Fort St. John — NorthRiver Midstream says a delay in the expansion of the NEBC Connector Project, which runs from Wonowon to Gordondale in Alberta, is putting the project ‘at risk’.
The new route is planned to cross two High Value Gundy and Igna areas, as identified by the Blueberry River First Nation.
In a Notice of Motion dated July 24, NorthRiver is seeking to commence construction without new disturbance or provincial approvals. This request comes after the BC Energy Regulator refused to issue the necessary permits under the First Nation’s implementation agreement.
NorthRiver has stated that they have requested the consent of the Blueberry River First Nation. However, despite numerous efforts to establish a new disturbance cap, they have not received a response from the band.
“BRFN’s consent has been sought, but has not been obtained despite numerous efforts and is viewed as unachievable within the necessary Project timelines. As a result, the BCER has not, and cannot, issue any of the Provincial Approvals because the New Disturbance requirements have not been met.”
The company also expressed concerns over governance issues within the nation and a civil claim against the province, which they say makes the project’s timeframe, slated to begin this winter, unachievable.
“NorthRiver has no means to comply with the BCER regulatory requirements and obtain the Provincial Approvals, the Project is being put at risk,” reads the motion.
This delay comes despite NorthRiver meeting pre-construction compliance activities and planning the project to ensure Treaty 8 rights are not impacted.
The company is now seeking federal approval to move the pipeline expansion forward. Nevertheless, NorthRiver says they remain committed to making payments for new disturbance and offset plans under the nation’s order.