Trans Mountain Expansion Project : Canada Energy Regulator approves final pipeline opening

The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) has officially approved the final pipeline leave to open (LTO) application for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP), marking a significant milestone in Canada’s energy infrastructure development. This approval allows the newly constructed pipeline to transport crude oil from Trans Mountain’s Edmonton Terminal in Strathcona County, AB, to the Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby, BC. The expanded pipeline effectively increases Trans Mountain’s shipping capacity from 300,000 barrels per day to a robust 890,000 barrels per day, significantly enhancing the region’s energy transport capabilities.

Regulatory Oversight and Environmental Commitments

Throughout the construction phase, the CER collaborated closely with the Trans Mountain Indigenous Advisory and Monitoring Committee (IAMC-TMX) to ensure that Indigenous oversight was integrated into the project’s safety and environmental management. This partnership aims to protect Indigenous rights and interests while fostering strong relationships throughout the pipeline’s lifecycle. The CER’s commitment extends beyond construction, as it remains a lifecycle regulator, ensuring that Trans Mountain adheres to stringent conditions and standards to guarantee safety and environmental protection. Additionally, Trans Mountain is mandated to undertake reclamation activities to restore the land and provide ongoing environmental monitoring reports.

Ongoing Compliance and Indigenous Collaboration

In its operational phase, the CER will conduct compliance verification activities such as inspections and detailed management system audits to maintain high safety standards. The oversight also includes a comprehensive emergency management program, requiring Trans Mountain to conduct emergency response exercises and maintain transparency in its emergency management practices.

Tracy Sletto, Chief Executive Officer of the CER, highlighted the ongoing nature of their oversight, stating, “Today marks a significant milestone, and we recognize that our regulatory oversight role continues as we ensure the pipeline is operated safely and the company delivers on its commitments. We hold the companies we regulate to the highest standards, and our commitment to that remains steadfast. We also look forward to continuing our collaboration with the IAMC-TMX, and recognize that meaningful First Nations, Métis and Inuit involvement in regulatory oversight is key to building and operating energy projects now and into the future.”

Ray Cardinal, Indigenous Chair of the IAMC-TMX, also emphasized the continued collaboration with federal regulators to oversee the Trans Mountain system during its operational phase to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and fulfillment of obligations to the Indigenous Communities affected by this project.

This final approval not only enhances the operational capabilities of the Trans Mountain pipeline but also reinforces the commitment to regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and meaningful Indigenous participation in Canada’s energy sector.