FortisBC is looking to run a 161-kilometre natural gas pipeline about five kilometres east of Princeton from Kingsvale to Oliver.
The proposed pipeline would loop an existing pipeline between the two communities.
The $440-million Kingsvale-Oliver Reinforcement Project would also include adding a one-kilometre extension of the FortisBC pipeline system near Yahk and building new compressor facilities near Kingsvale, Trail and Yahk.
If the 24-inch-diametre pipeline is given the go ahead, construction is slated to begin in 2015.
The energy company is currently in the initial planning stages of the project. A formal decision to proceed with the project won’t take place until the spring of this year.
Feasibility studies were completed in 2010 and 2011, and environmental impact studies are scheduled to begin in 2012.
The project must be approved by the BC Environmental Assessment Act before construction begins, a FortisBC report says.
FortisBC is expanding its pipeline infrastructure to provide better access to new shale gas developments in northeast B.C., the report adds.
“This is creating an opportunity to expand transportation services to provide improved access to markets for the growing gas production.”
The KOR Project area lies in the claimed territories of the Nlaka’pamux, Ktunaxa and Okanagan Nations. As many 28 First Nations may be associated with the project, FortisBC reports.
