Language selection

Archived Content

Information identified as archived is provided for reference, research or recordkeeping purposes. It is not subject to the Government of Canada Web Standards and has not been altered or updated since it was archived. Please contact us to request a format other than those available.

Emera Brunswick Pipeline Company Ltd. Brunswick Pipeline Project (Archived)

Mispec Point; St. Stephen (NB)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Environmental Assessment Report
Government Response to Panel
Final Decision
Follow-up Program

Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 06-08-17667
National Energy Board: OF‑Fac‑G‑E236‑2006‑01 01 (3200‑E236‑1)

Environmental Assessment Type

Panel substitution

Other Assessment Process

Government of New Brunswick

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Canadian Transportation Agency
Environment Canada
Fisheries and Oceans Canada
National Energy Board
Transport Canada

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On February 21, 2006, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because the National Energy Board considered taking action in relation to section 52 of the National Energy Board Act; the Canadian Transportation Agency considered taking action in relation to subsection 101(3) of the Canada Transportation Act; Environment Canada considered taking action in relation to subsection 71(1) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act; Fisheries and Oceans Canada considered taking action in relation to section 32 of the Fisheries Act and to subsection 35(2) of the Fisheries Act and because Transport Canada considered taking action in relation to paragraph 5(1)(a) of the Navigable Waters Protection Act.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

M&NP is seeking authorization to construct and operate a natural gas transmission pipeline from the CanaportT Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility at Mispec Point, near Saint John, New Brunswick (currently under construction), to the international border near St. Stephen, New Brunswick and then on to the Baileyville compressor site in Baileyville, Maine. The project in Canada would consist of the construction and operation of a subsurface natural gas pipeline, approximately 145 km in length with a diameter of 762 mm (30 inches) and a maximum pressure of 9930 kPag (1440 psig), and associated above-ground facilities (i.e., metering station, valve sites and associated access driveways). The pipeline construction would require a work space approximately 30 m wide, with additional temporary work areas required at watercourse crossings and construction staging areas. In urban areas, the work space would be reduced due to space restrictions. Temporary marshalling yards, storage areas and access roads to the right-of-way would also be required. Subject to regulatory approval, M&NP plans to carry out clearing activities and major horizontal directional drills during the winter of 2007-2008, and the remainder of construction during the summer and fall of 2008.

The documents associated with the environmental assessment of the project can be accessed on the public registry on the National Energy Board's website or by contacting Michel Mantha (see below).

Environmental Assessment Report

National Energy Board Environmental Assessment Report

Government Response to Panel

Government Response to the Recommendations Contained in the Report of the NEB Review Panel on the Brunswick Pipeline Project

Final Decision

In conformity with the approval of the Governor in Council, a decision was taken on May 17, 2007 and was that the authorities may exercise any power or perform any duty or function with respect to the project because, after taking into consideration the report of the review panel and taking into account the implementation of appropriate mitigation measures, the authorities are of the opinion that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Follow-up Program

It was determined that a follow-up program to verify the accuracy of the environmental assessment and/or determine the effectiveness of any measures taken to mitigate the adverse environmental effects is required for this project. For further information or to obtain a copy of the follow-up program, please contact the National Energy Board.