that are appropriate to reduce or avoid potential effects associated with pipeline and facility construction and operations in the Project area. Technical studies, input from ongoing consultation and engagement, as well as the review of existing data, may result in refinements to the potential interactions and effects prior to filing the Project application.



Project Description


Figure 5-1: Natural Subregions Traversed by the Project




Table 5-2: Preliminary Potential Interactions Table – Key Issues and Potential Adverse Effects

Key Issue Potential Adverse Effect Biophysical Elements Physical Environment Potential adverse effects of the Project on the physical environment include:

• terrain instability • change in topography

Soil and Soil Productivity

Potential adverse effects of the Project on soil and soil productivity include: • decreased soil productivity due to loss of topsoil or mixing of topsoil/strippings

with subsoil • decreased soil productivity due to soil compaction, rutting or pulverization • decreased soil productivity from altered soil moisture or drainage due to trench

subsidence, contouring issues or remnant crown • decreased soil productivity due to loss of soils by water/wind erosion • soil contamination from spot spills or exposure of already contaminated soils

Water Quality and Quantity

Potential adverse effects of the Project on water quality and quantity include: • alteration of natural surface water flow patterns • disruption of streamflow • increased concentrations of suspended solids, erosion of banks and approach

slopes, or withdrawal and release of hydrostatic test water • reduction in groundwater quality and quantity

Air Emissions Potential adverse effects of the Project on air emissions includes: • increase in air emissions

GHG Emissions Potential adverse effects of the Project on GHG emissions includes: • contribution of the Project on GHG emissions

Acoustic Environment Potential adverse effects of the Project on the acoustic environment include: • increase in noise from construction equipment and vehicles • increase in noise during pipeline maintenance activities and operations • increase in noise during compressor station operations

Fish and Fish Habitat Potential adverse effects of the Project on fish and fish habitat include: • alteration or loss of riparian habitat • alteration or loss of instream habitat • fish mortality or injury • blockage of fish movements • interbasin transfer of aquatic organisms

Wetlands Potential adverse effects of the Project on wetlands include: • permanent loss of wetland function at Hidden Lake Unit Addition • alteration of wetland habitat function • alteration of wetland hydrological function • alteration of biogeochemical function in wetlands

Vegetation Potential adverse effects of the Project on vegetation include: • changes to composition of native vegetation • direct or indirect loss or alteration of rare vegetation populations, or rare

ecological communities



Project Description


Table 5-2: Preliminary Potential Interactions Table – Key Issues and Potential Adverse Effects (cont'd)

Key Issue Potential Adverse Effect Vegetation (cont’d) • weed introduction and spread

• introduction and spread of forest pests • loss or alteration of late successional forest

Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat

Potential adverse effects of the Project on wildlife and wildlife habitat include: • loss or alteration of wildlife habitat • changes to wildlife movement • increased wildlife mortality risk

Species at Risk or Species of Special Conservation Status

Potential adverse effects of the Project on species at risk or species of special conservation status include: • loss or alteration of habitat for wildlife species at risk • changes to movement for wildlife species at risk • increased mortality risk for wildlife species at risk

Socio-Economic Elements Human Occupancy and Resource Use

Potential adverse effects of the Project on Human Occupancy and Resource Use include: • disruption of hunting, fishing, trapping and recreational activities • disruption of agricultural activities • loss of forestry resources and reduction of land base for timber harvest • disruption to users of parks and protected areas • alteration of viewsheds

Heritage Resources Potential adverse effects of the Project on heritage resources include: • disturbance of previously unidentified heritage resources during construction

Traditional Land and Resource Use (TLRU)

Potential adverse effects of the Project on TLRU include: • disturbance of use of trails and travelways • disturbance of plant gathering • disturbance of hunting activities • disturbance of fishing activities • disturbance of trapping activities • disturbance of gathering places and sacred sites

Social and Cultural Well-being

Potential adverse effects of the Project on Social and Cultural Well-being includes: • disruption of community life by temporary workers

Human Health Potential adverse effects of the Project on Human Health include: • decline in the health of the local population related to changes in air quality, water

quality or acoustic environment Infrastructure and Services

Potential adverse effects of the Project on infrastructure and services include: • increased traffic volumes because of transporting workers, supplies and

equipment • increased demand for accommodations and recreational facilities • increased demand on emergency, health care and social services • increase in solid, liquid and hazardous waste




Table 5-2: Preliminary Potential Interactions Table – Key Issues and Potential Adverse Effects (cont'd)

Key Issue Potential Adverse Effect Navigation and Navigation Safety

Potential adverse effects of the Project on navigation include: • disruption of watercourse users on navigable watercourses • concern for safety of users on navigable watercourses

Employment and Economy

Potential adverse and positive effects of the Project on employment and economy include: • increased contract procurement opportunities • increased employment opportunities • increased local, provincial and federal revenue

Accidents and Malfunctions Accidents and Malfunctions

Potential accidents, malfunctions and vehicle accidents could cause: • spill of hazardous materials to contaminate or alter water quality, aquatic habitat

(i.e., instream fish habitat and wetlands) or terrestrial habitat (i.e., riparian areas, upland vegetation and wetlands)

• fire causing damage to rare vegetation species or rare ecological communities, organic soils, historical resources, wildlife, water quality, riparian and aquatic habitat, human health and public safety

• damage to property, interruption of services, inconvenience to the public, harm to humans, wildlife, fish or vegetation

Effects of the Environment on the Project Effects of the Environment on the Project

Potential effects of the environment on the Project include: • wildfires and extreme weather events (high winds, flood, high precipitation, and

cold temperatures) have the potential to delay construction and maintenance activities and affect above ground infrastructure

• flooding, which has the potential to result in exposure of or damage to, the pipeline or facility

5.1 KEY ELEMENTS

NGTL will assess all relevant environmental and socio-economic elements listed in the NEB Filing Manual (NEB, 2017) as part of the Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment (ESA) in support of the application. Preliminary routing and siting along with input from stakeholders, landowners and Aboriginal groups combined with NGTL’s experience indicate that there are several potential impacts that are likely to be of interest in the regions where the Project is proposed. The following sections provide a summary of these considerations.

5.1.1 Species at Risk or Species of Special Conservation Status

Species at risk that are federally listed on Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA), Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), or provincially listed under the Alberta Wildlife Act that have potential to occur near the Project, were identified based on a desktop review of available information from the



Project Description


area, species ranges, habitat requirements and professional judgement. No fish or vegetation species at risk are expected to occur in the Project area. A summary of wildlife species at risk that may occur near the Project components is provided in Table 5-3.

The potential effects of the Project on species at risk and their habitat will be assessed as part of the ESA. Appropriate mitigation will be applied to address the potential adverse effects on a species and/or habitat-specific basis.

Table 5-3: Wildlife Species at Risk with Potential to Occur in the Project Area

Species Status

Designation North Star 2

Section Red Earth 3

Section

Bear Canyon Extension

Section Hidden Lake Unit Addition

Mammals Grizzly Bear Threatened1

Special Concern2,3

X -- X X

Little Brown Myotis

Endangered2,3 X X X X

Northern Myotis

Endangered2,3 X X X X

Wolverine Special Concern2,3

X X X X

Wood bison Endangered1

Special Concern2

Threatened3

-- -- -- X

Woodland Caribou

Threatened1,2,3 -- X -- X

Birds Barn swallow Threatened2,3 X X X X Canada warbler

Threatened2,3 X X X --

Common nighthawk

Special Concern2

Threatened3

X X X X

Evening grosbeak

Special Concern2

X X X X

Horned grebe Special Concern2,3

X X X X

Olive-sided flycatcher

Special Concern2

Threatened3

X X X X

Rusty blackbird Special Concern2,3

X X X X




Table 5-3: Wildlife Species at Risk with Potential to Occur in the Project Area (cont'd)

Species Status

Designation North Star 2

Section Red Earth 3

Section

Bear Canyon Extension

Section Hidden Lake Unit Addition

Short-eared owl

Special Concern2,3

X X X X

Yellow rail Special Concern2,3

-- X X --

Amphibians Western Toad Special

Concern2,3 X X X X

Note: 1. Species listed under the Alberta Wildlife Act 2. Species designated by COSEWIC 3. Species listed on Schedule 1 of SARA -- Indicates that the species is not expected to occur

Woodland Caribou

Woodland caribou are listed as Threatened under the Alberta Wildlife Act, Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC). The Red Earth 3 Section will cross the Red Earth caribou range for 14.9 km and will parallel the existing NGTL NCC Mainline.

