If the proposed Northern Gateway pipeline is approved in the next couple of years, construction of the massive project will provide some logistical challenges.
Not only will Enbridge, the company behind the $6.5 billion plan to connect Alberta's oilsands with Kitimat, have to deal with some treacherous terrain in northern B.C. and build two tunnels through mountains, they'll also have to work around some sensitive habitat for a variety of species.
During questioning this week at National Energy Board hearings at the Ramada, Northern Gateway witnesses have spoken at length about how the company will do its best to avoid construction work during times of the year that are sensitive for certain animals.
During Wednesday's questioning alone, the company committed to avoid blasting work for tunnels during the summer months out of respect for mountain goats; avoid cutting trees during nesting seasons for migratory birds and avoid construction activities during yet to be determined sensitive times for woodland caribou.
With so many animals to consider, Northern Gateway director of environment Paul Anderson said during cross-examination that it's possible different environmental priorities could come into conflict. If that became the case, the company has pledged to "consult with regulators and, as appropriate, interested and participating Aboriginal groups to identify possible options and management strategies to be implemented."
If approved, Northern Gateway would undertake construction in phases, beginning as soon as late 2014 with some clearing activities. Construction would begin in earnest in early 2015 and be completed in time for the pipeline to go into operation in 2018.
The clearing of the right of way could pose its own challenges, especially if some of the trees the company intends to cut down contain nests for some bird species.
Northern Gateway consultant Jeffrey Green said the company would flag areas where nests are found and in some cases it may create a buffer around a nest and delay harvesting tress in that area until the birds leave.
"Will we be able to do that for every nest? Perhaps not," Green said. "But [we will do it] for sensitive species."
