Canadian energy regulator discusses pipeline expansion near 100 Mile House

About a half-dozen South Cariboo residents attended a meeting of the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER) at the Creekside Seniors Center on Tuesday, April 16, to discuss the Sunrise Expansion Project (SEP).

The SEP is a proposed project by West Coast Energy Inc, a subsidiary of Enbridge, that would add 11 new loop segments to existing pipelines, three new overhead power lines totaling 21 miles (34 km) and four new compressors at existing stations in the southern part of the country. the BC Pipeline System, known as T South. This includes a new pipeline loop, overhead power lines and an “electric powered” upgrade to the pump station near 93 Mile.

The CER was in town to begin the public hearing process for the project, which they expect West Coast Energy to formally propose in May, beginning a review and approval process. The CER noted that the process will be enormous due to the size of the project.

“It’s going to be a bit like the Cadillac of hearing processes,” said Josh Brading, CER’s director of public participation. “It is up to the Commission to decide, but for a large project like this you normally have many process steps.”

The CER is Canada’s energy and safety regulator, which regulates pipelines and energy development projects.

During their presentation, CER outlined their hearing process which begins with consultation, first with the company making the proposal and then engaging with the public and Indigenous peoples about any concerns they may have.

READ MORE: Enbridge is proposing an extension to the southern portion of the pipeline in B.C

After taking into account public feedback, they conduct an assessment of the economic, environmental and social impacts of the project. The CER will then publish their recommendations and decide whether or not to grant approval. This process can take up to 450 days after it starts.

South Cariboo resident Erin Filtness attended the meeting to listen and voice some of her concerns. Filtness said she generally opposes pipelines for environmental reasons, such as the impacts they have on the climate and wildfires, noting that “we need to move away from them.”

However, if the proposed project is approved, she would like to know what benefits the South Cariboo could reap.

“I would like to know how 100 Mile House will benefit from this business – what will they bring to the community, besides temporary jobs and temporary money in our community?” Filtness asked. “I would like to know what they are going to do to help us on a continuing basis.”

Brading said he doesn’t know if people would stay in camps or hotels in the community if the project were to go forward. He further noted that he doesn’t know how many people would come to 100 Mile House to work on those upgrades.

“That’s the kind of information that’s likely to come up during the application process; the applications are about the economic benefits of a project.”

Filtness indicated she plans to explore the question of the economic benefits 100 Mile House would bring in the future.

If approved, construction of the pipeline is expected to begin in 2026 at the earliest.