* NEB postpones Trans Mountain Expansion oral hearings

CALGARY, Aug. 21, 2015 /CNW/ - The National Energy Board (NEB) hearing panel for the Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion project (Project) is postponing oral summary arguments, previously scheduled in Calgary on Monday August 24 and in Burnaby from September 9-30.

Trans Mountain has filed the Direct Written Evidence prepared by Mr. Steven Kelly and IHS Global Canada Limited in support of its application for NEB approval of the Project. Mr. Kelly has since been appointed to the NEB, an appointment that takes effect October 13, 2015. The hearing panel has taken appropriate action to address this matter by deciding to strike the evidence prepared by Mr. Kelly from the hearing record. A copy of the hearing panel's decision letter is available here http://docs.neb-one.gc.ca/fetch.asp?language=E&ID=A4S8Y8.

The hearing panel has directed Trans Mountain to provide a list identifying all evidence prepared by Mr. Kelly and advise whether it plans to replace this evidence. The hearing panel will not proceed with oral summary argument in Calgary or Burnaby at this time.

The hearing panel will address the next steps in the Project hearing after receiving and considering all information and requested comments as outlined in the decision letter.

The National Energy Board is an independent federal regulator of several parts of Canada's energy industry with the safety of Canadians and protection of the environment as its top priority. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest.

SOURCE National Energy Board