The Hidden Lake Unit Addition is located at or near the existing Hidden Lake North Compressor Station and an existing high-grade all-weather access road within the Chinchaga caribou range.

A timing restriction of February 15 to July 15 applies for activities within caribou range. NGTL will employ an “early in/early out” approach to reduce disturbance of caribou by initiating construction activities as early as possible in the fall and winter, while working expeditiously to limit late winter activities. A variety of caribou protection measures will be employed as part of NGTL’s environmental protection and management plans. NGTL continues to consult with Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) on caribou habitat recovery. In keeping with established practice, NGTL will prepare a Preliminary Caribou Habitat Restoration and Offset Measures Plan that will outline habitat restoration and offset measures that will be implemented within caribou range, as well as a monitoring plan to measure and document restoration success.

5.1.2 Fish and Fish Habitat

The majority of the Project is located in the Peace River Basin. The Hidden Lake Unit Addition is in the Hay River Basin. Named watercourses crossed by the Project are the Notikewin River, Hunt Creek, Bear Canyon Creek and the Loon River. Sensitive fish species and sportfish known to occur in the Project area include Arctic grayling,



Project Description


walleye and northern pike. Numbers of watercourses and drainages crossed by each pipeline section are the:

• North Star 2 Section crosses two watercourses (one of which is the Notikewin River) and three non-fish bearing drainages

• Red Earth 3 Section crosses three watercourses (including the Loon River and Hunt Creek), three fish-bearing drainages and five non-fish bearing drainages

• Bear Canyon Extension Section crosses one watercourse (Bear Canyon Creek) and one non-fish bearing drainage

No watercourses are located within 30 m of the Hidden Lake Unit Addition.

Many of the watercourses are subject to instream Restricted Activity Periods (RAPs), as determined by fish presence, fisheries management objectives where defined, and applicable provincial criteria. All watercourses and drainages were visited and assessed in summer 2018 during the open water season to assess habitat sensitivity and fish presence.

Proposed watercourse crossing locations, fish presence, anticipated pipeline and vehicle access crossing methods, and a self-assessment of the potential for serious harm after mitigation to commercial, recreational and Aboriginal fisheries will be provided in the ESA in support of the Application for the Project. Final locations, crossing method and timing will be subject to engineering and environmental site evaluations, geotechnical investigations, Aboriginal and stakeholder engagement, land acquisitions and consultation with regulatory authorities.

All watercourse crossings will implement mitigation including Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s (DFO’s) Measures to Avoid Causing Harm to Fish and Fish Habitat (DFO, 2016), and AEP Water Act Codes of Practice to avoid and minimize potential effects on fish and fish habitat (GoA, 2013).

Where self-assessment of the potential for serious harm after mitigation determines that a subsection 35(2) authorization under the Fisheries Act may be required, an application will be made pursuant to the NEB-DFO Memorandum of Understanding (NEB, 2013) and in compliance with the requirements of the Fisheries Act.

NGTL selects crossing locations and techniques using industry-accepted design and installation practices. NGTL conducts site-specific watercourse crossing assessments to determine appropriate crossing methodologies that avoid or reduce the impact of construction activities on watercourses. These assessments include consideration of:




• Site-specific environmental parameters such as fish species present and habitat quality including species at risk; sensitive timing windows and RAPs; wildlife species of management concern, migratory bird nesting, and riparian habitat; and sediment transport.

• Watercourse characteristics such as the width and depth of watercourse at the proposed crossing location; stream flow during the season of installation; topography and ease of access; substrate and bank material; bank stability and height; approach slope gradient and stability; as well as erosion potential, geotechnical considerations and hydrological information.

• Constructability considerations such as the construction duration and season; engineering/constructability requirements; subsurface materials; scour potential and depth of cover requirements; technical limitations (e.g., length of the crossing); watercourse isolation potential and technique; safety considerations and the ability to mitigate for extreme weather events.

• Social and economic considerations including local and adjacent land use, traditional use activities, construction contract strategies.

• Operational and pipeline integrity aspects such as accessing the site for necessary maintenance activities and integrity inspections.

Geotechnical terrain assessments will be undertaken to identify any potential slope stability issues and the geotechnical conditions at select watercourse crossing locations.

5.1.3 Wetlands

Wetlands provide a range of important functions including habitat, hydrological and biogeochemical functions. In Alberta, wetlands are defined as “…land that is saturated with water long enough to promote formation of water altered soils, growth of water tolerant vegetation and various kinds of biological activity which are adapted to wet environments” (AESRD, 2015).

Wetlands will be classified using the Alberta Wetland Classification System (AWCS), which characterizes wetlands into five classes (bog, fen, swamp, marsh and shallow open water) (AESRD, 2015). The Project will likely encounter and be located adjacent to wetlands. To support the Project effects assessment, wetlands will be delineated and mapped using a combination of satellite imagery interpretation, previously collected wetland information for the Project, helicopter overflight and ground surveys at representative wetlands.

The Project will be aligned to reduce potential effects on wetlands, and to meet the intent of the Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation (Government of Canada, 1991)



Project Description


and the Alberta Wetland Policy (AESRD, 2013) by implementing a routing decision framework that takes into consideration the following:

• avoid wetlands, where technically and economically feasible

• reduce the length crossing environmentally sensitive areas, such as protected areas or areas containing vegetation and wildlife habitat for species with special conservation status

• follow existing linear NGTL pipelines, where practical

• where avoidance is not technically and economically feasible, implement construction and reclamation mitigation, as well as NGTL’s standard monitoring, for wetlands that could not be avoided, to document wetland function recovery following construction.

The Project will overlap existing surface dispositions where feasible to reduce the disturbance width.

5.1.4 Traditional Land and Resource Use

The Project may have an effect on Traditional Land and Resource Use (TLRU), which will be assessed as part of the ESA, using a combination of literature review, baseline data collection and engagement with potentially affected Aboriginal groups in the Project area.

NGTL has initiated engagement with potentially affected Aboriginal groups (see Section 7.0). Based on the outcomes of engagement, the results of available Project-specific Traditional Knowledge (TK) studies with interested Aboriginal groups will supplement existing, available information on TLRU in the Project area.

Protocol agreements for the collection of TK will be developed between NGTL, its environmental consultants and each participating Aboriginal group with consideration of the guidance provided in the NEB Filing Manual and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s guidance document Considering Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge in Environmental Assessments Conducted under the CEAA 2012 (CEA Agency, 2015).

5.1.5 Heritage Resources

Heritage resources in Alberta are protected under the Historical Resources Act administered by Alberta Culture and Tourism (ACT). In compliance with the Historical Resources Act, NGTL will conduct any required Historical Resources Impact Assessment (HRIA) for the Project under an Archaeological Research Permit issued by ACT.




The objectives of the archaeological resource studies are as follows:

• Identify and evaluate archaeological, historic and paleontological resources in the regional study area.

• Identify and assess all effects on archaeological, historic and paleontological resources that might result from the Project.

• Recommend viable alternatives for managing unavoidable adverse effects resulting from the Project. Information gathered during the HRIA is to assist the proponent in designing, planning and implementing a suitable approach to the Project as it concerns archaeological resources.

5.1.6 Socio-Economic Effects

Communities near the Project development area include:

• Town of Manning (North Star 2 Section and Hidden Lake Unit Addition) • Hamlet of Red Earth Creek (Red Earth 3 Section) • City of Fort St. John (Bear Canyon Extension Section)

These communities support activities in the forestry, oil and gas, mining and agricultural sectors, and are centres for regional and provincial resource and land use agency offices. NGTL has existing operations in, and has maintained active stakeholder and Aboriginal engagement programs, throughout the Project development area.

Socio-economic effects will be assessed as part of the ESA, using a combination of baseline data collection and technical discussions with Aboriginal groups and local stakeholders (e.g., municipal/provincial agencies, landowners and local land users).

