pipe line contractors association of canada · invests in tomorrow’s canadian leaders through a...

EXECUTIVE OFFICE Suite 201

1075 North Service Road WestOakville ON L6M 2G2

Tel: 905-847-9383 Fax: 905-847-7824

Email: [email protected]: www.pipeline.ca

Neil G. Lane, Executive Director

PIPE LINE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA

“Building Canada’s Pipeline Infrastructure for Over 60 Years”Fall 2018 Edition



Tel: 905-847-9383 Fax: 905-847-7824



Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada 3

Who We Are ..................................................................................................... 4

About PLCAC ..................................................................................................... 5

Our Members ................................................................................................... 6

Our Pipeline Milestones ................................................................................... 8

Our Pipeline Careers ....................................................................................... 10

Our Labour Partners ....................................................................................... 11

Canadian Pipeline Advisory Council ................................................................ 12

Our Recognitions ............................................................................................ 14

Key Facts: North American Pipelines ............................................................... 16

Key Facts: Canada’s Pipelines .......................................................................... 17

Key Facts: Building a Pipeline .......................................................................... 18

Key Facts: Pipelining Under Waterways .......................................................... 19

Fact vs. Myth: The Canadian Pipeline Industry ................................................ 20

PLCAC Members in the News:

Environment Conservation on the Right of Way ....................................................................................... 22

Indigenous Engagement Joint Partnership Provides Exemplary Services .................................................................... 24

Recycle and Renew/Technology Pigging Gone Green ............................................................................................................. 26 Anatomy of a Smart Pig ....................................................................................................... 29

Waterways Alberta’s Athabasca River Challenges HDD Crews ............................................................... 30

Contents

4 Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada

Who We Are

Emerging out of the original Trans Mountain Pipeline project of the mid 1950s, for more than six decades the Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada (PLCAC) has provided continuous industry leadership and a forum for Canada’s unionized contractors in matters of labour relations, safety, training and quality.

Canada’s Authorized Employer Organization (AEO)

for unionized contractors, operating on behalf of

46 regular members for harmonious, effective labour

relations, provincially and across Canada.

A key partner in serving members who have built and

maintain most of Canada’s National Energy Board

(NEB) — regulated transmission pipeline network.

A key point-of-contact for stakeholders to engage on questions and concerns about the

Canadian industry’s enduring commitment to sensible

solutions for quality, reliability and integrity of Canada’s

extensive Transmission and Distribution networks.

Canada’s single-window industry association for 97

associate members, who lead the world as innovators and solution-providers of supply and services for safe, reliable

and well-maintained pipelines.

The management partner with four international pipeline trade unions in one of Canada’s most innovative and responsive

joint-union management structures, the Canadian

Pipeline Advisory Council.

PLCAC is founded on ... LEADERSHIP

MEMBER RELATIONS INNOVATION

PARTNERSHIPS INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT


About PLCAC

PLCAC ...

Was established in 1954, with national executive offices maintained (at various times in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario).

Co-ordinates, negotiates and administers more than a dozen Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) for the construction, maintenance and service of Canada’s Mainline (transmission) and Distribution pipeline systems. This is done through a National Labour Relations Committee structure and a partnership-based philosophy with four international building trade unions.

Has, since 1969, participated in ongoing labour relations innovation and leadership in the Canadian construction industry, through a joint union-management Canadian Pipeline Advisory Council (CPAC). CPAC has established and maintains an Alternative/Appropriate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism called the Pipeline Industry Grievance Panel (PIGP).

Provides employer-union check off dues that fund initiatives for independent industry training programs for pipeline-specific craft and trade skills in Canada.

Assures the security of skilled labour and services for strategic pipeline construction and renewal projects through co-operative approaches to pre-project engagement, planning and coordination.

Is Canada’s voice with global peer-organizations, including the World Federation of Pipeline Industry Association (WFPIA) and the International Pipe Line & Offshore Contractors Association (IPLOCA).

Is a founding, sustaining, corporate member to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z662 standard, with a standing Pipeline Standards Committee of the board.

Is a co-founder and leader of Canada’s, mandatory Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST) program, which is maintained and offered by PLCAC’s partner, BuildForce Canada.

Is a leader in pipeline safety through a standing Safety Committee of the board, which maintains and oversees a suite of workplace safety education materials and videos.

Invests in tomorrow’s Canadian leaders through a broad-based post-secondary Student Awards Program that has distributed over $500,000 to 278 students since the program was established in 1974.

Leads in social responsibility, investing in local initiatives as well as providing financial support to a variety of charities. Recent examples included support to the victims of the historic Fort McMurray fire and to the Humboldt Broncos tragedy.


Regular (Contractor) Members Any contractor who is an employer of employees, whether an individual corporation, company, partnership or enterprise engaged in contracting for the construction, installation, treating, reconditioning or maintenance of pipelines for the purpose of transporting liquids, vapors, slurries or solids, or any phase thereof shall qualify for consideration as a regular member.

The PLCAC is proud of its 46 contractor members (whose drive for continuous improvement provides the most responsible and safe pipeline construction process) and its 97 supplier members (who deliver the highest technological advanced products to help make it all happen).

Our Members


Our Members

Associate (Supplier) Members Any supplier who is an individual, firm or corporation engaged in the business of manufacturing, selling, renting or transporting of materials, supplies, equipment, insurance or bonds for the construction or maintenance of pipelines shall qualify for consideration as an associate member.


MAY 1980 Hon. Marc Lalonde delivers Canada’s Energy Efficiency keynote at PLCAC Annual

Convention ushering in the National Energy Program

(NEP) era

April 1954PLCAC founded in Edmonton, AB

JANUARY 1969Canadian Pipeline Advisory Council

(CPAC) formed

APRIL 1978Parliament creates Northern Pipeline

Agency, federal regulator of the Alaska Highway

Gas Pipeline in Canada

JULY 1983Pipeline

Agreements for Canada split

into separate agreements: Mainline and Distribution

NOVEMBER 1959Canadian Parliament

creates National Energy Board

JANUARY 1966Health benefits introduced into

UA Pipeline Agreement for

Canada

SEPTEMBER 1962

Alberta Oil and Gas Conservation Board

approves Great Canadian Oil

Sands Project

JUNE 1970Alberta Gas Trunk Line announces plans for

Mackenzie Valley Pipeline (gas)Alberta Gas Trunk Line was

later renamed Nova, an Alberta Corporation and merged with

TransCanada in 1998

SEPTEMBER 1974Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd. founded to construct Canadian portion of Alaska Natural Gas

