City may go after intervenor status on expansion of pipeline

NEWS — Intervenor status will be sought by City council on the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion proposed by Kinder Morgan if it agrees with a recommendation from public works and utilities director Jen Fretz.

In a report for Tuesday’s council meeting, Fretz points out the pipeline bisects Kamloops, raising a lot of questions. Among them are the impact on Westsyde and the City’s utilities there, Tranquille Road and the airport gateway, the Thompson River, location of the proposed Ajax mine, and Kenna Cartwright Park.

The oil company submitted its expansion proposal to the national Energy Board in December. It would increase the capacity of the 1,150 km. pipeline, which runs between Edmonton and Burnaby, from 300,000 barrels a day to 890,000. Almost 1,000 km. of new pipeline would be added.

If the NEB decides the application is complete, it will set up a process for public input. Fretz said any concerns are likely to be answered through discussions before the hearings, but intervenor status is added insurance.

“Applying for intervenor status provides the City with the greatest opportunity to represent the citizens of Kamloops and their views regarding this project,” she said.

“The City would also have the opportunity to present written evidence, question others on their written evidence, cross-examine other witnesses during the oral portion of the hearing, and give final argument. The City may also be questioned on any evidence that it presents.

She said the City’s sustainability plan includes climate change, air, water, natural environment, economic development and energy — all of which could be affected by the pipeline.

Fretz said getting intervenor status would require a lot of staff preparation time and attendance at meetings, and there may be added costs to hire experts and lawyers. She said the costs would be calculated later.