Baseline data collection through desktop research will provide an information base about the Project area and socio-economic conditions. Sources of baseline data include municipal websites, Statistics Canada census, an Alberta Geographic Land Information Management Planning System (GLIMPS) search, a review of previous ESAs, and other publicly available reference material. These data will be used, in part, to formulate questions for the technical discussions (via telephone calls, emails and face-to-face meetings). The goals of these discussions are to:

• provide insight into local issues and concerns relating to the Project

• provide the necessary information for recommendations for appropriate mitigation and enhancement measures that address community needs and are within the scope of potential Project effects

• confirm information collected through baseline data collection

• provide supplemental information



Project Description


The quantitative economic effects resulting from the Project (e.g., Gross Domestic Product, employment, labour income and fiscal effects) will be estimated using the Statistics Canada interprovincial input-output model (Statistics Canada 2014).


Section 6 Stakeholder Engagement


6.0 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

This section describes TransCanada’s approach to stakeholder engagement, which provides stakeholders an opportunity to review and share input on the proposed Project. It also provides the principles and goals that TransCanada used in designing its stakeholder engagement program and describes how that program is being implemented for the Project as it evolves.

For a description of the Aboriginal engagement program for the Project, see Section 7.0.

6.1 PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The stakeholder engagement program for the Project has been designed, and is being conducted, in accordance with TransCanada’s commitment to being a good neighbour by building and maintaining positive relationships with the people who reside near its operations.

Preliminary Engagement with stakeholders commenced in Q2 2018. In Q4 2018, stakeholders along the proposed routes were notified of the Project in a project notification package. Engagement activities will continue to evolve for the duration of the Project and will be evaluated and adjusted to reflect inputs received.

The program is intended to enable the development and maintenance of positive relationships by:

• providing clear, relevant and timely information about TransCanada, NGTL and the Project

• identifying, and responding to, concerns of community leaders and other interested stakeholders

• providing an opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback on the Project

• answering stakeholder questions about TransCanada, NGTL and the Project

• fostering relationships between TransCanada, NGTL and communities along the proposed route

• ensuring NEB engagement process requirements are met or exceeded

Engagement activities and communication tools include:

• Project email box ([email protected])

• Project webpage (https://www.transcanada.com/north-corridor-expansion

• Project toll-free telephone number (1-844-656-1374)

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.transcanada.com/north-corridor-expansion



Project Description


• Project-specific fact sheets and letters (see Appendix A)

• TransCanada program materials (community investment, pipeline integrity, Stakeholder Engagement Commitment Statement, stakeholder brochures)

• personal contact with stakeholders, including face-to-face meetings

• newspaper and radio advertisements

• open houses

• participation at community events/trade shows

• participation in regional synergy groups

• presentations

• online engagement

6.2 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The engagement program for the Project will be accomplished in four phases:

• preliminary stakeholder identification, early engagement and material development

• stakeholder notification and continued stakeholder engagement

• execution planning, local business engagement, and construction

• transition to operations

6.2.1 Stakeholder Identification, Early Engagement and Material Development

Using a combination of desktop research and existing contacts, NGTL has identified potential stakeholders and potentially interested stakeholder groups in the Project area. Additional stakeholder identification is accomplished through ongoing consultation with local governments, government agencies, and individual community members, and provides stakeholders with the opportunity to self-identify through public engagement. Early engagement with stakeholders has informed the development of stakeholder lists and engagement plans in support of NGTL’s broad Project engagement with the public.

6.2.2 Stakeholder Notification and Engagement

In Q4 2018, potentially impacted stakeholders along the proposed routes were notified of the Project in a project notification package. The notification provided information such as the proposed Project routes and siting, and allowed stakeholders to identify regional interests and concerns prior to finalizing the pipeline routes. In




addition, NGTL has provided information regarding the NEB regulatory review process and the means through which the public can participate in the development of the Project and the regulatory process.

As the Project evolves, stakeholders will be provided with a variety of means to receive and obtain additional information about the Project, and to provide feedback, including updated maps and fact sheets, open house events, and presentations to local governments.

Throughout the engagement process, NGTL will work with stakeholders to address questions or concerns that may arise and collaborate on potential solutions.

6.2.3 Execution Planning, Local Business Engagement and Construction

Prior to construction, NGTL will engage with key local business groups, including chambers of commerce and economic development agencies, in nearby communities to help ensure that interested vendors are aware of the local economic benefits generated by the Project and opportunities to participate, where possible.

NGTL also maintains communication with identified stakeholders through the construction planning process to provide updates on expected activity timing. Throughout construction, NGTL remains available to address questions or concerns that may arise.

6.2.4 Transition to Operations

Stakeholder engagement activities for the Project will be transitioned to the PA program for operations (see Section 3.3.4).

To help ensure a seamless transition to the PA program, the process begins during community engagement for the Project. The PA program for the Project is implemented by NGTL’s Project team, followed by a transition to operations with contact information provided for an identified Community and Indigenous Relations Liaison.

6.3 STAKEHOLDERS

6.3.1 Community and Government Stakeholders

NGTL is engaging with a broad range of community and government stakeholders on the Project, including:

• community members • municipal leaders and representatives • provincial and federally elected officials



Project Description


• government agencies and representatives • local user and recreational groups • Chambers of Commerce and economic development agencies

6.3.2 Municipalities

NGTL has identified potentially affected municipalities in the vicinity of the proposed pipeline routes and facility additions. The following municipalities in Alberta were engaged:

• County of Northern Lights • Northern Sunrise County • Municipal District (MD) of Opportunity • Clear Hills County

6.3.3 Land and Water Users

To identify land users, occupants and Crown disposition holders, NGTL uses desktop research, and land users are additionally identified through the stakeholder and landowner engagement programs. Land users were notified of the Project and have been invited to contact NGTL with any questions, concerns or inquiries, and will be informed of any Project schedule changes.

Groups and individuals that NGTL seeks to identify and engage include:

• navigable water users • trappers • guides and outfitters • grazing lease holders and other disposition holders

6.4 PRELIMINARY COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Consistent communication between NGTL and stakeholders will ensure that feedback is responded to in a timely manner and that concerns will be considered in project planning. NGTL, through its current operations and other capital projects near the Project, has built productive and respectful relationships with communities and local officials representing the areas in which it does business. NGTL utilizes these existing relationships with communities in areas potentially affected by the Project to share information and gather feedback. Areas of interest identified through the ongoing engagement include:

• community consultation capacity

• location and method of waterbody crossings

• protection of surface water resources




• efficient use of surface water for winter construction and access

• visual effects of pipeline construction

• employment and training

• maximizing economic benefits to the communities through local contracting and hiring

• traffic safety management

Engagement with community stakeholders specific to this Project thus far has identified the following areas of interest and potential concerns:

• location of worker camp sites and pipeline and equipment storage sites

• impacts on regional planning and forecasted development

• impacts on local infrastructure including municipal roads and water sources

• impacts on community services



Project Description



Section 7 Aboriginal Engagement Program


7.0 ABORIGINAL ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM

7.1 ABORIGINAL ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW

TransCanada’s Aboriginal Relations Policy outlines the guiding principles for the Project’s engagement program and builds on TransCanada’s values of Safety, Integrity, Responsibility and Collaboration. These values guide the engagement with Aboriginal groups. For this Project, NGTL adopted TransCanada’s policies, principles and practices in the design and implementation of the Aboriginal engagement program.

The goals of the Aboriginal engagement program for the Project are to anticipate, prevent, mitigate and manage conditions that have the potential to affect Aboriginal groups. NGTL strives to meet this goal by:

• establishing a practical approach for the implementation of Project-specific engagement activities

• initiating engagement activities as soon as possible in the planning of the Project

• providing clear, relevant and timely information to potentially affected Aboriginal groups

• responsively closing the loop in engagement activities and addressing, as appropriate, the concerns raised by each potentially affected Aboriginal group

The design of NGTL’s engagement program is consistent with the NEB’s guidance on consultation as set out in its Filing Manual.

7.1.1 Identification of Potentially Affected Aboriginal Groups

NGTL initially identified potentially affected Aboriginal groups based on the location of the Project within asserted traditional territories, regional boundaries and/or areas of interest. This initial identification was compiled through a combination of desktop research, NGTL’s own operating experience, including past projects in the region, existing agreements and an established network of contacts with Aboriginal groups in the Project area.

