Trans Mountain Expansion - Variance Application DecisionI had the opportunity to review the Variance Application and the various related documents filed up to the Commission's decision on December 5th. I am appalled with the Canada Energy Regulator's decision to deny the Variance!
In short, it looks to me that the Commission initially had issues with Materials, In-Line Inspection and Trap sites and Land Rights. In my opinion, the Trans Mountain final response filed on November 30th adequately answered any and all questions that the Commission had.
What the Commision purposely overlooked in this variance application is that Trans Mountain put forward the basic argument that increasing the diameter of the pipeline tunnel from 42" to 48" in the section of the mountain where water flooding has already been proven to be an issue, could result in the project coming to a complete standstill!
In essence, Trans Mountain was requesting permission to use 30" diameter pipe instead of 36" pipe in the reduced tunnel diameter so as to not require enlarging the present tunnel diameter and risk uncontrollable flooding!
I would hope that all shareholders of Canadian Oil companies take a close look at the material presented in this Variance Application and form their own opinions.
Kherson