Enbridge is standing behind plans to build an oil pipeline connection between northern Alberta and the B.C. coast.

“We believe that the Northern Gateway project can be built and operated in an environmentally responsible manner,” said Alan Roth, a spokesperson for the energy company.

Roth's comments come as Greenpeace calls on Enbridge to cancel plans for the 1,172-kilometre-long twin pipeline system, which could be operational by late 2016. The project still faces a federal review.

Earlier today (July 28), Greenpeace protesters began occupying a company office in downtown Vancouver while others staged a mock oil spill outside the building.

“If Enbridge’s Northern Gateway pipelines project goes ahead, it’s not a question of if a spill will happen, but when, where and how large,” Stephanie Goodwin, one of the Greenpeace protesters, says in a news release.

But Roth said the Greenpeace position on the pipeline project is “not based on solid information”.

“There’s a very thorough public review process that’s going to, we think, play a part in addressing people’s concerns and answering questions like those raised by Greenpeace,” he told the Straight today by phone from Calgary.