Aboriginal groups identified by NGTL for preliminary Project engagement were then contacted by NGTL to confirm:

• receipt of the project notification package • the level of interest in the Project • the primary point of contact for engagement



Project Description


These Aboriginal groups will also be provided with copies of this Project Description. The list of Aboriginal groups engaged on the Project may continue to evolve as NGTL’s engagement with potentially affected Aboriginal groups and regulatory agencies proceeds.

The potentially affected Aboriginal groups currently engaged on the Project are provided in Table 7-1. For the locations of potentially affected Aboriginal groups, see Figure 7-1.

Table 7-1: Preliminary List of Potentially Affected Aboriginal Groups

Type Name First Nations Beaver First Nation

Bigstone Cree Nation

Dene Tha' First Nation Doig River First Nation Driftpile Cree Nation Duncan’s First Nation Horse Lake First Nation Loon River First Nation Peerless Trout First Nation Sucker Creek First Nation Swan River First Nation Tall Cree First Nation

First Nation Organizations Nose Creek Community Métis Organizations and Locals

Cadotte Lake Métis Métis Nation of Alberta Métis Nation of Alberta Region 5 Métis Nation of Alberta Region 6

Métis Settlement General Council East Prairie Métis Settlement Gift Lake Métis Settlement Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement Peavine Métis Settlement

7.1.2 Aboriginal Engagement Feedback

Engagement with Aboriginal groups began in Q3 2018. Engagement with the Aboriginal groups initially included provision of Project information for their review, follow-up phone calls and emails to discuss any questions and concerns they may have about Project activities and providing an opportunity for interested Aboriginal groups to conduct a TK study for the proposed expansion options.




On November 8, 2018, Project notification packages providing notice of NGTL’s intent to file a Section 52 application with the Board were sent to potentially affected Aboriginal groups listed above. Included with the Project notification packages were:

• Project introduction letter, a Project fact sheet (see Appendix A), including a Project overview map

• TransCanada brochure: Aboriginal Relations (see Appendix B)

• NEB brochure: Information for Proposed Pipeline or Power Line Projects That Involve a Hearing (see Appendix C)

Following the initial Project notification, NGTL then engaged in discussions with the potentially affected Aboriginal groups to understand their specific capacity and resourcing needs for engagement on the Project.

Each group may have different processes or means of gathering and sharing information. NGTL tailors its approach to gathering information from groups to meet a group’s specific needs, and where appropriate provides reasonable resources to support participation in Project engagement activities.

NGTL continues to actively engage with potentially affected Aboriginal groups and to respond to questions and concerns, and ongoing engagement activities will continue with the intent to:

• address any Project-related questions or concerns • progress work plans that provide capacity funding for communities • understand interests in employment and contracting opportunities • continue to gather input through ongoing engagement activities



Project Description


Figure 7-1: Location of Potentially Affected Aboriginal Groups


Section 8 Regulatory Authorizations


8.0 REGULATORY AUTHORIZATIONS

8.1 FEDERAL AUTHORIZATIONS

In addition to approvals under the NEB Act, other federal approvals and authorizations might be required for the Project.

For a preliminary list of federal approvals and authorizations, see Table 8-1. A final list will be developed in consultation with federal authorities as Project design and construction planning progresses.

Table 8-1: Preliminary List of Federal Regulatory Approvals and Authorizations

Department Authority Approval DFO 1 Subsection 35(2) of the

Fisheries Act Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the NEB and DFO, the NEB will assess potential effects of the Project on fish or fish habitat and aquatic species at risk.

If the NEB determines that a project could result in serious harm to fish or fish habitat, or adverse effects on species at risk, the NEB will notify DFO that a Fisheries Act and/or SARA permit might be required.

NEB 1 Section 109 of NEB Act Approval to install a pipeline along, or under, navigable water.

Subsection 6(1) of the Navigation Protection Act

If required, approval to install a permanent access road crossing structure on, or across, navigable water.

Note: 1. Responsibility for Inland Fisheries and Transport Canada permitting were transitioned to the NEB

under MOU’s.

8.2 PROVINCIAL AUTHORIZATIONS

Various authorizations under provincial legislation might be required to undertake activities ancillary to, but necessary for, Project construction and operations.

For a preliminary list of Alberta approvals and authorizations, see Table 8-2. Final lists will be developed in consultation with provincial authorities as Project design and construction planning progresses.

Section 8 Regulatory Authorizations


Project Description


Table 8-2: Preliminary List of Alberta Regulatory Approvals and Authorizations

Department Authority Approval Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP)

Public Lands Act Surface dispositions for pipeline ROW and facility sites (e.g., Department License of Occupation [DPL}, Department Pipeline Installation Lease (DPI]), and Temporary Field Authorizations (TFA) for workspace and access on Crown land.

Wildlife Land Use Guidelines

Key Wildlife and Biodiversity Zone Plan and Caribou Protection Plan.

Forest and Prairie Protection Act

License approval to burn cleared debris.

Water Act Watercourse Crossings Notification form for pipeline watercourse crossing and any non-exempt temporary vehicle/equipment crossing. Wetland is defined as a waterbody under the act triggering the use of the Watercourse Crossing Notifications Form and applicable Codes of Practice.

Water Act Code of Practice for Pipeline Hydrostatic Testing Water Act Code of Practice for the Release of Hydrostatic Test Water from Hydrostatic Testing of Petroleum Liquid and Gas Pipelines

Codes of Practice Notification form for temporary diversion of water and release of hydrostatic test water.

Alberta Culture and Tourism

Historical Resources Act Clearance for pipeline ROW (via Statement of Justification and Historical Resources Impact Assessment).

8.3 REGIONAL AND MUNICIPAL APPROVALS

A variety of permits and authorizations from regional, municipal and other local authorities might be required, as well as from private third-party utilities, railway and pipeline companies. These approvals will be confirmed as Project planning and design progress.

Typical regional, municipal and other local government approvals include:

• electrical permits for compression facilities, if required • access road permits • permissions to cross county and regional district roads • water use • approvals for industrial camps • development and/or temporary building permits


Section 9 Distribution Lists


9.0 DISTRIBUTION LISTS

This section provides the initial distribution lists for this Project Description.

The distribution lists of federal and provincial government department and agency recipients, and other authorities, were developed based on publicly available information and the collective experience of NGTL and its environmental consultants.

9.1 FEDERAL AUTHORITIES

For the federal government recipients of this Project Description, see Table 9-1.

Table 9-1: Federal Government Recipients of Project Description

Department Contact Contact Information Environment and Climate Change Canada

Head, Environmental Assessment South 123 Main Street Room 150 2nd Floor Winnipeg, MB R3C 4W2

Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Senior Habitat Biologist – Alberta District Burlington (Canada Centre for Inland Waters) 867 Lakeshore Rd Burlington ON L7S 1A1

Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada

Regional Subject Expert for the Prairie Provinces Consultation and Accommodation Unit

10 Wellington, 5-H, 5 Floor Gatineau, QC

Natural Resources Canada

Senior Environmental Assessment Officer – Environmental Assessment Group

580 Booth Street 11 Floor, Room C7C7-1 Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4

Director General, Operations, Major Projects Management Office

155 Queen Street, 2 Floor Ottawa, ON K1A 0E4

9.2 PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES

For the Alberta government recipients of this Project Description, see Table 9-2.

Table 9-2: Alberta Government Recipients of Project Description

Department Contact Contact Information Alberta Culture and Tourism

Martina Purdon Head, Regulatory Approvals and Information Management Archaeological Survey Section

Old St. Stephen’s College 8820 – 112 Street Edmonton, AB T6G 2P8

Alberta Environment and Parks

Don Williams Operations Unit Head Regional Integrated Approvals

Box 749, 400 – 2 Street SW Manning, AB T0H 2M0



Project Description


Table 9-2: Alberta Government Recipients of Project Description (cont'd)

Department Contact Contact Information Alberta Environment and Parks (cont’d) Jeff Poeckens

Land Management Specialist Bag 900-04 1st Floor Provincial Building 9621 – 96 Avenue Peace River, AB T8S 1T4

Chris Grainger Lands Officer

Bag 900-04 1st Floor Provincial Building 9621 – 96 Avenue Peace River, AB T8S 1T4

Natalka Melnycky Wildlife Biologist

Bag 900-26 1st Floor Provincial Building 9621 – 96 Avenue Peace River, AB T8S 1T4

Chris Briggs Senior Fisheries Biologist

Bag 900-04 1st Floor Provincial Building 9621 – 96 Avenue Peace River, AB T8S 1T4Box 23

9.3 OTHER AUTHORITIES

For other authorities who will receive copies of this document, see Table 9-3.