SystemFoothills Pipe Lines Ltd. is now a subsidiary of

TransCanada

OCTOBER 1980

SEPTEMBER 1984PLCAC office moves from Vancouver, BC to Mississauga, ON

MAY 1981PLCAC members

experience the one and only legal labour strike in

their 6 decade history

1977Alyeska Pipeline completes

construction of its Trans Alaska Pipeline

System

JANUARY 1974Cal Callahan Memorial

Bursary established(Later re-named PLCAC

Student Awards Program)

1957TransCanada PipeLine begins construction

on natural gas pipeline across Canada

JUNE 1956Construction

permission for a trans-Canadian

pipeline (to be built by TransCanada

PipeLine) is granted by Canadian Parliament

FEBRUARY 1961BC government approves application by Westcoast Transmission for $30 M

pipeline through BC interior

1981Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd.

begins transporting natural gas from central Alberta to

the U.S. border

FEBRUARY 1955

First PLCAC Annual Convention is held

in Victoria, BC

NOVEMBER 1954Pembina Pipeline system is

constructed to transport crude oil from the Pembina field near

Drayton Valley, AB to Edmonton, AB

Under the direction of Prime Minister P. Trudeau, federal government introduces the National Energy Program (NEP)

APRIL 1969First PLCAC newsletter

published

APRIL 1968PLCAC incorporated as a federal corporation

APRIL 1978Highest attendance

ever recorded (571) at PLCAC convention in

Vancouver, BC

19541960

19651970

19751980

1985

Our Pipeline Milestones

FEBRUARY 1958First pipeline construction

Safety Manual is created

(Later re-named Approved Safety

Guide)


Our Pipeline Milestones

MAY 2001Northern Pipeline

Projects Inc. created to engage local

residents with future pipeline projects in Northern Canada

SEPTEMBER 1990

The only “wildcat” strike of

significance by the UA

shuts down all mainline

projects across Canada

MAY 1999Construction begins on the

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline (gas)

FEBRUARY 1993

PLCAC safety video Being Your Best first edition is released

Founded in 1954, the Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada has been a continuous leader in helping ensure the safety and integrity of Canada’s pipeline infrastructure.

February 2001PLCAC goes online at

www.pipeline.ca

JANUARY 1995Jack Cressey Future

Leader Award established to recognize regular

member employees who have not yet attained

executive status and have developed leadership

qualities

JULY 1998PLCAC office moves from

Mississauga, ON to Oakville, ON

JULY 2008 & FEBRUARY 2009

PLCAC’s Professional Leadership Development

Program, runs in Edmonton and Toronto

APRIL 2010 Enbridge Alberta Clipper Pipeline

becomes operational

JANUARY 2009 Pipeline Workforce Attraction Project

established to bring information regarding the four pipeline craft labour and skilled trade

roles to potential future pipeline workers

JANUARY 1996PLCAC newsletter

renamed Canadian Pipeliner,

the voice of Canada’s pipeline supply and

service industry

1990-1991 Gas pipeline laid from mainland

to Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island, BC

MAY 2016 PLCAC raises over $580,000 in funds and services for the victims of the historic Fort McMurray fire

MAY 2012PLCAC and the four pipeline craft unions

develop an MOU to construct the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines

and pumping stations 240300

360

0

60

120

180 420

480

540

600

IN

TE

RN

AT

ION

AL

U

NIO

N OF OPER

AT

ING

EN

GIN

E

ERS

OR

GA

NIZ

ED DEC. 7, 18

96

LA

BO

R OMNIA V

IN

CIT

19901995

20002005

20102015

AUGUST 2018Federal government purchases Trans Mountain

pipeline and related infrastructure

NOVEMBER 2016 & OCTOBER 2017

PLCAC and the 4 pipeline craft unions spend a ‘Day on the Hill’ meeting with MPs and senators.

JUNE 1999PLCAC’s Professional

Leadership Development Program

is introduced

APRIL 2010Wayne McArthur Memorial Award

established, recognizing a PLCAC regular member student who demonstrates hard work, dedication and leadership

within the community

OCTOBER 2013PLCAC expands its Student Award Program

to financially assist more post-secondary students of employees of association

members

Approved Safety Guide undergoes a complete

overhaul

JUNE 2013

MARCH 2011Mackenzie Valley Pipeline is finally granted federal cabinet approval over 35 years after first proposal

APRIL 2014PLCAC celebrates 60

years

NOVEMBER 2016 Prime Minister J. Trudeau approves

the Line 3 and Trans Mountain Expansion pipelines

FEBRUARY 2011TransCanada

Pipelines Ltd. begins transporting crude oil on Keystone Pipeline from Alberta, Canada

to Oklahoma, U.S.

SEPTEMBER 2018Prime Minister Trudeau re-affirms Canada’s commitment to build the Trans Mountain

Expansion pipeline

MARCH 2007Mandatory Pipeline Construction Safety Training is developed by PLCAC and other stakeholders and administered by Buildforce Canada


Our Pipeline Careers

Industry OverviewBuilding and maintaining all pipelines requires specialized construction processes. Career opportunities exist in transportation, logistics, equipment operating, welding, pipelaying and a range of construction craft labour occupations.

Transporting and Logistics Trucking and logistics personnel provide essential transportation and logistical services. Among other things, transportation and warehousing crews:

Move, unload and later reload and remove heavy equipment Move pipe to the pipeline construction area Safely transport and support hundreds of crew members daily Maintain inventory control and ship supplies from portable warehouses

Operating EquipmentHeavy equipment is the backbone of a pipeline construction project. Heavy equipment operators are required for excavators, graders, bulldozers and dozer-like pipelayer machines called sidebooms as well as a range of other specialized equipment. Among other things, equipment operators:

Prepare access roads and set aside top-soil at right-of-way areas Unload sections of large pipe from trailers Dig precise trenches where the finished pipeline will rest Backfill completed pipeline trenches and help in reclaiming the land to its natural state

Welding and PipelayingWelding and pipelaying sets the pace for the entire pipeline construction process. Many welders and journeyperson pipelayers are used in a highly co-ordinated, focused assembly line process.Among other things, welders and journeyperson pipelayers:

Collaborate with labourers in bending pipes to align with the contour of the land Prepare pipe sections for traditional hand arc or automatic welding Co-ordinate the final set-up and clamping of pipe sections prior to welding Complete tie ins used to connect finished sections of pipe with other pipelines

Construction Craft LabourConstruction craft labour is the glue that binds different pipeline construction processes together through an extensive deployment of general and skilled labour. Among other things, labourers:

Clear the narrow tracts of land in forested areas where pipelines are built Construct fences to separate and protect land owners and livestock from construction areas Place pipe sections according to engineering/survey information Operate special cold bending machines and sand blasting equipment


Our Labour Partners

Our labour partners provide a reliable supply of competent, qualified and highly skilled workers. The value of their skills, productivity and ability to mobilize is a key strength for responsibly building and maintaining major pipelines across Canada.

The Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada (PLCAC) partners with four building trades unions throughout Canada, as follows:

The United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (UA Canada)

The International Union of Operating Engineers (OE) The Labourer’s International Union of North America

(LiUNA) The Teamsters Canada (Teamsters)

Collectively these unions represent over 350,000 Canadian skilled tradespersons and have over 135 local offices to mobilize qualified and highly skilled workers to major projects.

Investment in Training and Economic Development Our labour partners:

Invest over $80 million dollars on training programs in Canada annually

Maintain over 93 local training facilities across Canada Deliver safety, skills and journeyperson training meeting

provincial and trade standard Provide 10 significant specialized pipeline training

programs coast to coast Deliver National Pipeline Safety Construction Safety

Training (PSCT) standard established for all trades persons in pipeline industry

Provide provincial safety training including: Basic Construction Safety; WHIMIS; Working at Heights; Confined Spaces; First Aid and CPR; and Hoisting and Rigging

Social and Economic ProfileOur labour partners:

Deliver engagement and skills development programs with Indigenous Peoples in Canada

Develop Mobility and Partnership Agreements across local, provincial and national boundaries

Participate in Helmets to Hardhats, which is an organization dedicated to transition veterans of the Canadian Forces to new career opportunities in the skilled trades

Support Build Together, a program that offers encouragement, mentorship and support to women in the unionized building trades


Canadian Pipeline Advisory Council

Since 1969, the Canadian Pipeline Advisory Council (CPAC) has provided ongoing labour relations innovation, leadership and stability in the Canadian pipeline construction industry. This joint union-management body, made up of PLCAC directors and senior international union representatives from the four building trades unions does the following:

Maintains harmonious relations through mutual respect, balanced governance and collaboration

Establishes and maintains an expedited Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism called the Pipeline Industry Grievance Panel (PIGP)

Participates in employer-union check off dues that fund independent Training Trust Fund facilities for pipeline-specific craft and trade skills training in provinces throughout Canada

Assures security of skilled labour and services for strategic pipeline construction and renewal projects through co-operative approaches to pre-project engagement, planning and coordination

Reviews jurisdictional disputes as they arise and relate to the assignment of work; ensure steady work continuation without slow down and/or work stoppage

Participates in industry promotion and outreach with stakeholders including client, government, public relations and Indigenous Peoples engagement

Provides industry career pathway tools and toolkit for educators, labour and member firms

Is funded through employer contributions based on the hours worked under the pipeline agreements across Canada


Careers

Advocacy

Partnerships

Training

Canadian Pipeline Advisory Council

Partnering for Prosperity


JAMES L. ABRAHAM SAFETY PERFORMANCE AWARDS OF EXCELLENCEAnnually, at its convention, the Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada recognizes regular member firms who have distinguished themselves with exemplary safety performance and safety records over the previous year through the James L. Abraham Safety Performance Awards of Excellence program. These awards are based on lowest lost-time incident (LTI) frequency rates.

The James L. Abraham Pipeline Safety Performance Awards of Excellence winners for the 2017 calendar year are as follows:

The late James L. Abraham.

AWARDSMAINLINE PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION:O.J. Pipelines CanadaThe following companies also had 0 LTIs in this category (but worked less hours): Michels Canada Co., Robert B. Somerville Co. Limited and Waschuk Pipe Line Construction Ltd.

DISTRIBUTION PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION:AeconThe following companies also had 0 LTIs in this category (but worked less hours): Michels Canada Co., NPL Canada Ltd., Robert B. Somerville Co. Limited and T.W. Johnstone Company Limited.

PIPELINE MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE:NPL Canada Ltd.The following companies also had 0 LTIs in this category (but worked less hours): Aecon, Robert B. Somerville Co. Limited and Summit Pipeline Services ULC.

SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR—TRANSPORTATIONOver 20,000 Man-Hours Worked:Premay Pipeline Hauling L.P.The following companies also had 0 LTIs in this category (but worked less hours): Mykyte Transportation Services (MTS Canada) and Wolverine Pipeline Transport Ltd.

SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR — OTHER Over 20,000 Man-Hours Worked:Robert B. Somerville Co. LimitedThe following companies also had 0 LTIs in this category (but worked less hours): McCaw’s Drilling and Blasting, Michels Canada Co. and TESTCO Western Corp.

SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR — OTHERUnder 20,000 Man-Hours Worked:Badger Daylighting LPThe following companies also had 0 LTIs in this category (but worked less hours): Academy Construction & Maintenance Ltd., Allstream Waste Solutions Inc., O.J. Pipelines Canada, Summit Pipeline Services ULC and The Tunneling Company.

Our Recognitions


WAYNE E. McARTHUR MEMORIAL AWARD

The Wayne E. McArthur Memorial Award was established in honour of the late Wayne McArthur (former associate director of the PLCAC as an employee of associate member firm, Acklands-Grainger Inc.), who passed away in 2006.

Remembered as a person who believed in mentorship, nurturing future leaders and encouraging young people to pursue success in all realms of life, Wayne’s former co-workers sought to develop an award in his name, which symbolizes all that was important to him.

The award, as per Wayne’s legacy, recognizes a student who is not only achieving academic excellence, but is already well on their way to becoming a community leader. The award is generously sponsored by Acklands-Grainger Inc.

The lateWayne E. MacArthur.

JACK CRESSEY FUTURE LEADER AWARD

This award was created in 1995 in memory of Jack Cressey, a board member and past president of the association. This award recognizes leadership and is open to all PLCAC members’ employees who have not yet attained executive status in their company.

The candidate is someone who has demonstrated leadership qualities of significance to the company and may come from any segment of the company, such as field operations, accounting, sales, estimating or warehousing. Each year, the recipients of this award are published in the award section on the Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada website at www.pipeline.ca.

