THE JOINT Review Panel that is conducting the review on the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Project will be visiting the northwest to listen to views and concerns next week.
The first community hearings will be in Kitamaat Village on Jan. 10 - 11 at the Haisla Recreation Centre, starting at 9 a.m.
The panel will next head to Terrace on Jan. 12 for another community hearing at 1 p.m. at the Terrace sportsplex.
This is the first of two rounds of community hearings, explains Annie Roy, manager, communications for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.
During these January hearings the panel will be addressed by interveners, who are groups or individuals that have pre-applied to speak, ask questions and be questioned in return. Roy explains these interveners could be anyone from an individual to environmental or First Nations groups.
And while she was unable to say at this time who is on the list for Terrace, Roy said there are
53 interveners scheduled for this area.
Roy adds that anyone interested can attend the hearings to listen.
The next round of community hearings will take place sometime this spring and will offer people a chance to speak to the panel in 10 minute blocks.
The joint review panel consists of the vice-chair of the National Energy Board, an energy lawyer and a professional geologist.
Roy said that those with concerns or opinions on the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway project can also send in a letter to the Joint Review Panel if they would prefer not to speak.
“And then the panel will combine everything that is sent to them when making their decision,” Roy said.
“People can have very valuable information.”
The Joint Review Panel is an independent body authorized by the environment minister and the National Energy Board.
Enbridge Northern Gateway’s proposed twin pipeline project would transport oil and condensate between Alberta and a marine terminal in Kitimat.