Table 9-3: Other Authorities Receiving Project Description

Authority Contact Information County of Northern Lights Theresa Van Oort, Chief Administrative Officer

#600 – 7 Avenue NW Manning, Alberta T0H 2M0

Northern Sunrise County Cindy Millar, Chief Administrative Officer 135 Sunrise Road Peace River, Alberta T8S 1Y9

MD of Opportunity William Kostiw, Chief Administrative Officer 2077 Mistassiniy Road North Wabasca, Alberta T0G 2K0

Clear Hills County Allan Rowe, Chief Administrative Officer Box 240 Worsley, AB T0H 3W0

9.4 ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS

As discussed in Section 7.1.1, NGTL developed an initial list of Aboriginal groups potentially affected by the Project. The Aboriginal groups on the list have been notified about the Project and will be provided with copies of this Project Description (see Table 9-4).




Table 9-4: Potentially Affected Aboriginal Groups Recipients of Project Description

Aboriginal Community Contact Contact Information Beaver First Nation Kieran Broderick, Land & Resource

Advisor Nevada Kipling, Consultation Assistant Dustin Thacker, Lands Consultation Officer

PO Box 270 High Level, AB T0H 1Z0

Bigstone Cree Nation Troy Stuart, Land Manager Cindy Noskiye, Environment Officer Jamie Auger, Lands Officer

PO Box 960 Wabasca, AB T0G2K0

Cadotte Lake Métis Barry Nooskey, President Wendy Goulet

PO Box 7382 Peace River, AB T8S1T1

Dene Tha' First Nation Matthew Munson, Manager Lands & Environment Fred Didzena, Director of Lands Department Baptiste Metchooyeah, Consultation Manager

PO Box 120 Chateh, AB T0H 0S0

Doig River First Nation Cec Heron, Lands Manager Shona Nelson, Lands Department Laureen Whyte, Arbutus Consulting Dave Flanders, Urban Systems

PO Box 56 Rose Prairie, B V0C 2H0

Driftpile First Nation Karl Robin Giroux, Consultation Director PO Box 30 Driftpile, AB T0G 0V0

Duncan's First Nation Adreanne Lawrence, Land Technician Ken Rich, Director of Lands Tom Green, Chief Executive Officer

PO Box 148 Brownvale, AB T0H 0L0

East Prairie Métis Settlement Brian Supernault, Consultation Coordinator Kristal Howse, Consultation Coordinator Assistant

PO Box 1289 High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0

Gift Lake Métis Settlement Carol Anderson, Interim Consultation Officer Iner Gauchier, Consultation Office

PO Box 60 Gift Lake, AB T0G 1B0

Horse Lake First Nation Casey Horseman, HR Manager/finance Coordinator Erin Peters, Consultation Consultant Farrah Grey, HR Manager Sylvia Anderson, Consultation Coordinator

PO Box 18 Hythe, AB T0H 2C0

Loon River First Nation Eva Whitehead, Manager Dorra Noskiye, GIS Tech

PO Box 189 Red Earth Creek, AB T0G 1X0

Métis Nation of Alberta Pam Billey, Consultation Director 100 Delia Grey Building, 11738 Kingsway Ave Edmonton, AB T5G 0X5



Project Description


Table 9-4: Potentially Affected Aboriginal Groups Recipients of Project Description (cont'd) Aboriginal Community Contact Contact Information

Métis Nation of Alberta Region 5 Elmer Gullion, President Walter Andreef

PO Box 1787 Slave Lake, AB T0G 2A0

Métis Nation of Alberta Region 6 Carol Risdale, President Garrett Tomlinson, Regional Consultation Coordinator

9621 - 90 Avenue Peace River, AB T8S 1G8

Métis Settlements General Council

Gerald Cunningham, President 10335 172 St NW Edmonton, AB T5S 1K9

Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement Justin Gaudet, Consultation Coordinator

PO Box 58 Paddle Prairie, AB T0H 2W0

Peavine Métis Settlement Mark Sinclair, Consultation Coordinator Bag 4 High Prairie, AB T0G 1E0

Peerless Trout First Nation Clifford Star, Government and Industry Relations

PO Box 128 Peerless Lake, AB T0G 2W0

Sucker Creek First Nation Kendra Calliou, Consultation Coordinator, Mark Calliou, SCFN Group of Companies Rose Wong, Consultation Advisor

PO Box 65 Enilda, AB T0G 0W0

Swan River First Nation Ryan Davis, Consultation Director Loretta Chalifoux, Consultation Assistant Dustin Twin, Councilor

PO Box 270 Kinuso, AB T0G 1K0

Tall Cree First Nation Mike Cardinal, Band Manager Bernie Meneen, Consolation Director

PO Box 100 Fort Vermillion, AB T0H 1N0


Section 10 References Cited


10.0 REFERENCES CITED

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD). 2013. Alberta Wetland Policy. Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. Edmonton, Alberta. p. 25.

Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (AESRD). 2015. Alberta Wetland Classification System. Water Policy Branch, Policy and Planning Division, Edmonton, Alberta.

Canadian Environmental Assessment (CEA) Agency. 2015. Operational Policy Statement: Considering Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge in Environmental Assessments Conducted under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012. March 2015. Accessed November 2018. https://www.canada.ca/en/environmental-assessment-agency/services/policy-guidance/considering-aboriginal-traditional-knowledge-environmental-assessments-conducted-under-canadian-environmental-assessment-act-2012.html

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). 2016. Measures to Avoid Causing Harm to Fish and Fish Habitat. Accessed November 2018. http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pnw-ppe/measures-mesures/measures-mesures-eng.html.

Government of Alberta. 2013a. Code of Practice for Pipelines and Telecommunication Lines Crossing a Water Body. Accessed November 2018. http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/codes/PIPELINE.pdf.

Government of Alberta. 2013b. Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossings. Accessed November 2018. http://www.qp.alberta.ca/documents/codes/CROSSING.pdf.

Government of Canada. 1991. The Federal Policy on Wetland Conservation. Cat. No. CW66-116/1991E. Environment Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa, Ontario. 13 pp.

National Energy Board (NEB). 2013. Memorandum of Understanding between the National Energy Board and Fisheries and Oceans Canada for Cooperation and Administration of the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act Related to Regulating Energy Infrastructure. December 16, 2013. Accessed December 2018. http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/bts/ctrg/mmrndm/2013fshrcnscnd-eng.html

National Energy Board (NEB). 2017. Filing Manual. Inclusive of Release 2017-01 (July 2017). Calgary, Alberta.

https://www.canada.ca/en/environmental-assessment-agency/services/policy-guidance/considering-aboriginal-traditional-knowledge-environmental-assessments-conducted-under-canadian-environmental-assessment-act-2012.html




Section 10 References Cited


Project Description


Natural Regions Committee. 2006. Natural Regions and Subregions of Alberta. Publication Number T/852. Compiled by D.J. Downing and W.W. Pettapiece. Government of Alberta. 254 pp.

Statistics Canada. 2014. Input-Output Model Simulations (Interprovincial Model), 2010. February 10, 2014.

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. North Corridor Expansion Project Project Description Glossary

January 2019 Page GL-1

AB Alberta

AC alternating current

ACT Alberta Culture and Tourism

AEP Alberta Environment and Parks

AESRD Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development

AWCS Alberta Wetland Classification System

BC British Columbia

Board National Energy Board, see also NEB

CEAA 2012 Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012

COSEWIC Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada

CP cathodic protection

CPCN Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

DFO Fisheries and Oceans Canada

DPI Department License of Occupation

DPL Department Pipeline Installation Lease

ECCC Environment and Climate Change Canada

ESA Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment

FT-D firm transportation – delivery

GHG greenhouse gas emissions

GLIMPS Alberta Geographic Land Information Management Planning System

HRIA Historical Resources Impact Assessment

HSE health, safety and environment

Glossary


Project Description

Page GL-2 January 2019

ILI in-line inspection

IMP Integrity Management Program

km kilometre

MD municipal district

MLV mainline valve

MOU memorandum of understanding

NCC North Central Corridor

NEB National Energy Board, see also Board

NGTL NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.