The late A. J. (Jack) Cressey.

STUDENT AWARD PROGRAM

The PLCAC Student Award Program works to assist students entering post-secondary education programs. In 2018, the Executive Committee of the Pipe Line Contractors Association of Canada awarded thirty-nine students attending full-time study programs at recognized Canadian universities or colleges. The program has assisted over 278 students since the award program was established in 1974.

Our Recognitions

Key Facts:North American Pipelines



Key Facts: Canada’s Pipelines

$

3.5 M

PER DAY IN 2013

6.1 M

PER DAY BY 2040

32% 2015

2040

31%

1990 2014

KEY FACTS ON CANADA’S PIPELINESSafe and reliable pipeline systems are critical to ensuring that our natural resources reach their destined markets

and that our energy sector remains resilient and sustainable.

1 CANADA’S PIPELINE INFRASTRUCTURE

2 CANADA’S PIPELINES 3 OIL AND GAS – EMPLOYMENT AND GDP

4 OIL AND GAS – GOVERNMENT REVENUE

5 EXPORTS 6 OIL PRODUCTION

7 WORLD ENERGY DEMAND 8 GHG EMISSIONS

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Natural Resources, 2016

More than73,000 kmare regulated by the National Energy Board throughout Canada

* Source: Natural Resources Canada calculations, based on National Energy Board data.

Sources: NRCan’s Energy Markets Fact Book 2016-2017.

Source: 5 year average of Statistics Canada, CANSIM Table 180-0003 (tax), Statistics Canada special tabulation (royalties), Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers - Statistical Handbook, Table. (land sales)

Source: Statistics Canada CANSIM Table 126-0001, National Energy Board Web site: Natural Gas Imports, Exports and Liquefied Natural Gas Statistics

Source: National Energy Board, Canada’s Energy Future 2016: Energy Supply and Demand Projections to 2040.

Source: International Energy Agency: World Energy Outlook 2015. Source: Natural Resources Canada calculations, based on Environment Canada data.

1.3 billionbarrels moved per year

99.999

of OIL MOVED SAFELY

%and

of liquids released in the past 3 years by federally regulated pipelines were recovered*

100%

These pipelines carry over$100 billion

of natural gas, oil and

petroleum productseach year

Canada’s pipelines safely and reliably deliver the energy Canadians need to:

heat their homes

drive their cars

run their businessesPetroleum products are also used to make everything from the

electronics we use to the clothes we wear

The oil and gas sector

contributes to the strength of Canada’s economy,

directly and indirectly

EMPLOYING ABOUT

710,000PEOPLE

8%of GDP in 2015

and generating almost

The oil and gas sector

contributed an average of

$20.3 Bbetween 2010 and 2014

taxes, royalties andfees to government

money that helps to support public pensions, provide health careand build schools as well as hospitals, housing and highways

Canada currently has one major export customer for our oil and gas

In 2015

100%

natural gas exportsoil exports99%

went to theUnited States

Canadian oil production is expected to continue to grow from about

The oil sands isprojected to account for

79%of production

in 2040

The International Energy Agency projects

that, by 2040, the world will need

32% more energy than is beingproduced today

Oil sands greenhousegas emissions per barrel decreased 31% between

1990 and 2014

The oil sands sector

represents 9.3% of

Canada’s total GHG

emissions and 0.1% of

global emissions

Safe and reliable pipeline systems are critical to ensuring that our natural resources reach their destined markets and that our energy sector remains resilient and sustainable.

Key Facts:Building a Pipeline


Note: Not all activities will occur at every location and sequence may change on occasion.

1. Surveying and Staking2. Clearing and Grubbing3. Topsoil Stripping and Grading4. Drilling and Blasting Trench Rock5. Pipe Stringing6. Trenching7. Pipe Bending8. Welding9. Non-Destructive Testing

10. Coating of Field Welds11. Coating Inspection and Repair12. Boring Beneath Roads, Rail and Select Crossings13. Lowering-in14. As-built Surveying15. Padding, Backfill and Rough Grading16. Hydrostatic Testing and Final Tie-ins17. Replacing Topsoil, Final Clean-up and Restoration18. Reclamation

A pipeline construction project looks much like a moving assembly line and is typically broken into manageable lengths called “spreads.” Each spread is composed of highly qualified crews and specialized equipment, each with its own responsibilities. As one crew completes its work, the next crew moves in. In Canada a spread at peak will employ 700-800 workers and will typically construct a 100+ km of pipeline in either the summer or winter. The PLCAC unionized labour force comes from all provinces and territories across Canada with over 30 per cent from eastern Canada.

Key Facts:Pipelining Under Waterways


Stage 1: Pilot Hole Directional Drilling

Stage 2: Reaming and Pulling Back

HorizontalDrilling Rig

Entry Point

Exit Point

Entry Pit with Berm

Drill Pipe Pilot Hole

Direction of Pilot Hole Drilling

DesignedDrill Path

Exit Pit with Berm

Profiles(Not to Scale)


Entry Pit with Berm

Direction of Progress Reaming

Exit Pit with Berm

Watercourse

Watercourse

Drilling Fluid Returns

Reamer


Entry Pit with Berm

Drilling Fluid Returns

Direction of Pull Back

WatercourseExit Pit

with Berm

Swivel

PrefabricatedPull Section


FACT: Almost 75 percent of Canada’s energy demand is currently met by natural gas or crude oil

FACT: Only 3.6 percent of the world’s energy was derived from renewables in 2017, while 34.0 percent came from oil and 23.4 percent from natural gas.

FACT: Pipelines are necessary to deliver fuel for Canadians to heat their homes, drive their cars and travel by bus, ship, train and airplane.

FACT: The International Energy Agency projects that by 2040, the world will need 32 percent more energy. Globally, consumption is forecasted to grow by 12 percent for oil and 46 percent for natural gas through 2040.

FACT: About 1.5 billion barrels of oil are moved by pipeline each year, with a 99.999 percent safety record.

FACT: Over 3000 “integrity” digs (excavation of a section of pipeline for inspection) were performed in 2017.

FACT: Over 36,000 km of “inspection runs” were conducted in 2017 using small submarine-like devices which travel inside a pipeline to proactively diagnose potential issues.

MYTH NO. 1

We don’t need oil.

MYTH NO. 2

Pipelines are unsafe.

