Trans-Northern Pipelines Inc. (TNPI) operates pipelines regulated by the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) to safely transport the refined petroleum products (gasoline, diesel, aviation, and heating fuel) used by Canadian businesses and consumers every day. These pipelines connect refineries in Nanticoke, Ont., and Montreal to the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), with lateral pipelines to Ottawa as well as to Pearson International Airport and Pierre-Elliot Trudeau International Airport. We are committed to operating in a safe and environmentally responsible manner to protect the public, the environment, and the pipelines.
TNPI is proposing to replace a section of 273.1 mm (10.75-inch) pipeline that is in proximity and that crosses the Autoroute Felix-Leclerc (TransCanada Highway) in a tunnel located in the City of Dorval, Quebec. This section of the pipeline is part of TNPI’s Dorval lateral, used to transport jet fuel to the Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). Integrity features have been identified on the existing pipeline within the tunnel and on the south side of the highway, paralleling the Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) railway corridor.
May 2022 Dorval Tunnel Relocation Project Update
The Project, located within the City of Dorval, proposed replacing a section of the 273.1 mm (10.75 inch) pipeline that crosses Autoroute Felix-Leclerc (TransCanada Highway) as described below. The proposed Project was filed with the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) in July 2021 with an approval order issued in late November 2021. A copy of the Order can be found on the CER website: https://apps.cer-rec.gc.ca/REGDOCS/File/Download/4166287
As more detailed planning of the Project progressed, it was determined that a new strategy to replace the pipeline segment within its current location would be the best approach to minimize impacts on residents and businesses in the area. This work is expected to take place in late summer; a separate notification with the exact timeframe will be provided to those residents and businesses who will directly be impacted by the replacement work activities.
Original Project Overview (July 2021)
The Dorval Tunnel Relocation Project (the Project) includes the installation of approximately 120 metres (m) of 273.1 mm (10.75 inch) outside diameter (OD) pipeline across Autoroute Felix-Leclerc, and approximately 210 m across the associated highway cloverleaf and on-ramp to preserve the pipeline system.
A new right-of-way alignment is required to complete this installation as removal and replacement of the existing tunnel pipeline is not feasible. The new pipeline section across Autoroute Felix-Leclerc will be installed using a horizontal directional drilling (HDD) method, which will minimize impacts to the area and allow the pipeline to cross the highway. Construction practices that minimize disturbance will be incorporated into the Project whenever feasible to reduce adverse and cumulative effects. The remaining portion of the pipeline will be installed using open cut practices.
The existing section of 273.1 mm OD pipeline will be decommissioned with portions left in place and portions removed as required.
Timing of CER Filing
The application was filed with the CER in July 2021. All related documents can be viewed on the CER website here.
Proposed Timing and Duration of Construction
Construction of the new pipeline segment is anticipated to take place as early as Fall/Winter 2021 (to be confirmed).
Construction will begin immediately following receipt of the CER, provincial and municipal approvals and will last for approximately 75 days. Construction cannot begin until receipt of these approvals. Currently, approvals are expected to be received within 6-8 months of filing.
It is expected that the pipeline will be placed back into service immediately following the completion of construction and tie-in of the replacement pipe section. The pipeline contractor will leave a portion of the existing 273.1 mm OD decommissioned pipeline segment cleaned, capped and in safe condition.
The Environment
The Project area is within the City of Dorval. It is an urban area surrounded by industrial businesses. The Ruisseau Bertrand waterway passes through the tunnel that the current pipeline uses to pass under Autoroute Felix-Leclerc. However, this piece of pipeline will be decommissioned when the new pipeline crossing is complete.
TNPI has retained Stantec Consulting Ltd. to conduct a thorough Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment (ESA) in order to meet the requirements of the CER Filing Manual and will be incorporated into the application for submission to the CER. A desktop study will be conducted to review the documented biophysical conditions (e.g., terrestrial environment), sensitive receptors (e.g., businesses, daycares), areas of potential contamination (e.g., existing soils), fencing and potential tree removal. Once the desktop study is complete, a biophysical site survey is used to validate the findings to complete the ESA. The conclusions drawn from the ESA will be used to form the Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) which will be used to support construction.
As the neighboring property is considered to have pre-historical archeological potential, the Project footprint will be studied to verify the archeological potential and determine if field investigations are required. The archeological studies will be conducted prior to construction.
The Project requires a Notice of Non-applicability and may require a Certificate of Authorization under the Ministry of Environment and Fight Against Climate Change (MELCC), Section 31.1 of the Environment Quality Act (EQA), Section 9(2) of the Regulation respecting the environmental impact assessment and review of certain projects (REEIECP), and Section 22 of the EQA.
Site Reclamation
TNPI is committed to the health and safety of the public, our employees, and the environment, and has a well-developed process for reclamation. Once the pipeline segment has been replaced, TNPI will ensure that all areas disturbed by the construction project are returned to their previous condition.
Corporate Engagement Policy
TNPI is committed to working with landowners, regulators, and others in the communities where we operate because we all play a role in pipeline safety. As part of this commitment, TNPI is keeping the community informed of relevant health and safety, security, and environmental issues regarding their pipeline during construction and operation. A stakeholder engagement process, which includes consultation and engagement with landowners, Indigenous communities, government agencies, and other interested persons, is in place to allow public input into our Project during the planning process. Public engagement is also an important component of the Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment (ESA). Input received will be used to confirm both the existing environmental conditions and to develop site specific protection or mitigation measures for the Project.
Indigenous Peoples
Project information will be communicated to Indigenous communities based on previous relationships, potential effects on known or asserted traditional territory, and direction received from the CER.
Public Safety
TNPI is committed to operating in a safe and environmentally responsible manner to protect the public, the environment, and the pipeline. TNPI is also committed to keeping the community and all stakeholders informed of relevant safety issues regarding their pipelines, and any proposed changes to these pipelines.
Emergency Response
TNPI has a detailed Emergency Response Plan in place to respond safely and efficiently in the unlikely event of a pipeline incident. The Emergency Response Plan is applicable to this pipeline relocation and is available to the public on the TNPI website. TNPI Emergency Services is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-361-0608.
Conditions and Commitments
Following the filing of the project with the CER, information including status of conditions and commitments will be updated and posted on the CER website as required.
Issue Resolution
TNPI is committed to working with landowners and affected persons to resolve issues and concerns in a proactive manner. If TNPI is unable to resolve a disagreement between parties, TNPI will advise the CER and initiate the Alternate Dispute Resolution Process. TNPI understands and respects that this process can be initiated by anyone involved in a dispute with TNPI over a CER regulated pipeline. More information is available at:
https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/prtcptn/lndwnrgd/lndwnrgdch10-eng.html
How to Participate
Keeping those potentially affected by the project informed is an important aspect of all of our major projects. Information regarding this Project will continue to be posted on this TNPI webpage and emailed to affected people and groups.
For more information, or if you have questions or concerns about this project, please contact the TNPI project team at:
[email protected]
Your questions or concerns can also be provided directly to the CER at:
Canada Energy Regulator
Suite 210, 517 Tenth Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2R 0A8
https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/cntcts/index-eng.html
Toll free: 1-800-899-1265
Toll free fax: 1-877-288-8803
The application will be available for viewing on the CER website (see address above) once it has been filed. TNPI will advise all stakeholders of the actual filing date.