NPS nominal pipe size

OCC Operations Control Centre

OD outside diameter

PA public awareness

PFP Participant Funding Program

Project North Corridor Expansion Project

PRPA Peace River Project Area

RAP restricted activity period

ROW right-of-way

SARA Species at Risk Act

SCADA supervisory control and data acquisition

TFA Temporary Field Authorizations

TK traditional knowledge

TLRU traditional land and resource use

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. North Corridor Expansion Project Project Description Glossary

January 2019 Page GL-3

TOMS TransCanada’s Operational Management System

TPA trapper permit area

TransCanada TransCanada PipeLines Limited

TWS temporary workspace

VC valued component

WCSB Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin

WMU wildlife management unit

Glossary

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.North Corridor Expansion Project

Project Description

Page GL-4 January 2019

Appendix A

January 2019

Appendix A

Project-Specific Fact Sheet and Letters


Calgary

Medicine Hat

Edmonton

GrandePrairie

FortMcMurray

Alberta

HIDDEN LAKE NORTH COMPRESSOR STATION UNIT ADDITION

NORTH CENTRAL CORRIDOR LOOP(NORTH STAR 2 SECTION)

NORTH CENTRAL CORRIDOR LOOP(RED EARTH 3 SECTION)

NORTHWEST MAINLINE

LOOP NO. 2 (BEAR

CANYON EXTENSION

SECTION)

Project Details

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL), a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada) is proposing to construct, own, and operate the North Corridor Expansion (Project). This project in northern Alberta is required to expand pipeline capacity for the transportation of natural gas from the Peace River Project Area (PRPA) to growing markets located in northeastern Alberta. The Project consists of three pipeline components and one compressor station unit addition.

Proposed ProjectNorth Corridor Expansion Project

Project Schedule

Q2 2018 Began early Aboriginal and stakeholder engagement

Q3 2018 Commenced survey and field studies

Q1 2019 Anticipate filing a Project Description with the NEB

Q2 2019 Anticipate filing a Section 52 application with the NEB

Q1 2021 Subject to regulatory approval, commence construction activities

Q2 2022 Anticipate construction to be complete and placed into service

Stakeholder Engagement

We will be engaging with potentially affected and interested stakeholders through various forms of communications including meetings, phone calls and emails, brochures and information packages and more.

TransCanada invites stakeholders to share their questions and concerns with us so that we can provide information, follow-up on concerns, and consider feedback as part of project planning. We document the entire stakeholder engagement process including the issues raised by stakeholders and the ways we address these issues.

TransCanada is proud of the relationships we have built with our neighbours over the last 65 years. TransCanada’s four core values of safety, integrity, responsibility and collaboration are at the heart of our commitment to stakeholder engagement. These values guide us in our interactions with our stakeholders.

Aboriginal Engagement

Building and maintaining relationships with Aboriginal communities near our proposed projects and existing facilities has long been an integral part of TransCanada’s business.

Through ongoing information sharing, Aboriginal groups are able to share their concerns and interests with TransCanada, which we consider as part of project planning. TransCanada also strives to create opportunities that support Aboriginal group participation through community investment, scholarships and partnering with community contractors and businesses.

Natural Gas PipelineNatural Gas Pipeline In DevelopmentCompressor Station In Development

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.North Corridor Expansion ProjectProject Description Appendix A



NCC Loop (North Star 2 Section)

The North Central Corridor (NCC) Loop (North Star 2 Section) is an NPS 48, 24 kilometre (km) pipeline located approximately 20 km north of Manning, Alberta in the County of Northern Lights. This component of the Project would begin at NE 36-93-24 W5M and end at NW 20-93-21 W5M.

NWML Loop No. 2 (Bear Canyon Extension Section)

The Northwest Mainline (NWML) Loop No. 2 (Bear Canyon Extension Section) is an NPS 36, 25 km pipeline located 50 km southwest of Worsley, Alberta in Clear Hills County. This component of the Project would begin at SE 10-83-12 W6M and end at NW 13-85-13 W6M.

NCC Loop (Red Earth 3 Section)

The NCC Loop (Red Earth 3 Section) is an NPS 48, 32 km pipeline located approximately 45 km north of Red Earth Creek, Alberta in Northern Sunrise County and the MD of Opportunity. This component of the Project would begin at SW 33-91-8 W5M and end at SE 8-91-5 W5M.

Hidden Lake North Compressor Station Unit Addition

NGTL is also proposing to construct a 30 megawatt unit addition at the existing Hidden Lake North Compressor Station, located at SW 32-96-11 W6M approximately 100 km north of Worsley, Alberta in Clear Hills County.

HOTCHKISS

HOTCHKISSSTATION

741

35

COUNTY OFNORTHERN

LIGHTS

RENE CREEK

SOLDAR CREEK

GRAVINA CREEK

HOTCHKISS RIVER

HotchkissRiver

Meikle River

PeaceRiver

NotikewinRiver

93 - 22 - W5M93 - 24 - W5M

93 - 21 - W5M

93 - 23 - W5M

94 - 22 - W5M94 - 24 - W5M

92 - 23 - W5M

94 - 21 - W5M94 - 23 - W5M

35

741

Hotchkiss

County ofNorthern Lights

Soldar Creek

Hotchkiss River

NotikewinRiver

Meikle River

Gravina Creek

Rene Creek

NORTH CENTRALCORRIDOR LOOP

(NORTH STAR 2 SECTION)

64

717

Moonlight Creek

Clear River

Peace River

Boundary Lake

Ole’s Lake

NORTHWEST MAINLINE LOOP NO. 2 (BEAR

CANYON EXTENSION SECTION)

Clear Hills County

Silver Valley Ecological

Reserve

88

Northern SunriseCounty M.D. of Opportunity

No. 17

Loon River

Hunt Creek

NORTH CENTRALCORRIDOR LOOP

(RED EARTH 3 SECTION)

HIDDEN LAKE NORTH COMPRESSOR STATION UNIT ADDITION

County ofNorthern Lights

Clear Hills County

Chinchaga River

Lennard Creek

Werniuk Creek

Tanghe Creek

Mearon Creek

Mearon Lake

Natural Gas PipelineNatural Gas Pipeline In DevelopmentCompressor StationMeter Staion






Community Benefits

The proposed Project will offer short-term and long-term economic benefits and help strengthen the economy on a local, provincial and national level.

Employment Opportunities – Construction will require the services of equipment operators, welders, mechanics, truck drivers, labourers and more.

Business Opportunities – Pipeline construction will create demand for local goods and services including food and accommodation, hardware, industrial parts, automotive parts and servicing, fuel and more.

Annual Revenue to Support Local Services – Project construction will result in tax payments to municipal, provincial and federal governments. When the Project is operational, annual tax payments will help support schools and hospitals, emergency services, recreation facilities, recycling programs and other local programs vital to sustaining communities.

Investment in Local Communities – Through our engagement with people in the areas we work, we will identify areas where we can help build stronger, safer and more vibrant communities through local partnerships and initiatives.

Building Stronger Communities

TransCanada awards contracts to qualified pipeline construction contractors through a competitive bid process, and works with them to provide local employment opportunities. Building stronger communities TransCanada awards contracts to qualified pipeline construction contractors through a competitive bid process, and works with them to provide employment local opportunities. We are proud of the local partnerships we have formed in communities where we operate, and we will continue to invest in these communities.

Environmental Considerations and Management of Potential Project Effects

TransCanada is committed to protecting the environment. As part of our corporate commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance with regulatory processes, TransCanada collects and analyzes environmental information to better understand and manage the potential effects of its projects. TransCanada collects data on a number of environmental elements including, but not limited to, soils and terrain, wildlife and wildlife habitat, vegetation and wetlands, fish and fish habitat, heritage resources, air emissions and acoustic environment, and socio-economic considerations such as land and resource use, infrastructure and services, and social and cultural well-being. This information is then considered during project planning and is used to develop the Project-specific Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment (ESA).

With the support of technical specialists, TransCanada carefully evaluates the potential project effects and implements proven and effective environmental protection and mitigation measures to minimize or avoid those effects. While all reasonable efforts are made to avoid effects, when they do occur they are typically temporary in nature. If effects are anticipated to last beyond construction they are subject to ongoing mitigation and reclamation

efforts. An Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) is developed to identify the necessary environmental protection measures to be implemented for the Project, which ensures responsible construction and results in a return to equivalent land capability.

