As part of work on the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, Trans Mountain has completed the installation of pipeline under the Coquihalla River. During installation, Trans Mountain also replaced a segment of the existing pipeline beneath the Coquihalla River to ensure continued safe operation of the Trans Mountain pipeline system. Both installations were completed simultaneously to limit environmental impact to the Coquihalla River and to minimize disruptions to residents.

The installation of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project and replacement of the existing pipe involved a combination of an open-cut installation beneath the riverbed and banks of the Coquihalla River and traditional trenched installation for adjacent segments. All work being undertaken was in compliance with Canada Energy Regulator-approved Environmental Protection Plans, as well as permits issued by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and BC Oil and Gas Commission. Fish capture and transfer work was undertaken under fish collection permits issued by the BC Ministry of Forests and DFO.

Great care is taken to preserve the environmental features around the river, such as the wildlife and aquatic habitat provided within the riparian zone. During the crossing of the Coquihalla River, diversion pumps were also used to reduce flow through the excavation area and water monitoring is taking place throughout the construction process.

Now that the pipe has been installed, the stream will return to the natural flow path and any early-run salmon will be able to continue to move upstream through the river system. Work to reclaim the site to its original condition with additional bed and bank flood protection is ongoing.