Frequently Asked Questions – Enbridge Pipelines Inc. – Line 3 Replacement Program (L3RP)

  1. Who should I contact if I have specific questions about L3RP?
  2. Will L3RP involve a hearing?
  3. Will there be funding available?
  4. How can I participate in the hearing?
  5. What information will the NEB consider when it reviews an application?
  6. Will the NEB conduct an environmental assessment on L3RP?
  7. Are approvals from others organizations or government agencies required?
  8. How can I stay informed about the NEB’s process?

1. Who should I contact if I have specific questions about L3RP?

Contact Enbridge directly at projects@Enbridge.com or toll-free at 1-888-967-3899.

2. Will L3RP involve a hearing?

Under the National Energy Board Act (NEB Act) a public hearing must be held to review applications to build and operate pipelines over 40 kilometers in length. These are known as s. 52 facility applications or Part III applications, referring to the section and part of the NEB Act under which they are submitted.

After receiving the application, the NEB will issue a Hearing Order providing details on the hearing process, including how persons who are directly affected or who have relevant information or expertise may participate, the deadline to apply to participate, and whether there will be an oral portion to the hearing.

Further information is available on the NEB’s website in the National Energy Board Hearing Process Handbook.

3. Will there be funding available?

Funding is available to Intervenors for all hearings that have an oral portion. For more information, visit the Participant Funding Program Guide.

4. How can I participate in the hearing?

The Board will set out the methods of participation for the hearing in the Hearing Order. Usually, you can apply to be an Intervenor or to submit a Letter of Comment.

The Board must hear from those that are directly affected by the granting or refusing of a project application and may also hear from those who have relevant information or expertise for the Board to consider.

To be considered, you must apply to participate using the online Application to Participate (ATP) form. This form will usually be made available around the same time as the Hearing Order is issued.

5. What information will the NEB consider when it reviews an application?

The NEB considers all information that is relevant to its decision making process on an application. The topics to be explored are found on the List of Issues and usually include:

  • the design and safety of the project;
  • environmental matters;
  • socio-economic and land matters;
  • impacts of the project on directly affected Aboriginal groups and other directly affected persons;
  • financial responsibility of the applicant,
  • economic feasibility of the project; and
  • whether the project is in the Canadian public interest.

6. Will the NEB conduct an environmental assessment on L3RP?

Yes, the NEB will conduct a rigorous environmental assessment of the project. The NEB will also, when appropriate, work with other government agencies that have environmental assessment responsibilities related to the project.

7. Are approvals from others organizations or government agencies required?

When a company submits an application to the NEB, it is typically required to include a list of other authorizations, permits or licences that will be required from other agencies for the project to proceed.

Beyond federal approval, companies are still required to obtain any applicable provincial or municipal permits and licences. It is the responsibility of the company to determine what permits and licences, if any, are required.

8. How can I stay informed about the NEB’s process?

Sign up for email updates from the NEB on the L3RP application and process here.

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