Energy East Pipeline hearing application due date nearing

The deadline to apply to participate in the hearing for the Energy East Pipeline is Tuesday, March 3.

TransCanada Corp. wants to use a combination of existing pipelines and new construction to carry Alberta crude oil 4,600 kilometres across the country to export terminals in Quebec and New Brunswick.

The National Energy Boards website says that for people to participate in the hearing process, you must be directly affected or have relevant information or expertise. You can apply to participate as an Intervenor or by letter of comment.

To apply, people must fill out an online application form.

As part of the proposed $12 billion project,TransCanadaplans to construct 500 kilometres of pipeline in New Brunswick from the Quebec border to the IrvingCanaportfacility, which is located at the entrance to Saint John Harbour.

The pipeline is expected to create approximately 2,300 direct and indirect jobs in New Brunswick over the span of the project.

TransCanada hopesto begin construction in 2016, with the first oil deliveries to arrive in New Brunswick in 2018.

A report from the Council of Canadians released in August saysthe Energy East Pipeline would cross and endanger 961 waterways that are important for drinking water, First Nations cultures and treaty rights, fish and wildlife habitatand tourism.That includes 300 waterways in New Brunswick.