MYTH NO. 3

The pipeline industry doesn’t care about the environment.

FACT: Oil sands greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 42 percent per barrel between 1990 and 2017.

FACT: Only 10 percent of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions and 0.15 percent of global emissions come from the oil and gas sector.

FACT: Our industry uses many reclamation techniques to reduce and eliminate a pipeline’s environmental footprint and return the pipeline route to its natural condition.

About our Industry Approximately 97 percent of Canadian natural gas and crude oil is transported by transmission pipelines. The oil and gas sector, directly and indirectly, employs approximately 740,000 people in Canada (for

comparison, Canada’s 20 or so manufacturing industries collectively employ about 1.7 million people). Our sector generated almost 11 percent of Canada’s GDP in 2016 (compared to manufacturing at 11

percent), and currently has one major export partner for its oil and gas – the U.S.A (at 97 percent and 100 percent, respectively).

Canadian oil production is expected to continue to grow from about 4.2 million barrels per day in 2017 to 5.6 million barrels per day in 2035.

Fact vs. Myth:The Canadian Pipeline Industry


Fact vs. Myth:The Canadian Pipeline Industry

FACT: Remotely-controlled pipeline valves can shut off the flow of product at a moment’s notice.

FACT: Over 500 emergency response exercises were practised with first-responders in 2017.

FACT: Of the 1.5 billion barrels of oil moved by pipelines in 2017, all but 51 barrels of product spilled was remaining after initial recovery. The companies involved were 100 percent responsible for response, cleaning and restoration after recovering the remaining spilled product.

FACT: Pipeline companies are closely audited to ensure emergency preparedness, but are more focused on ensuring incidents don’t occur in the first place.

FACT: Canada has had pipeline rules and guidelines in place (The Pipelines Act of 1949) for almost 40 years longer than it’s been required to wear seat belts in cars.

FACT: If a pipeline crosses provincial or international borders, it’s typically regulated by the National Energy Board (NEB).

FACT: The NEB currently regulates 73,000 km of pipeline throughout Canada.

FACT: Pipelines that operate within a province/territory generally fall under the provincial/territorial regulator’s authority – examples include the Alberta Energy Regulator, British Columbia Oil, and Gas Commission, and the Ontario Energy Board.

FACT: When pipeline operators want to put in a new pipeline or expand an existing one, they will always talk to a variety of stakeholders.

FACT: Farmers who own agricultural land through which a pipeline is routed are referred to as “landowners” and considered to be partners in delivering energy.

FACT: In urban communities, pipeline companies try to lay pipelines along roads or other existing utility routes.

FACT: To promote safety and prevent damage by third-party excavators (like construction crews or home builders), all Canadian provinces have a “One-Call Centre” and/or a “Call or Click Before You Dig” program.

MYTH NO. 4

Leaks happen and no one is prepared.

MYTH NO. 5

Pipelines aren’t adequately regulated.

MYTH NO. 6

Pipeline companies don’t care about local communities.

DID YOU KNOW?A train would have to be 4200 cars long (or 85 km) to move the 3.4 million barrels of crude oil transported by pipelines in Canada everyday!*With information from the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, Natural Resources Canada, BP, and other industry sources.

PLCAC contractors, including the team at Waschuk Pipe Line Construction Ltd., take conservation of the environment

seriously. Waschuk Pipe Line Construction Ltd. is currently working on the Norlite Pipeline Project for Enbridge Ltd. in Alberta. When completing any pipeline construction project there are many environmental considerations such as; streams, undefined drains, wetlands, weed control, topsoil preservation, and wildlife protection. Whether it’s starting the project late, due to nesting birds, or a Western Toad sweep, there is an astute awareness and intention to minimize the construction impact and steward the environment into which the pipeline is integrated.

Nesting birds are a major concern in summer/fall work. The Waschuk Pipe Line Construction Ltd. management team worked closely with their client (Enbridge Ltd.) on this project to communicate work activity locations to the front line and plan the best course of mitigation to avoid high risk areas. A nest sweep is conducted prior to the commencement of work to ensure construction activity will not

endanger any hatchlings. If active nests are found, a buffer area (anywhere from 15m up to 1000m for some species) is set up and entry is restricted in the area until the nest is clear. The current spread had a 6 week late start in order to minimize impact on hatchlings and avoid shut downs during active construction.

This year’s project also encountered a knot of Western Toads on the construction right of way. Western Toads are a species at risk, so considerable measures are taken to ensure a successful relocation. Amphibian sweeps are regularly conducted prior

Western Toad

Conservation on the Right of Way

22. PLCAC Members in the News: Environment

to access and construction. Working alongside biologists, the Waschuk Pipe Line Construction Ltd. team performed a complete isolation of the determined toad habitat on the right of way. Biologists then trapped, counted, and safely relocated the endangered toads so work could continue.

One of the biggest concerns when building a pipeline is crossing waterbodies. Highly experienced managers, environmental consultants and construction foremen at Waschuk Pipe Line Construction Ltd. properly recognize, identify and plan for the most environmentally sound and effective crossings. With years of experience, the team is well-versed in the many different classifications when it comes to watercourses including; fish bearing, nonfish bearing, ephemeral streams (no water present), and undefined drainages (no bed or banks). Waschuk Pipe Line Construction Ltd. designs, issues and implements a crossing plan for both vehicles and pipe that is unique for each situation. The plan is reviewed and adjusted through onsite meetings with an environmental inspector to ensure minimal environmental impact. In addition, the Right of Way is minimized to the smallest width possible for safe work conditions. Waschuk Pipe Line Construction Ltd. has a solid history of restoring water courses to natural conditions, often strengthening banks to avoid future erosion.

Finally, when construction through the agricultural land (white zone) is required, the two most important issues are topsoil handling and weed mitigation, including club root. This has to be done correctly. Every single landowner involved on the project has been contacted in regards to weed prevention, machine cleaning and topsoil handling procedures. Weed cleaning stations are built along the Right of Way to reduce the spread of weeds and bleach is also used to mitigate club root. Topsoil handling is carefully tracked, to ensure all the topsoil is separated and to avoid the admixing of clay with topsoil. The division between topsoil and clay (A and B horizons) can be difficult to separate; therefore a transition zone is developed. An extra 10cm of soil is removed and stored separately, by storing it separately we lose approximately two metres of Right of Way but the topsoil that is returned is improved.

