Three decisions handed down by the National Energy Board (NEB) on Friday allow construction to begin on expanding the Burnaby Terminal at the end of the Trans Mountain Pipeline system.

The NEB approved a variance application allowing Trans Mountain to change its expansion plans for the terminal, reducing the diameters of five of 14 new tanks to be built as well as reducing the facility’s overall capacity. The company will also increase the amount of space between the tanks and reconfigure the secondary containment system at the tank farm in order to reduce the risk of fire.

The changes will significantly improve safety at the terminal, the NEB said.

The regulator also said Trans Mountain had met conditions related to its updated risk assessments, secondary commitment and quality management plan.

While the company may now begin work at the Burnaby Terminal, the NEB said it is still assessing condition compliance and Trans Mountain is not yet authorized to begin building the pipeline itself.