On May 15, 2020, Trans Mountain received approval from the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) to relocate the existing pipeline that transports oil between Burnaby Terminal and Westridge Marine Terminal. The Westridge Delivery Line will be relocated to the new Burnaby Mountain Tunnel that is being built as part of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project.
The full decision by the CER can be found here [Filing C06322].
Why replace the existing line?
The relocation of the delivery line is responsive to feedback we’ve had from residents asking that the existing line be moved from city streets. This also reduces environmental effects during construction and operation, and minimizes risk during operation.
Why is Trans Mountain constructing an underground tunnel?
By constructing the tunnel and placing the relocated delivery line within the tunnel, alongside the two new delivery lines for the Expansion Project, temporary physical disturbances caused by construction are anticipated only at the entry and exit points for the tunnel, which are located within our Burnaby Terminal and Westridge Marine Terminal. This means that there will be no surface disruption between the two terminals during construction, avoiding the need for tree removal and disruption to residential areas and urban infrastructure.
What’s involved in construction of the tunnel?
Trans Mountain’s contractor, Kiewit Ledcor Trans Mountain Partnership, will construct the 2.6-km, 4m diameter tunnel through Burnaby Mountain using a specially designed tunnel boring machine. You can learn more about the tunnel construction process in the animation below.
