November 25, 2021, 1:00 pm PDT
The Trans Mountain Pipeline remains shut down following a voluntary, precautionary shut down on Sunday, November 14, in anticipation of the impacts of the heavy rainfall and extreme weather conditions.
With the continued deterioration of weather conditions in the region in the coming days, Trans Mountain is closely monitoring the situation to ensure our crews can continue to progress safely, particularly in areas still dependent on air support for access and provision of supplies and equipment.
Trans Mountain has added snow maintenance equipment – two plows and two snowcats – to the list of heavy equipment already engaged in the response. More than 400 people, seven helicopters and some 100 pieces of heavy equipment in the Coquihalla and Coldwater regions, focused on getting the pipeline restarted.
The pipeline remains safely in a static condition and there is no indication of any loss of containment or serious damage to the pipe. Our focus has shifted to complete repairs to ensure integrity of the line where it has been exposed and impacted by flooding and debris. In preparation of this work, we have staged necessary materials and supplies in the area, and we continue efforts to improve ground and air access into parts of the Coquihalla and Coldwater Valley isolated by highway damage.
Work continues to progress towards a safe restart of the pipeline, in a reduced capacity. Key to successful execution of the restart plan will be access for equipment, fair weather, and no new findings of concern. A sustained effort will continue to return the system to its full capacity.
November 24, 2021, 2:30 pm PDT
The Trans Mountain Pipeline remains shut down following a voluntary, precautionary shut down on Sunday, November 14, in anticipation of the impacts of the heavy rainfall and extreme weather conditions.
With the weather conditions expected to deteriorate in the region in the coming days, Trans Mountain is closely monitoring the situation to ensure our crews can continue to progress safely, particularly in areas still dependant on air support for access and provision of supplies and equipment.
Trans Mountain has set up seven staging areas in the most affected areas, including two dedicated to helicopter operations, to act as bases for equipment and resources. Our response includes more than 400 people, seven helicopters and some 100 pieces of heavy equipment in the Coquihalla and Coldwater regions, focused on getting the pipeline restarted.
With the majority of on-the-ground assessments of the pipeline’s condition completed, our focus is shifting to complete repairs to ensure integrity of the line where it has been exposed and impacted by flooding and debris. In preparation of this work, we have staged necessary materials and supplies in the area, and we continue efforts to improve ground and air access into parts of the Coquihalla and Coldwater Valley isolated by highway damage.
The pipeline remains safely in a static condition and there is no indication of any loss of containment or serious damage to the pipe. We are documenting and have begun to repair locations where the pipeline has been exposed, its protective coating has been scoured by debris, and, in some cases where surface dents and scratches on the outside of the pipe have occurred.
If all work continues to progress and no further issues with the pipeline are identified, Trans Mountain is optimistic that we can safely restart the pipeline, in a reduced capacity, by the end of the week. Key to successful execution of the restart plan will be access for equipment, fair weather, and no new findings of concern. A sustained effort will continue to return the system to its full capacity.
The Trans Mountain Pipeline is a critical piece of infrastructure for British Columbia and Washington State and every effort is being made to safely restart the pipeline as promptly as possible. This is the longest period the pipeline has been shut down in its nearly 70-year history. Trans Mountain is in regular contact with its shippers and is working in cooperation with the Province to mitigate the effects of the pipeline shut down on the region.
We are in contact with Federal and Provincial agencies including Emergency Management British Columbia and continue to offer our support and assistance where possible.