TransCanada gets approval for gas pipeline

• Tweet

CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 10 (UPI) -- Pipeline company TransCanada Corp. announced it was selected to run the development of a proposed $5 billion natural gas project in British Columbia.

TransCanada said it was selected by Progress Energy Canada Ltd. to build, own and operate the proposed Prince Rupert gas transmission project. The pipeline would transport natural gas from near Fort St. John in the east of the province to a liquefied natural gas export facility planned for the British Columbian coast.

"The proposed Prince Rupert gas transmission project will allow British Columbians, and all Canadians, to continue to benefit from the responsible development of the growing supply of valuable natural gas resources," TransCanada President and Chief Executive Officer Russ Girling said in a statement.

The company added it was considering extending its NOVA gas pipeline in northeastern British Columbia to connect to the Prince Rupert line. The Prince Rupert pipeline would run 470 miles to the coast and have an initial capacity of 2 billion cubic feet per day once it enters into service in 2018.

The proposed pipeline is subject to regulatory approval. Aboriginal and provincial leaders along Canada's west coast have expressed concern about natural resource development in the area. TransCanada said it was planning a consultation period for concerned parties.