Trans Mountain is winding down in-field construction activities in a safe, secure and environmentally appropriate manner, due to the August 30, 2018 Federal Court of Appeal Decision that nullified the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Expansion Project.
The National Energy Board (NEB) is currently undertaking a Reconsideration hearing for the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. The hearing is considering any necessary changes or additions to the NEB’s May 2016 Recommendation Report, in light of the inclusion of Project-related marine shipping. In addition, the Government of Canada has re-initiated Phase III consultations with all 117 Indigenous groups that may be impacted by the Project.
As outlined to the NEB on September 10, 2018 and September 17, 2018, some activities may take some time to complete to ensure the sites are properly secured, are safe and that risk to the environment, the public and workers is minimized.
Here’s an update on the status of the safe shutdown activities, as communicated to the NEB on December 17, 2018.
Westridge Marine Terminal – Burnaby, BC
Safe shutdown activities at Westridge are expected to be completed around December 20, 2018. The activities included the installation of pile caps on upright piles with open tops, in order to mitigate the potential for entrapment of wildlife, as well as maintenance and/or installation of erosion control mitigation on the foreshore to protect exposed areas. In addition, construction of sheet pile cells 6, 7 and 9 will be completed.
Spread 2 – Yellowhead, AB
Safe shutdown activities in Spread 2 were completed as of September 29, 2018 and included removal of stakes, flags and signage, filling of hydrovac holes and removal of cleared trees.
Temporary Infrastructure Sites
With a project of this scope and size, there is a long lead time required for the procurement of many of the materials needed for construction. As such, some materials that were ordered and were in transit prior to the court decision will need to be received at locations in BC and Alberta and safely stored and secured for future use.
Initially, there were six temporary infrastructure sites in BC and Alberta that were to be developed for the purpose of storing Project materials in a safe and secure manner. On further review, Trans Mountain has determined that three additional stockpile sites are required to store pipeline materials.
The use of these sites will allow Trans Mountain to receive and store pipeline materials in close proximity to its future intended use, and will avoid the need to relocate pipeline material between stockpile sites, limiting the need for additional material handling. Minimizing material handling will reduce the potential for damage to the material and ensure the quality and integrity of the pipeline material is maintained.
Site preparation, installation of security fencing and the continued transportation of pipeline and other construction materials are ongoing at these infrastructure sites.
Surveys, Studies and Operational Maintenance
Trans Mountain intends to continue design and pre-construction surveys and studies in relation to the Project, in addition to operations and maintenance activities on the existing Trans Mountain pipeline. These activities may include environmental surveys, geotechnical studies, integrity assessment activities with respect to existing assets, and installations to secure and protect existing facilities. Trans Mountain will continue to comply with all regulatory requirements in relation to these activities.