
The Energy East application includes detailed information on our design and construction methods for safe operations
– Murray Sondergard, Director Regulatory Services, Liquids Pipelines
There is an important discussion today around pipelines in our country.
Building a pipeline takes much more than pipes and shovels! So, how exactly is the decision taken to build this important infrastructure that transports the energy millions of people rely on every day?
To build and operate a major pipeline such as Energy East, TransCanada needs permission to do so, and that authorization is granted – or not – after a thorough regulatory review and hearing process to determine whether the project is in the public interest.
This review helps companies like TransCanada deliver the best pipeline project possible in terms of safety, environmental protection and economic efficiency for the benefit of Canadians.
Stringent rules, thorough review
“Few people know that Canada has among the most rigorous and transparent environmental regulations in the world,” says Murray Sondergard who oversees regulatory matters for TransCanada’s oil pipelines.
“For the Energy East application, TransCanada has filed tens of thousands of pages that contain very specific information on every aspect of the project, from our design and construction methods for safe operations to environmental planning measures as well as the details of our discussions with thousands of local residents, landowners and representatives of Indigenous communities.”
A big part of our application is to demonstrate, through fact-based scientific research, the steps we’ll take to minimize the project’s environmental footprint, and respond quickly and efficiently to any kind of pipeline emergency.
“There are very few countries in the world where the review process is as thorough. Our objective as the project proponent is to meet those strict requirements to keep Canadians and the environment safe,” Sondergard notes.
You can consult the Energy East filing and project updates in English and French.
You can also read this blog in French