Where we operate, our focus is safety and protection of the communities and environment. Extensive dialogue has taken place with landowners, neighbours, Indigenous Peoples, communities and other stakeholders and would continue throughout the construction and post-construction phases.
At the beginning of the construction, an easement and any additional temporary workspace required for construction are surveyed along the pipeline corridor. The space required varies, however, is normally less than 45 metres wide. Trees and brush are cleared. The topsoil is also removed and carefully segregated for future reclamation. Most construction at Trans Mountain’s facility sites, such as terminals or pump stations will occur on existing property or next to existing facility sites. Although each location is different, typically the site is prepared for construction using similar steps as for the pipeline corridor.
From the start of the survey to final cleanup, a particular parcel of land along the pipeline corridor would normally be disrupted for one to two months, however, seasonal changes, such as frozen soil conditions, could adjust the construction timeline. Construction at facility sites such as terminals and pump stations may take 12 months or more. Location-specific variables can impact construction. However, we make every effort to minimize impact to landowners and neighbours. Where there may be a potential public safety concern, restricted areas are established. Noise, dust, traffic, night lighting and other disturbances are limited to reduce the impact to the public and surrounding area.
Project construction activities will be planned to minimize disturbance and impact to landowners and the community. We will use trenchless construction methods in select locations to minimize potential disruption or environmental impact. We are undertaking public awareness communications to notify local communities when, where and for how long construction and/or disturbances may take place.
We will also establish a community liaison and contractor liaison during construction. The liaison will provide construction-related information along the pipeline corridor, be available to answer questions and address construction-related concerns.
Following construction, our objective is to return the temporary construction space and right-of-way to pre-construction conditions, as much as possible.
Project Timeline
On June 18, 2019 the Government of Canada approved the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. The Project is subject to 156 conditions enforced by the Canada Energy Regulator.
We will provide a new Project timeline once one becomes available.
