TransCanada to build Merrick Mainline pipeline

TransCanada subsidiary Nova Gas Transmission will construct the C$1.9bn Merrick Mainline pipeline that will transport natural gas to a proposed export facility near Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada.

The 161-mile pipeline will be an extension from the existing Groundbirch Mainline section of the Nova Gas system running from near Dawson Creek, BC, to near Summit Lake, BC.

Nova Gas has signed agreements with Chevron Canada and a partnership wholly owned and controlled by Apache Canada for delivery of around 1.9 billion cubic feet of gas a day on the project. The pipeline will transport gas sourced through the Nova Gas system to the inlet of Chevron and Apache’s proposed Pacific Trail pipeline, delivering to the Kitimat LNG terminal at Bish Cove near Kitimat, BC.

TransCanada president and CEO Russ Girling said that the Merrick Mainline pipeline project will be designed, built and operated using the company’s experience in developing safe and reliable energy infrastructure.

"We now have four major natural gas pipeline projects under development in the region totalling $12.6 billion in investment, and we are committed to ensuring they are all built responsibly and with minimal environmental impact," Girling added.

The Merrick Mainline development is a key component of TransCanada’s capital growth plan, which includes $38bn in commercially secured projects that are anticipated to be completed by the end of the decade.

TransCanada expects to file an application with the National Energy Board in the fourth quarter to secure approvals in order to construct and operate the project. It anticipates the Merrick Mainline to start services in the first quarter of 2020.