While the Trans Mountain pipeline may be in limbo, a significant pipeline replacement project in Alberta has been very much on the go.
Trans-Northern Pipelines Inc. has been replacing its Alberta Products Pipe Line, which runs 320 kilometres from Edmonton-area refineries to distribution terminals in Calgary, including the Calgary International Airport.
Built between 1970 and 1980, the pipeline transports more than 48,000 barrels of refined petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel, daily. After assessing the line, the company decided a replacement was the most efficient way to transport its products safely.
Trans-Northern spokesman Blaise Boehmer said the pipeline is being replaced in phases.
Most of the pipeline work in the Red Deer area is expected to be completed this winter. A Calgary section is due for completion in early 2019 and the main segment between Edmonton and Calgary will be completed.
“Every attempt has been made to minimize the footprint of the replacement line, which includes using the existing right-of-way wherever possible,” said Boehmer.
While the cost of the project has not been disclosed, it has had a considerable financial impact. At peak, nearly 500 people will be employed, many hired locally. The 300 kilometres of pipeline was fabricated and coated in Camrose.
Before replacement work began, the company consulted with municipalities and property owners of the more than 500 parcels of land affected by the project.
“Additionally, we utilize the latest horizontal drilling technology to ensure all crossings at sensitive areas, like wetlands and major rivers, remain undisturbed.”
Among the benefits of the project will be a reduction in the number of trucks required to deliver low vapour pressure fuels to Calgary airport.
“The project is expected to significantly offset the trucked volumes, resulting in decreased traffic on local roads.”
Privately owned Trans-Northern Pipeline has its headquarters in Richmond Hill, Ont., with an Alberta office in Calgary. It operates 850 kilometres of pipeline in Ontario and Quebec, transporting about 173,000 barrels of refined fuel products daily.
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