Two local First Nations have withdrawn their requests to federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna that proposed Westcoast Energy Inc. natural gas pipelines in the region be subject to public hearings under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
West Moberly First Nations and Saulteau First Nations had raised concerns about the High Pine and Jackfish expansion projects, while Saulteau had asked that the proposed Wyndwood expansion project also be considered a “designated project.”
However, in letter to McKenna and to the National Energy Board, West Moberly Chief Roland Willson said his First Nation is now prepared to support the High Pine and Jackfish projects on the basis of the improved understanding reached by it and Westcoast, which does business as Spectra Energy Transmission.
Willson said West Moberly is withdrawing its request for public hearings for the pipeline expansions as it is confident that any effects can be appropriately addressed by Spectra in collaboration with West Moberly and relevant third parties.
In its letter to McKenna, Saulteau First Nations said that it and Westcoast have had productive discussions and that the company has addressed its concerns regarding the projects and that Saulteau no longer is requesting that the projects be considered “designated projects.”
The NEB has yet to rule on the projects.
