The National Energy Board says work can begin on construction of the Trans Mountain pipeline's tunnel entrance at Burnaby Mountain — as long as the company has permits from three levels of government. In an emailed statement, Trans Mountain said it was pleased with the decision, which will allow it to begin construction before migratory birds return to the area in the spring. "The decision to build the 2.6 km tunnel through Burnaby Mountain ... was based on feedback from local residents," the company said. "Tunnel construction will cause no disruption to the surface of Burnaby Mountain and will avoid construction through residential neighbourhoods and city streets." Permitting processBurnaby Mayor Derek Corrigan is strongly opposed to the the pipeline's expansion, but he said politics will not interfere with the permitting process if and when Trans Mountain files an application to begin work.

Source: CBC News February 15, 2018 23:12 UTC