Enbridge Inc. (TSX & NYSE: ENB) welcomed the publication of Transport Canada's TERMPOL Review Process Report of the proposed Northern Gateway Pipeline Project's proposed marine operations. Transport Canada has filed the results of the study with the federal Joint Review Panel tasked with assessing the project. The study reviewed the marine operations associated with the Northern Gateway terminal and associated tanker traffic in Canadian waters.

The review concluded that: "While there will always be residual risk in any project, after reviewing the proponent's studies and taking into account the proponent's commitments, no regulatory concerns have been identified for the vessels, vessel operations, the proposed routes, navigability, other waterway users and the marine terminal operations associated with vessels supporting the Northern Gateway Project."

It also made the following points:

  • "The review has not identified any regulatory issues or gaps or the need to consider any new regulatory requirements at this time."
  • "The existing international and Canadian marine laws and regulations, complemented by the enhanced safety measures the proponent is committed to implementing and monitoring will provide for safer shipping in support of the Northern Gateway project."
  • "The proposed shipping routes are appropriate for the oil tankers that will be used at the proposed terminal."
  • "For the Northern Gateway Project, the proponent is proposing to implement safety measures that exceed national and international regulatory frameworks for vessel safety and operations."
  • "Since 2009, the proponent has completed 16 studies and submitted close to 3,500 pages of surveys, studies, technical data, analysis and other information related to the marine transportation components of the Northern Gateway Project."

Janet Holder, Enbridge's Executive Vice-President of Western Access and the senior executive with responsibility for Northern Gateway, welcomed the TERMPOL report as "a very positive step forward in the public review of the project."

"It is important for the public, particularly BC residents, to know that we've done our homework and that our marine plan has been thoroughly reviewed. I think the TERMPOL report underlines that what we are proposing is well planned and safe - and indeed would enhance safety for all shipping on BC's north coast."

The TERMPOL report was prepared and approved by the following Canadian government authorities:

  • Transport Canada

  • Environment Canada

  • Fisheries and Oceans Canada

  • Canadian Coast Guard

  • Pacific Pilotage Authority Canada

The TERMPOL report is one stage in the review of the Northern Gateway project. Further review of the Northern Gateway application by the Joint Review Panel, as well as other agencies, is ongoing.