Mackenzie project gets hearing dates

The Mackenzie Gas Project has been given its roadmap for the final regulatory phases.

Canada’s National Energy Board said it will start hearing concluding arguments April 12 in Yellowknife and wrap up in Inuvik on April 25.

“With the schedule that we have announced, our goal is to set out clear ‘rules of the game’ for the many people and organizations who are interested in the outcome of this hearing,” NEB panel Chairman Kenneth Vollman said in a release.

During the final phase, applicants and intervenors will have a chance to make their case to the NEB either for or against the MGP.

But those arguments must be based on evidence that has already been presented to the NEB.

Before the hearings, the NEB will coordinate a written process to gather comments on the Joint Review Panel’s 176 recommendations related to the environmental and social impact of the MGP from the project applicants and individuals who participated in either the NEB’s initial round or the JRP’s hearing process.

The NEB will also coordinate the collection of comments on the JRP recommendations aimed at other government departments and agencies.

Once final arguments have been presented, the NEB will be able to prepare its final decision, which is expected about September, turning the matter over to the Canadian government.

The NEB started hearings four years ago on five applications filed by the major partners — Imperial Oil, ConocoPhillips Canada, Shell Canada, ExxonMobil Canada and the Aboriginal Pipeline Group.

The NEB schedule allows hearings in Yellowknife from April 12-17 and Inuvik April 20-25.

—Gary Park