At Waschuk Pipe Line Construction Ltd. they have a simple environmental message to all their employees and contractors; “If this was your backyard what would you do?”

*Article reprinted from Canadian Pipeliner (December 2016, Vol. 31 #4).


Joint Partnership Provides Exemplary Services


By Anna Guy, Editor-in-Chief, Business Elite Canada Magazine*

In 2015, Aecon Group and the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation formed a joint venture agreement. In three short years, the partnership has evolved into an industry-leading example of a corporate Canada and First Nations partnership.

“A partnership of this nature, with a prominent company such as Aecon, exemplifies the capability of the Six Nations people to collaborate and participate in the economic opportunities that exist within the Haldimand Tract and beyond,” said Ava Hill, Chief of Six Nations Elected Council.

A6N

Six Nations of the Grand River is one of the largest populated First Nations in the country. Six Nations is comprised of the Mohawk, Seneca, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga and Tuscarora nations and provides untapped employment potential. So, working with Aecon Group Inc., a Canadian leader in construction and infrastructure development, was a natural fit for both parties, especially with their combined experience with providing integrated turnkey services to private and public-sector clients.

The proceeding venture was named A6N, with ownership split 51 per cent for Six Nations of the Grand River Utilities LP, a wholly owned subsidiary of Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation, and 49 per cent for the Aecon Group. A6N is a construction based company which performs utilities-related work in southwestern Ontario, specifically within the Haldimand Tract; an area of historical significance to the people of Six Nations.

Bryan Johnston is the Operations Manager of A6N. “Our target and our objectives are to engage First Nations communities through employment opportunities allowing us to reach new demographics, new areas of untapped potential,” says Johnston. “We are a bolt onto Aecon Utilities and the type of work they do. A6N operates with 90 per cent First Nations employment rating, and the rest of the workforce is made up of experienced Aecon personnel such as lead hands and foreman.”

Bryan Johnston (left) of AGN was the 2017 recipient of the PLCAC Future Leader Award.

PLCAC Members in the News: Indigenous Engagement


Johnston credits a great deal of the joint venture partnership to the effort of Matt Jamieson, President and CEO of Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation. Jamieson leads the Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation’s (SNGRDC) economic development strategy, and is a member of the Six Nations of the Grand River. Under his guidance and direction, SNGRDC has deployed $50 million of direct equity and participated in the construction of $2.25 billion of infrastructure assets.

“He had a vision of getting the Six Nations community viable employment opportunities by partnering with a large corporation. When they approached Aecon, our senior leadership team got together and went over the model they saw fit, and it has ended up being a good working relationship right from the start,” says Johnston.

What started as a small joint venture has turned to a medium-sized construction fleet in Ontario. “We knew other companies and First Nations wouldn’t be far behind and we have in fact seen other companies enter joint ventures like ours,” says Johnston.

Ongoing Engagement

One of the groups’ highest profile projects, allowed the Walpole Island First Nation community in Southwestern Ontario to be connected to the Union Gas line. A6N was responsible for laying eight kilometers of 6-inch plastic and steel distribution gas line. Prior to the pipeline, the community was operating off various electric and propane sources.

“Most projects or contractors that come into town, attempt to hire local First Nation community members, however once the project is finished, those jobs are gone. That was not the case with A6N’s Walpole project, we were able to retain the majority of the workers and bring them along to their next project.”

By creating meaningful employment that instills pride, while offering the opportunity to develop new business opportunities, A6N shows that working together for a common goal creates comprehensive expertise, knowledge and resources for a wide range of utilities-related projects.

*reprinted with permission.

The original article can be found at http://www.businesselitecanada.com/canadian-aboriginal/a6n-aecon-six-nations-joint-venture/

A6N is an industry-leading example of a corporate Canada and First Nations Partnership.


Pigging gone green

Pigging gone green

Neil MacNeil, Quality Polly Pig, Canada, discusses advantages of the company’s proprietary technology for pipeline pigging applications.

W hen Suncast Polytech Inc. (Suncast), the parent company of Quality Polly Pig (QPP), decided to take a bold step in the direction of reducing environmental footprints

and increasing its customers cost savings, it invented a proprietary technology called ReCastTM. This technology makes it possible to rebuild or recycle worn and discarded polyurethane (PU) wear parts, including those that are used on batch pigs, such as cups and disks. This allows

PLCAC Members in the News: Recycle and Renew/Technology


companies to lengthen the lifespan of the parts, as well as cut down on replacement costs while not compromising on performance.

Since January 2016, Suncast has partnered with QPP and has provided QPP’s customers with the choice to purchase new or ReCast PU oil and gas pipeline pigging parts.

Together, the two companies expanded to triple their original size with the capabilities to do all manufacturing within one facility, the ability to meet special order needs on short notice, and the space to double their inventory for timely customer response.

Neil Bowker, CEO for Suncast and QPP, recently said: “This technology creates an inseparable bond between the new material and cured (existing) PU, enabling remanufactured parts made with the ReCast process to thrive in the most demanding environments.”

With high cost cast elastomer PU not having been recyclable in the past, the ReCast technology offers the option of rebuilding and reusing wear parts that were prematurely labelled for end of lifecycle and ultimately landfill. For example, prior to the ReCast process, a 30 in. pigging cup might get about eight runs before it would typically be out of tolerance and discarded. Instead, that same cup – after being removed from service – can have a dramatically extended life thanks to being remanufactured up to eight times or more. Each time ReCast can be used, it provides an approximate cost saving of 30% to the customer, compared to the cost of having to continuously replace the original part with a new part. This technology can achieve up to 50 runs or more on the original core of a part vs the traditional average of approximately eight runs (depending on the length of run), after which the entire new part would be discarded and replaced with a new part at full cost.

DevelopmentDuring the developmental stages, Suncast commissioned an independent engineering evaluation of the ReCast process, in which test pieces were made by bonding new and scrap PU material. A variety of substrate parent materials were used to provide a broader picture of the technology’s capabilities. The ReCast and parent material control samples were tested and compared for ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation at failure. The resulting bond was stronger than the bond in either the existing or new PU. In fact, any tensile strength ‘forced failures’ that occurred during the testing were in the existing or new PU on each side of the ReCast bond.

Enbridge case studyWhen Stacey Bisch learned that there was a new technology that would save money on the batch pig programme and the environment, she new she had to learn more.

