Based on Trans Mountain’s new in-line inspection (ILI) commitments and demonstration of effective quality management processes in relation to the materials Trans Mountain purchased to build the HDD crossing, the Commission found that approving the December application with four conditions is in the public interest. The decision allows Trans Mountain to install a 30-inch diameter pipe instead of the previously planned 36-inch diameter pipe for the 2.3-kilometre HDD section of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP).
Trans Mountain has committed to installing permanent trap facilities on the north and south ends of the Mountain 3 HDD before the TMEP in-service date. The proposed trap facilities will enable full ILI capability for the pipeline section between Hope Station and Burnaby Tank Terminal. Condition 2 requires Trans Mountain to confirm that this commitment has been fulfilled.
The Commission also determined that the additional information provided in the December variance application about material quality, quality management, and testing aligns with the Quality Management Plan standards for the entire TMEP. The Commission requires Trans Mountain to file a letter confirming that chemical and mechanical pipe testing has been completed and that materials conform to TMEP specifications. The Commission is satisfied that with this approach, Trans Mountain can ensure the material quality for the variance will be equivalent to the rest of the TMEP.
On January 29, 2024, Trans Mountain reported technical construction challenges during pipeline pullback activities for the Mountain 3 HDD. The CER has inspection officers and IAMC Indigenous monitors currently on site as part of standard compliance verification activities. No safety or environmental concerns have been noted, and we will continue to monitor the situation.
- Trans Mountain filed its original variance application on October 31, 2023.
- The Commission issued its reasons for denying the application on December 20, 2023, citing concerns about material quality, inability to conduct in-line inspections, pipeline integrity and environmental protection.
- On December 14, 2023, Trans Mountain filed a new variance application for the same pipeline section. The oral hearing was held on January 12, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta.
- The Commission issues reasons for approving the application on January 31, 2024.
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SOURCE Canada Energy Regulator
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