What to Expect During Construction and Beyond

During construction, there will be an increase in traffic flow in and around the Project area. There will be heavy equipment onsite for use in earth moving, material handling/hauling, welding and testing. After the facilities have been constructed, there will be minimal traffic associated with ongoing operations and maintenance. Strict adherence to construction plans and commitments in the EPP will ensure that the effects of construction activities on local communities are minimized. Construction activities typically generate a certain amount of noise. TransCanada will work to meet applicable limits on noise throughout construction and ongoing operations.

Once construction has been completed, the land will be reclaimed to an equivalent land capability. Measures will be taken to prevent topsoil/surface material loss from wind and water erosion, and to establish a vegetative cover that is compatible with surrounding vegetation and land use.

Once construction has been completed, the land surface will be reclaimed. On freehold lands, landowners will have the right to fully use and enjoy the right-of-way subject to the terms of the right-of-way agreement and the National Energy Board Act and National Energy Board Damage Prevention Regulations. Crossing a pipeline with an agricultural vehicle is authorized if it meets the conditions of the National Energy Board Damage Prevention Regulations. Activities that do not require authorizations are: cultivation to a depth of less than 45 cm below the surface of the ground; or any other activity to a depth of less than 30 cm and that does not result in a reduction of the earth cover over the pipeline to a depth that is less than the cover provided when the pipeline was constructed.

Pipeline Safety

For more than 65 years, TransCanada has been a leader in the safe and reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure. From design to construction, to operations and maintenance, safety is integral to everything we do.

We use high quality steel and industry-leading welding techniques throughout our pipeline system to ensure we meet or exceed industry standards. We take additional safety precautions when the pipeline crosses roads, railways, waterways and communities.

During construction, welds are checked by x-ray and/or ultrasonic inspection methods and then we pressure-test the pipe, which is coated to protect against corrosion. We also use “smart pigs” – sophisticated inline inspection devices – to record information about the internal conditions of the pipeline.

TransCanada monitors its pipeline systems 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Satellite technology sends data to our monitoring centre every five seconds. If a drop in pressure is detected, we immediately identify the problem area and isolate that section of the pipe remotely, closing the valves that control the flow of gas. Trained crews are dispatched by land or helicopter, depending on the location.




Emergency Preparedness and Response

The proposed Project will be designed, built and operated in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. In the unlikely event of an emergency, our comprehensive Emergency Response Program would be activated. We train our staff to know what to do in the event of an emergency, both during construction and ongoing operations. Our staff work with landowners, and area emergency responders to protect the health, safety or welfare of people, and to limit damage to property, company operations and the environment.

If there is an incident, we work closely with authorities, emergency responders and the media to ensure local residents are safe, and are aware of the situation.

In the event of an emergency, please contact TransCanada’s 24-hour emergency line at 1.888.982.7222. TransCanada’s policies and practices will be applied to this project.

Addressing Concerns

TransCanada’s approach to consultation and engagement with landowners, stakeholders and Aboriginal communities, is designed to inform and to address issues or disputes to reach a mutual resolution or mitigate effects. We work hard to address questions and resolve issues raised by those who are potentially affected by TransCanada’s projects. We consult early and often, invite feedback, and continue to provide updates and address concerns throughout the regulatory process and the lifecycle of the project.

TransCanada’s preferred method for addressing the concerns of landowners, stakeholders and Aboriginal communities is through direct and respectful discussion. Issues received or identified during these discussions are systematically tracked and followed up on to promote mutual resolution and positive interest-based outcomes. In the event that mutual resolution through this approach is not achievable, the parties may consider use of the National Energy Board’s collaborative Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Process. There is also a procedure set out in the National Energy Board Act for negotiation and arbitration in the event that a landowner and NGTL are unable to agree on any matter respecting the amount of compensation payable under the Act for the acquisition of lands or for damages caused by NGTL’s operations, pipelines or abandoned pipelines, or on any issue related to such compensation.

About TransCanada

We are a Canadian company, with over 65 years of experience building and operating pipelines throughout North America. We are an industry leader in safety and reliability. We believe in making a positive difference in the lives of others by investing in our communities. TransCanada takes our commitment to being a good neighbour seriously and takes pride in being a strategic community partner and an employer of choice.

TransCanada plays a vital role in connecting energy supplies to key North American markets with assets in our natural gas pipelines, energy, and oil pipelines portfolios.

We operate one of the largest natural gas transmission networks in North America – 91,900 km – tapping into virtually every major gas supply basin and transporting over 25 per cent of the continent’s daily natural gas supply. We are North America’s third largest provider of natural gas storage and related services with more than 653 billion cubic feet of storage capacity.

Our success is a reflection of our exceptional team of almost 7,500 employees who bring skill, experience, energy, and dedication to the work they do every day. Our employees are an important part of the communities where we live and operate in 7 Canadian provinces, 34 U.S. states and 5 states in Mexico.

You can find out more about our business, our history, and our focus on the future by visiting

www.transcanada.com.

Contact UsWe invite you to contact TransCanada with any questions or comments you have about the proposed project:

Phone: 1.844.656.1374

Email: [email protected]

www.transcanada.com/north-corridor-expansion

or write to us at:

TransCanada 450 – 1 Street S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 5H1

If you would like further information regarding the National Energy Board’s approval process, we would be pleased to provide you with information or you can contact the regulator directly:

National Energy Board Suite 210, 517 Tenth Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2R 0A8 Phone: 1.800.899.1265 Email: [email protected] www.neb-one.gc.ca


North Corridor Expansion Project Proposed Project – October 2018



November 1, 2018

[SENT VIA EMAIL]

TransCanada PipeLines Limited 450 - 1st Street S.W. Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 5H1

tel 1.855.895.8754 email [email protected] web www.transcanada.com

Proposed Project: North Corridor Expansion Project

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada), is proposing to construct, own and operate the North Corridor Expansion Project (Project). This project in northern Alberta is required to expand pipeline capacity for the transportation of natural gas to growing markets located in northeastern Alberta from the Peace River Project Area (PRPA).

The Project consists of three pipeline components and one compressor station unit addition, including:

• NCC Loop (North Star 2 Section)• NCC Loop (Red Earth 3 Section)• NWML Loop No. 2 (Bear Canyon Extension Section)• Hidden Lake North Compressor Station Unit Addition

The North Central Corridor (NCC) Loop (North Star 2 Section) is an NPS 48, 24 kilometre (km) pipeline located approximately 20 km north of Manning, Alberta in the County of Northern Lights. This component of the Project would begin at NE 36-93-24 W5M and end at NW 20-93-21 W5M.

The NCC Loop (Red Earth 3 Section) is an NPS 48, 32 km pipeline located approximately 45 km north of Red Earth Creek, Alberta in Northern Sunrise County and the MD of Opportunity. This component of the Project would begin at SW 33-91-8 W5M and end at SE 8-91-5 W5M.

The Northwest Mainline (NWML) Loop No. 2 (Bear Canyon Extension Section) is an NPS 36, 25 km pipeline located 50 km southwest of Worsley, Alberta in Clear Hills County. This component of the Project would begin at SE 10-83-12 W6M and end at NW 13-85-13 W6M.

NGTL is also proposing to construct a 30 megawatt unit addition at the existing Hidden Lake North Compressor Station, located at SW 32-96-11 W6M approximately 100 km north of Worsley, Alberta in Clear Hills County.

As you may be aware, the regulatory process for this project requires NGTL to file an application with its regulator, The National Energy Board (NEB). NGTL anticipates filing a Project Description with the NEB in the first quarter of 2019 and a section 52 application in the second quarter of 2019. Subject to regulatory approval, construction on the Project is anticipated to begin in the first quarter of 2021, with the facilities going into service in the second quarter of 2022.

Information about the NEB is included in the project information package provided with this letter. If you would like further information regarding the NEB’s process, please contact TransCanada’s Public Affairs department or the NEB directly.



TransCanada is a leading North American energy infrastructure company with 65 years of experience and has an industry leading safety record. We are committed to building and operating our natural gas system safely. From design and construction to operation and maintenance, safety is an integral part of everything we do.

