The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) on Dec. 5 denied a request from the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project for a variance on a section of oil pipeline under construction in British Columbia, a decision that could delay the 590,000 barrel-per-day (bpd) expansion.
Trans Mountain had asked to be allowed to install smaller diameter pipe in a 2.3-km section of the oil pipeline’s route after encountering “very challenging” drilling conditions, due to the hardness of the rock in a mountainous area between Hope and Chilliwack.
The CER denied the variance, according to a letter posted on its website. The regulator said it would give reasons as soon as possible, but had initially issued the decision without reasons because Trans Mountain had asked for an expedited process.
At a hearing on Nov. 27, Trans Mountain representatives said installing the smaller pipe would save 59 days of construction time, and keep the expansion on track for a start date late in the first quarter of 2024.
Denying the variance request risked delaying the start date, and drilling a wider section for the larger diameter pipeline to pass through was “unpredictable,” Trans Mountain said.
The CER decision is yet…
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