Bisch, Enbridge Pipeline Services Co-ordinator for the western region, began investigating technology company Suncast Polytech Inc. about a year ago. She heard about Suncast through the vendor who manages the cleaning and transporting of the batch pigs that Enbridge Liquids Pipelines uses on the Waupisoo and Athabasca lines. Suncast refurbishes worn and discarded cups and discs that are used on batch pigs, allowing companies to lengthen the lifespan of the parts, as well as cut down on replacement costs while not compromising on performance.

Refurbished parts perform like newBisch knew the technology could easily be applied to the Waupisoo and Athabasca pipelines, where every day three to four batch pigs are received on each line. After the run, the batch pigs are pulled, cleaned and sent back up north to be put back in the line again.

“The batch pig discs and cups wear after being run between seven to 10 times,” explains Bisch. “Once they exceed their lifespan, we throw them away and replace with new ones. Not only does that cost us money to replace with new parts, but it is also a huge waste that ends up being discarded. I wasn’t comfortable with that environmental impact and wanted to make a difference.”

Bisch, along with Pipeline Integrity Technologist, Tom Richardson and Pipelines Services Supervisor, Ken Furrie, met with Suncast, toured their production facility in Edmonton and conducted trials using the refurbished parts. A big concern was that the refurbished discs and cups would not perform to the same ability as the new parts, but that was not the case. On trial runs, the refurbished parts performed extremely well – slightly better than new parts – and proved they could be a great addition to the batch pig programme.

Success on key northern pipelinesAs of January 2016, discs and cups from the Waupisoo and Athabasca batch are sent to Suncast for refurbishing allowing Enbridge to reuse the parts 10 times or more. The cost savings of using the refurbished discs and cups is about CAN$20 000 for the year. While that’s not insignificant, the real savings comes from the amount of material that is diverted away from the landfill, which Bisch says could be 25 625 lb of waste in 2016.

“The opportunity to divert thousands of pounds from the landfill means a lot to me as I know it does to everyone in our company,” says Bisch. “We’re showing leadership and demonstrating that the protection of our environment is a priority for Enbridge.”

From Richardson’s perspective, there could be opportunities to use this same technology in other areas of the pipeline system.

“The possibility is there that this technology could be applied to the cleaning pigs we run on other lines,” says Richardson. “This would allow us to achieve further cost savings and an even greater reduction of our environmental impact. We’ll have to see where this goes in the future, but right now I feel we’re taking a step in the right direction.”

World Pipelines / REPRINTED FROM NORTH AMERICA 2017


Wally Weslosky, President of Suncast and QPP, said: “For close to 20 years, we have successfully ReCast thousands of parts of various sizes and types without a part failure. The ReCast parts can typically be used multiple times to maximise lifecycle cost savings. QPP’s Quality System ensures that the cores returned for ReCast are evaluated at multiple stages of their manufacturing process, to determine the part quality for rebuild purposes. Provided the part passes all quality checks each time it is returned, it has the potential to be ReCast several times before the part is eventually retired.”

Additionally, the new PU formula that is bonded to the existing pig core part might be a higher performing PU, which means the ReCast part will meet – and frequently exceed – the wear life of the original part.

An example of the technology helping QPP’s customers was a trial with Enbridge Pipelines. The success of the trial lead to Enbridge incorporating the ReCast pig parts into their parts inventory. QPP has received the consent of Enbridge to reproduce its internal report on the extended

trial and evaluation process it required QPP to perform before Enbridge would proceed with the use of the ReCast process for its pigging parts. That report can be found in the sidebar.

ConclusionThis successful partnership with Enbridge has kept Suncast and QPP continuously looking for ways in which they can innovate to enhance customer performance, data tracking and profitability.

Ron Rudanec, General Manager of QPP, stated: “ReCast products have provided pipeline and pigging contractors a distinctive edge over their competition. We, as manufacturers and consumers, need to direct ourselves away from the disposable world we live in.”

As a courtesy service, QPP and Suncast will assist its customers in developing a plan to utilise ReCast parts, as part of the customer’s cost and environmental strategy. With almost 40 years of combined experience, QPP and Suncast can offer this significant performance advantage where no one else can.

The company’s motto of ‘reduce, recycle, ReCast’ could not be more timely, considering the emphasis it has on the environment today and for future generations.

Figure 1. Stacks of used cups and discs. This site is one of many where hundreds of used pig parts wait to be moved to landfills.

Figure 3. This 24 in. Power Disc has gone through the ReCast process, with a visibly seen difference of the wear edges. This shows how much waste goes into landfills when 90% of these parts are in good condition to continue several more lifecycles.

Figure 2. This 30 in. worn pigging cup had been ReCast three times and was back for a fourth ReCast. Notice the wear from the original bond (red) to the ReCast (black). It is visible that the bond is seamless between the original material and the new ReCast.

REPRINTED FROM NORTH AMERICA 2017 / World Pipelines


Did you know that since the 1960s, pipeline operators have been using an increasingly sophisticated technology called smart pigs to ‘see’ inside their pipelines?

In fact, these 'pigs', which stands for pipeline inspection gauges, are one of the industry's main diagnostic tools. They travel through a pipeline to monitor its health, diagnose issues such as metal defects, forecast potential challenges and report any issues to the pipeline operator.

Smart pigs come in a range of sizes with varying features, customized to fit the pipeline they are monitoring.

IT’S CALLED ‘SMART’ FOR A REASON!

ONBOARD BATTERIESpower the collection of data, which is stored in the smart pig.

SENSORSdetect anomalies and defects in the pipeline, and are able to determine if a potential issue is on the inside or outside of a pipeline.

SEALING DISKS allow the smart pig to flow with the product and speed controls ensure it doesn’t go too fast. Smart pigs can travel up to 3 to 5 m/sec and still gather good data.

ODOMETER WHEELS centralize the pig and take an accurate reading of the tool’s speed and distance travelled through the pipeline.

DATA CANISTERS store the data the smart pig collects as it travels through the line.

Can inspect in all sorts of conditions, including liquids and gas pipelines, low pressure or heavy-walled pipelines.

A pipeline does not need to be shut down to be inspected; a smart pig moves with the flow of the product.

Can detect a broad range of problems, including dents, wrinkles, pipeline movement from ground disturbance and changes in wall thickness and pipe coating.

Advancements in sensors, batteries and software continue to improve its monitoring and detection capabilities.

