Emergency response plans submitted by companies proposing to build pipelines in Canada are to be the subject of a public consultation overseen by the National Energy Board (NEB).
Peter Watson, CEO of the energy board, announced the new review in a speech delivered to business leaders in Vancouver Monday.
Watson said that mayors across Canada had expressed "major concerns" over a lack of transparency surrounding the emergency management plans.
Watson said the recent spill in Vancouver's English Bay had prompted him to consult the responders in that emergency and understand the lessons learned.
The announcement comes on the heels of criticism surrounding Kinder Morgan's heavily redacted emergency response plan for its proposed Trans Mountain pipeline expansion into B.C.
The company claimed any such disclosure would compromise its security.
Kinder Morgan is seeking approval from the NEB to nearly triple the capacity of the existing pipeline. The $5.4-billion project would twin the existing pipeline that runs from Edmonton to Burnaby, B.C.
The National Energy Board ruled in favour of Kinder Morgan's redacted plan in January.
