FREDERICTON – A spokesman for TransCanada (TSX:TRP) says while there has been environmental opposition to the Energy East Pipeline, the project is getting support from landowners and native groups.
Philippe Cannon addressed a business audience in Fredericton today, stressing the safety aspects of the $12-billion development.
Cannon says despite opposition from some environmental groups, pipelines have proven safer than rail and roads for the transport of large quantities of oil.
The 4,600-kilometre Energy East Pipeline would connect 1.1 million barrels of western crude per day to refineries and export terminals in Quebec and New Brunswick.
Cannon says TransCanada continues to work with landowners along the proposed route and has signed agreements with 13 of 15 First Nations groups in New Brunswick.
TransCanada expects to file a full regulatory application for the project by the middle of this year, with startup expected in 2018.