MAGNETSfill the pipeline with a powerful magnetic field as the smart pig passes through. The magnetic field is used to detect metal loss in the pipeline – if there is corrosion the magnetic field will ‘leak’ out of the pipeline in that area and be detected by the sensors.

GPS TRACKING enables pipeline operators to pinpoint the exact location of the potential anomaly.

ANATOMY OF ASMART PIG

Reprinted Courtesy of:

Pigging Gone Green Glossary Batch pigs .............. Cup-type batching pigs are used for standard pigging operations such as filling and dewatering during

hydrostatic testing, routine batching operations, and product removal.

Cups/Disks ............ Cleaning pigs may be constructed of a steel body with polyurethane cups or discs.

Elastomer .............. A natural or synthetic polymer having elastic properties, (i.e., rubber).

Pig ......................... Devices that are placed inside the pipe and travel with the flow of product for purposes of hydrostatic testing, drying internal cleaning or coating, liquid management, batching, or inspection.

Pigging ................... Use of “pigs” to perform various maintenance operations on a pipeline without stopping the flow of product in the pipeline.

Tensile Strength ..... The resistance of a material to breaking under pressure.


napipelines.com APRIL 2016 | North American Oil & Gas Pipelines 31

Alberta’s Athabasca River Challenges HDD Crews

Michels Completes 7,200-ft Crossing to Install Gas Line

By Jeff S. Mueller and Patrick O’Donoghue

Long before a drill bit bores into the ground, a contractor’s expe-

rience and comprehensive planning process help to determine

the probability for success on a boundary-stretching horizontal

directional drill (HDD) project.

Michels Canada Co. recently completed a challenging 7,200-ft

(2,195-m) bore for the installation of a 42-in. pipe under

the Athabasca River near Fort MacKay, Alberta, about

40 miles north of Fort McMurray. The 1.36-mile

installation is a record length for 42-in. diam-

eter pipe for Michels and considered to be

one of the longest 42-in. installations done

in the world.

30. PLCAC Members in the News: Waterways


32 North American Oil & Gas Pipelines | APRIL 2016 napipelines.com

The project has several unique ele-ments that, when combined, made it an exceptional achievement in pipeline construction. As an inter-national leader in HDD and trench-less construction, Michels has com-pleted some of the longest and most challenging projects in the industry at a variety of diameters. Michels’ operational leadership team lever-aged that experience when devel-oping an effective strategy for com-pleting the Athabasca River project. The crossing was one of seven 42-in. installations Michels is completing on TransCanada’s Northern Courier Pipeline Project, a 56-mile pipeline system that will transport bitumen and diluent products between a mine and bitumen extraction facil-ity in Fort Hills to a tank farm near Fort McMurray.

The mammoth scale of the 42-in. project required Michels to tap into its abundant resources and techni-cal knowledge. An initial design for a shorter crossing of about 6,000 ft was set aside because it would have required drilling in a sensitive area, as well as getting access close to the Athabasca River. Instead, the cross-ing was redesigned and extended to pass under both the Athabasca River and the mine site highway.

Due to the length of the align-ment, the design utilized a pilot hole intersect method and then set up Michels’ 1.2 million-lb drill rigs on each side of the river for reaming operations.

The subsurface conditions were challenging as crews encountered geology that included oil sands, hard limestone, sandstone and siltstone. Michels utilized a variety of drilling tools and paid special attention to the engineer-designed drilling fluid pro-

gram to manage the four substantial-ly different formations. Both entry and exit side utilized surface casings to quickly reach more favorable for-mations. To ensure drilling accuracy, Michels used a combination of gyro steering and ParaTrack navigation tools for guidance with annular pres-sure monitoring.

Adhering to the designed drill path was as critical as it was de-manding. Because the 42-inch pipe will contain a thermally grouted 24-in. pipeline, the installation needed to maintain specific gradients to ad-here to the grouting plan.

The pilot hole was bored at 12 ¼ in. in diameter. Next, the hole was reamed in stages to the final diam-eter of 54 in.

Maintaining the path was one of several challenges. In addition to the HDD crew, Michels Can-ada provided pipe support and welding services.

Prior to pullback, the string was assembled and welded into one sec-tion and placed on rollers. Due to site limitations, the colossal pipe string was curved along 70 percent of its laydown length. To safely and efficiently handle the pipe, Michels utilized 10 cranes, five side booms and three excavators. The steep en-try angle required the pipe-handling crew to hoist the pipe a soaring 47 ft into the air.

Michels Canada also worked with project owner, TransCanada, to en-sure there was proper contingency for the pipe installation phase by utilizing one of Michels’ 1.2 million-lb drill rigs to pull and a 750-ton Herrenknecht Pipe Thruster at exit. Michels has utilized a similar con-tingency strategy on previous large-scale projects and, once again, it paid

off. The pipe thruster was occasion-ally engaged to assist the pullback along the alignment. In fact, the pullback was challenging right from the start when a hefty 380,000 lbs of pull force was needed to achieve ini-tial movement

Michels has completed trenchless installations in all environments, from some of the most densely pop-ulated to some of the most remote, and utilized that experience to pre-pare to work in the isolated north-eastern Alberta area.

The 30-member crew stayed at nearby work camps, a necessary step to accommodate the 24/7 schedule. They encountered typical Alberta weather that ranged from highest near 90 F to lows of -4 F.

Keeping essential tools and sup-plies nearby was of critical impor-tance, given the remote location and very limited options for receiv-ing deliveries in a timely manner. In addition to determining which pieces of equipment, tools and sup-plies were necessary to begin con-struction, the Michels project man-agement team also arranged to have adequate backup pieces on hand for immediate use should their need arise.

In the end, Michels’ planning and processes paid off. The installa-tion was completed on schedule in November. In addition to accurately following the required alignment, the installation was completed without any lost-time injuries and without any inadvertent fluid releas-es along the environmentally sensi-tive crossing.

Jeff S. Mueller is Michels Directional Crossings Operational Manager. Patrick O’Donoghue is Michels Trenchless Crossings Manager.

Michels Canada installed 1.36 miles of 42-in. pipe under the Athabasca River near Fort MacKay, Alberta, as part of a 56-mile pipeline system to transport bitumen and diluent products.



Tel: 905-847-9383 Fax: 905-847-7824



PIPE LINE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF CANADA

“Building Canada’s Pipeline Infrastructure for Over 60 Years”Fall 2018 Edition

pipe line contractors association of canada · invests in tomorrow’s canadian leaders through a...

Documents