There are many steps to building a pipeline, but before “boots-on-the-ground” construction can begin there are a number of important actions that need to occur.
As we move towards the start of pipeline construction activities, hundreds of individuals are working hard behind the scenes.
Meeting Conditions
The Expansion Project is subject to 157 Conditions from the National Energy Board (NEB). These conditions apply during various stages of the Project’s life cycle, including prior to construction.
Condition 10 allows Trans Mountain to commence Project construction activities at specific locations at different times (i.e., using a phased approach). As construction on a particular spread, region or work area cannot proceed until all pre-construction conditions using this phased approach have been satisfied for that spread, region or work area, our team is working hard to ensure we satisfy necessary conditions as we continue moving forward.
You can follow Trans Mountain’s progress towards meeting all 157 conditions using the NEB’s interactive conditions tool here.
Seeking Permits
In addition to the NEB, there are a number of federal, provincial and municipal government agencies that have regulatory authority over certain aspects of the Project.
As we move forward with the Project, we continue our ongoing process of seeking and obtaining the necessary permits. Examples of the types of permits required under these agencies, as well as a table that provides updated information regarding our Project-related permits and status, can be found here.
Signing Employment and Procurement Contracts
Building 980 kilometres of new pipeline and associated facilities to complete the Project requires a variety of workers, sub-contractors, suppliers and other related vendors. Trans Mountain is committed to providing Project-related employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal, local and regional groups along the Project corridor.
Contractors responsible for building the Project are working with Trans Mountain to select sub-contractors, suppliers and other required vendors. You can learn more about this process here.
At its peak, the Trans Mountain Expansion Project will create approximately 5,500 direct construction jobs along the pipeline right-of-way and in related facilities. The majority of hiring for the Project is being done by the contractors responsible for building the pipeline and facilities. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their resumes directly to the selected contractors for their area of interest. You can view a list of the contractors, including their contact information, here.
Notifying Neighbours and Stakeholders
Before any activities in the field can take place we have to ensure our neighbours and stakeholders are properly notified about upcoming work. There are a number of regulatory requirements and commitments around notifications, such as those found in our Pipeline Environmental Protection Plan (Condition 72). This Plan requires Trans Mountain to:
- Notify landowners in accordance with landowner agreements. Notification should attempt to be made as far in advance of commencing construction activities as feasible to allow landowners the opportunity to adjust their operations and reduce disturbance to agricultural activities.
- Notify the appropriate municipal authority prior to the anticipated construction schedule a minimum of 30 working days prior to construction.
- Provide Aboriginal groups with the anticipated construction schedule and maps a minimum of four weeks prior to the commencement of construction in the vicinity of their respective communities.
- Notify trappers, guides and outfitters in the area of temporary construction lands and infrastructure 30 days prior to the commencement of construction.
- Contact identified recreation user groups prior to construction activities a minimum of 30 days prior to the commencement of construction. Provide maps and schedules of the construction activities to enable them to select alternate areas for activity. Ensure that any notable changes in the construction schedule are communicated, as warranted.