We strive to engage stakeholders early and often. We believe engagement is a two-way process and invite communities, landowners, and other interested stakeholders to share their questions and concerns with us so that we can provide information, follow up, and, where feasible, incorporate input into our plans. Please do not hesitate to contact me in regards to the proposed Project.

Sincerely,

Peter Andre, Project Manager TransCanada

Enclosures: • Project Fact Sheet – October 2018• NEB Brochure: Information for Proposed Pipeline or Power Line Projects that Involve a

Hearing• Stakeholder Brochure• Community Relations Commitment Statement• Your Safety, Our Integrity



Appendix B

January 2019

Appendix B

TransCanada brochure: Aboriginal Relations


AR/10/16

TransCanada — COMMITTED TO BEING A GOOD NEIGHBOUR AND TO BUILDING AND MAINTAINING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS

ABORIGINAL

RELATIONS

TransCanada believes the road to success is supported

by cultural exchange and understanding. Traditional

land use studies are an important element to our

project development process and TransCanada is

committed to identifying and preserving important

natural and cultural landscapes near our facilities and

proposed developments.

For more details:

To reach our Indigenous Relations

department directly, please email us at:

[email protected]

For general information, please call:

1.855.895.8754

Or visit our websites at:

www.transcanada.com

csrreport.transcanada.com

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.North Corridor Expansion ProjectProject Description Appendix B


OUR APPROACH

Communication — Engagement — Commitment

We recognize the diversity and uniqueness of each

community, the significance of the land and traditions,

and the importance of building relationships based on

mutual respect and trust.

Collaborating with Aboriginal communities

To support safe, healthy and vibrant communities

we invest in cultural, educational and

environmental initiatives.

Creating an inclusive and supportive

working environment

Our Aboriginal human resources strategy supports

an inclusive and supportive work environment for

our employees.

Our Aboriginal contracting strategy supports

opportunities for Aboriginal businesses to engage

in our ongoing operations and development of

new projects.

We truly appreciate and value the experience

and knowledge of our employees and contractors

and recognize the enormous contributions made

by each individual.

Investing in education

TransCanada has been a long-time contributor

to many educational initiatives. The company

awards hundreds of thousands of dollars through

scholarships, bursaries, material contributions and

in-kind donations to students and educational

organizations across the country.

Through these initiatives, we can help support the

increasing number of Aboriginal professionals and

trades people entering and preparing for tomorrow’s

workforce, contributing to an outcome beneficial

to both the energy and resource industry and the

Aboriginal communities.

We are proud of our long-standing commitment to

education and will continue to enhance and find new

ways of furthering our support.

Awareness

To support TransCanada’s employee understanding

of Aboriginal history and culture, and the role

Aboriginal people play in Canada and in our business,

we continue to offer ongoing training programs

specifically for our employees and contractors.

The future

TransCanada will continue to review and adapt our

Aboriginal Relations Policy, programs and initiatives

to meet the changing needs of our business and the

Aboriginal communities.

ABORIGINAL RELATIONS POLICY

TransCanada constructs and operates our facilities

near many Aboriginal communities across Canada.

TransCanada believes by developing positive, long-

term relationships with the Aboriginal communities

whose lives may be impacted by our activities, we

can conduct our business while respecting the

community interests.

TransCanada’s Aboriginal Relations Policy must be

flexible to address the legal, social and economic

realities of Aboriginal communities across Canada.

The following principles guide this policy:

• TransCanada respects the diversity of Aboriginal

cultures, recognizes the importance of the land

and cultivates relationships based on trust

and respect;

• TransCanada works together with Aboriginal

communities to identify impacts of company

activities on the community’s values and needs in order

to find mutually acceptable solutions and benefits;

• TransCanada strives to create short and long-term

employment opportunities for Aboriginal people

impacted by our activities;

• TransCanada supports learning opportunities for

Aboriginal people to provide a well-trained source

of Aboriginal employees and to build capacity

within Aboriginal communities;

• TransCanada respects the legal and constitutional

rights of Aboriginal peoples and recognizes that its

relationships with Aboriginal peoples are separate

and different from that of the Crown.

All TransCanada employees have a responsibility

to help build and maintain relationships with the

Aboriginal communities we do business with.

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.North Corridor Expansion ProjectProject Description Appendix B


Appendix C

January 2019

Appendix C

NEB brochure: Information for Proposed Pipeline or Power Line Projects That Involve a Hearing


Use this Pamphlet for

This pamphlet outlines the general information and process for applications that will involve a hearing, such as the construction and operation of pipelines that are more than 40 kilometers long, some international power lines and certain other physical projects.

For Further Information

• Project-specific information (such as the Hearing Order) may be found by clicking on the name of the project on the right hand side of the NEB’s homepage at www.neb-one.gc.ca

• Details about the NEB hearing process may be found in the publication titled National Energy Board - Hearing Process Handbook

• Landowner information may be found in the publication National Energy Board – Landowner Guide

For copies of any NEB publication or for more information, contact us:

• Online: www.neb-one.gc.ca• Email: [email protected]• Toll free: 1-800-899-1265• Write us or visit our library at:

National Energy Board Suite 210, 517 Tenth Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2R 0A8

National Energy Board Information for Proposed Pipeline or Power Line

Projects that Involve a Hearing Cat. No. NE23-121/2-2017E-PDF

ISBN: 978-0-660-07534-1 February 2017

National EnergyBoard

Office nationalde lÕŽnergie

Information for Proposed Pipeline or Power Line

Projects that Involve a Hearing

National EnergyBoard

Office nationalde lÕŽnergie

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. North Corridor Expansion Project Project Description Appendix C


The Role of the National Energy Board

The National Energy Board (NEB or Board) is an independent federal regulator established to promote safety and security, environmental protection, and economic efficiency in the Canadian public interest. We regulate pipelines, international power lines, energy development and trade. The Board reports to Parliament through the Minister of Natural Resources.

Before a company can develop a pipeline or power line that crosses provincial or international borders, it must apply to the Board. For most projects that involve a hearing, the Board examines whether the project is in the public interest, and then provides a report to the federal government recommending whether the project should proceed and what conditions should be attached to any approval. The federal government reviews the Board’s recommendations and decides whether or not to approve the project. If the project is approved, the Board issues a certificate authorizing the project to proceed.

Once an application is received from a company, the NEB will send out a notice about the hearing and next steps. It may also include information about the process for applying to participate and what methods of participation will be available (such as Intervenor or Commenter). This notice may be called a Hearing Order. You may see this notice in your local newspaper or receive a copy in the mail. It will also be available on the Board’s website

Becoming Involved

A hearing may have an in-person (oral) part but always has a written part where parties to the hearing can file evidence and ask questions. For hearings on large scale projects, you will need to apply to participate and demonstrate that your participation will assist the Board in its review of the application. To participate in a hearing, you must either be directly affected or have relevant information or expertise. The Board is required to hear from persons who are directly affected, and may hear from persons who have relevant information or expertise.

The Board is committed to fostering the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society. During a hearing, you can participate in the official language of your choice. The Board provides services and public communications in both of Canada’s official languages and you can communicate with the NEB in your official language of choice. The Board’s bilingual staff are also ready to assist you.

The Company’s Consultation Program for Large Scale Projects

For large scale projects, the Board requires companies to conduct a consultation program with all individuals, groups and agencies that may be affected by the project. The consultation program should be initiated early in the planning and design phases of the project, and should provide information about the project, its potential impacts and benefits. Potentially affected groups and individuals must be given opportunities to raise their concerns about the project and have them considered by the company. The Board expects that companies consider how they will ensure respect for both of Canada’s official languages and how project information will be provided and communicated to potentially affected persons or groups in the official language of their choice to ensure their effective and meaningful participation in the Board process.

The company’s consultation program should continue throughout the planning and design phases of the project, the regulatory review phase and - if the project is approved - during construction, operation and abandonment. The Board expects the company to respond to any concerns it might receive through the life of the project.

Staying Informed

Anyone who has concerns about a project should discuss them with the company first. You are encouraged to learn about the project by attending open houses and information sessions put on by the company, contacting their representatives for information, reading the material that is sent to you, and viewing the company’s website.

www.neb-one.gc.ca

NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. North Corridor Expansion Project Project Description Appendix C


january 8, 2019 suite 210, 517 tenth avenue sw calgary

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