We connected with independent engineering consultant Wim Veldman of Calgary to talk about his reasons for supporting the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. Wim has 50 years of professional hydrotechnical consulting experience in pipelines in Canada, USA, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Yemen and Tanzania. He also has done work with surface coal, oilsands, mineral and gravel mines and infrastructure projects in Canada, USA and internationally. This work includes the reactivation portion of Trans Mountain Expansion Project which contributed to the designs of nearly all of TMEP’s natural hazard remediation sites in Jasper National Park and Mount Robson Provincial Park.

If you’d like to voice your support for the Project you can do so by completing the brief questionnaire here.

Why do you support the Trans Mountain Expansion Project?   

The development of Canada’s resource industry is critical to our economic well-being. New pipelines are required. Approval by the National Energy Board and government is only a first step for a project. The applicant is required to submit numerous detailed plans for subsequent approval by the NEB prior to construction or operations.  Requirements for tankers such as double hulls, separation distances, speed, one-way traffic, captain qualifications and escort tugs are sound, effective means used to minimize shipping risks throughout the world. The impact of a spill can be minimized by ensuring thorough and tested Emergency Response Plans are in place — plans approved by the Canadian Coast Guard. Human errors can occur. We have the means to minimize the potential for human error and minimize the impact of an incident if one occurs.

Are you in favour of responsible development of Canada’s resources – and why?  

I am in favour. The benefits are significant and long term. I have personal experience with resource development in Alaska to illustrate this. I was living there during design and construction of the Trans Alaska oil pipeline and continue to undertake annual field assessments of the 800-mile (1,300-km) system.

The First Nations land agreement for the project was signed in 1972. The US Senate approved the pipeline in 1973 after being initially delayed by a tie vote. Today, because of the pipeline, the most successful Alaska-based companies are First Nations-owned. In the last reporting year, the top First Nations-owned company had annual revenue of $2.5 billion.

All Canadians, especially First Nations and indigenous people, can expect substantial benefits with Trans Mountain. Many First Nations in Canada support pipelines and oil and gas developments. For example, Jim Boucher, Fort McKay Chief has stated “We are pro-oilsands. If it wasn’t for the oilsands, my people would be in poverty right now.” (Canadian Press, December 7).

What is your message to those who haven’t decided whether or not they support the Trans Mountain Expansion Project?   

Regardless of the degree of consultation and project design, certain stakeholders will continue to oppose pipeline projects. Environmental groups and activists have opinions about the impact of pipelines. My views are drawn from real-world experience — 50 years of hands-on, award-winning work with pipelines around the world.

National Energy Board decisions are evidence based. They provide accountability and feedback throughout the life of a pipeline. The NEB’s conditions for approval of pipeline projects have evolved — even in the last 10 years. The Board requires more detailed planning by proponents and it requires continued consultation with stakeholders throughout a pipeline’s life cycle. Compliance with conditions is more closely tracked.

Additional construction measures such as trenchless techniques are used at river crossings depending upon sensitivity to minimize impacts.

Let’s base decisions on science and first-hand experience — not the voices of the loudest opponents.