Two weeks ago, landowners potentially impacted by the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline gathered to hear information from Dave Core, a founding member of the Canadian Association of Energy and Pipeline Landowner Associations.
Core had some interesting points he made regarding things landowners need to know before they sign any agreements with the pipeline company.
According to Core:
Enbridge has the right to come onto your property right now to survey. They don’t need your permission, as the National Energy Board Act allows them to do so.
If the pipeline is built and it crosses your property, you may have to get permission in writing from Enbridge any time you want to drive across where the pipeline is buried.
If the pipeline is built and it crosses your property you may have to get permission in writing from Enbridge any time you want to build a barn, a garage, dig a ditch, or put up fencing close to the pipeline.
If the National Energy Board approves the pipeline, Enbridge has a kilometre-wide corridor to work within, and they could put the pipeline wherever they want within that – if you want them to avoid a certain area, you may need to get it in writing
Once the pipeline is no longer being used, Enbridge may not be obligated to remove it from your property.
The group’s next meeting is Thursday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the District of Fort St. James office. For more information you can call Kandace Kerr at 996-0194.