Trans Mountain

SAFE AND RELIABLE ENERGY

TRANSPORTATION FOR 70 YEARS

RISING TO THE SUMMIT

Trans Mountain operates Canada’s only pipeline system transporting oil products to the nation’s West Coast. We chart the company’s rapid ascent and cover its resolute commitments to sustainability and environmental stewardship

Writer: Ed Budds | Project Manager: Lauren Robinson

Trans Mountain was established on 21st March 1951 when the Parliament of Canada granted the company a charter, setting in motion the construction of a pipeline that today still serves as the key transportation link between the Alberta oilsands and the west coast of North America.

Construction of the pipeline system was a monumental engineering feat by any standard, crossing some of the most

rugged, mountainous terrain in the world as well as environmentally sensitive wetlands, waterways, and parklands.

However, despite these topographical challenges, engineering and construction was completed in just over 30 months, with many likening it to the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway at the time.

Moreover, when the first shipment of oil reached the Trans Mountain

Burnaby Terminal on 17th October 1953, it ushered in a new era of economic growth for the region.

Evidently, a great deal has changed since the 1950s, including the role of the pipeline system itself. Originally designed to transport just crude oil, it was later modified to allow customers to batch refined products as well as crude oil.

Impressively, it is now one of the few pipeline systems in the world capable of this type of operation.

Pioneering Excellence in Pipeline Project Access

Established in 1999, Northern Mat & Bridge (NMB) stands as Canada’s foremost coast-to-coast provider of access solutions. Specializing in secure and cost-effective matting and portable bridge solutions, they cater to a wide range of industries across North America. NMB’s products guarantee safe access to challenging terrains affected by adverse conditions.

NMB has solidified its position as the unequivocal leader in delivering best-in-class access solutions tailored specifically for pipeline projects. At the heart of their approach is a steadfast commitment to excellence. This commitment is evident in their capacity to minimize a project’s environmental impact, uphold construction schedules, and actively engage with local Indigenous groups.

Best-in-Class Access Solutions

NMB’s climb to the top of the industry is a testament to their holistic and strategic approach. This is what helps them surpass conventional standards, instead reinventing their own. With an unwavering focus on innovation and efficiency, NMB sets a new benchmark for access solutions. Each project isn’t merely a task, but an opportunity to elevate and redefine the standards of excellence in the realm of access solutions.

Environmental Stewardship at the Forefront

In today’s world, environmental stewardship needs to be a priority for organizations. This is especially true of those working in sensitive environments.

NMB has found the balance between progress and preservation, taking the lead as a steward of the environment—a role that they take very seriously. Pipeline projects often navigate through environmentally sensitive areas, presenting unique challenges. NMB’s access mats and bridges function as guardians, preventing lasting damage by providing stable access. This approach ensures that heavy machinery treads lightly, leaving behind a minimal environmental footprint. As a steward of the land, this will always be one of NMB’s primary goals.

Precise Construction Schedules

NMB recognizes how critical construction project timelines are. This is why they strategically integrate access solutions early on in any project. This helps save time in the long-term, as well as contributes to cost efficiencies. NMB’s proactive approach to access solutions reflects their holistic understanding of the complex elements that define construction projects, translating into a better experience for all of their clients.

Reconciliation Through Partnership

Beyond construction, NMB actively contributes to economic reconciliation in Canada by engaging with local Indigenous communities. This engagement goes beyond a simple commitment. It’s a reflection of their belief in fostering relationships built on mutual respect, fairness, and open communication. Economic opportunities become a bridge to inclusion, ensuring that local communities are an integral part of the economic fabric woven by NMB’s projects. And respect is always given to traditional lands by minimizing operational environmental impact on sensitive areas.

NMB’s collaboration with Indigenous communities extends beyond project engagement—it’s also about empowerment. The organization actively seeks opportunities to empower local Indigenous communities, recognizing that true success is measured not just in project completion but in the positive impact left on the communities it serves. Through open dialogue and collaboration, NMB ensures that the benefits of its projects resonate far beyond the immediate construction site.

Redefining Excellence

In the ever-changing landscape of pipeline projects, where challenges are as diverse as the terrains traversed, NMB stands as a beacon of excellence. Their commitment to being the best in their industry, minimizing their environmental impact, adhering to construction schedules, and actively engaging with local Indigenous communities positions NMB as the indisputable leader in access solutions. Through a blend of innovation, environmental stewardship, and community collaboration, NMB is not just setting the standard—they’re redefining what excellence looks like in the realm of pipeline project access solutions. As you begin your next pipeline project, consider the impact that excellence in access solutions can make. Choose NMB to help unlock new possibilities for progress, environmental responsibility, and community empowerment.

The future of pipeline project access solutions is here. Welcome to Northern Mat & Bridge.

NMB and the Trans Mountain Expansion Project

NMB has played an active role in temporary access solutions for decades. Their matting and bridges have set the standard for quality across North America.

NMB played a significant part in providing safe access solutions on multiple spreads of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TEMP). Throughout the project, they partnered with local Indigenous communities, resulting in: job opportunities and training, economic benefits, revenue generation for communities and their members, and subcontracted opportunities with Indigenous-owned businesses.

Matting Solutions for TEMP

• Facilitated equipment access and connected hard-to-reach areas.

• Acted as a shield, preventing damage to sensitive areas.

• Averted project delays in regions with heavy rainfall by maintaining stable ground.

• Distributed the weight of heavy equipment evenly to protect sensitive environments.

• Avoided equipment getting stuck in mud, reducing delays and minimizing land damage.

• Enabled heavy equipment to distribute weight uniformly, reducing wear, tear, and potential damage to below-ground utilities.

Bridge Solutions for TEMP

• Facilitated equipment and vehicle access to challenging locations, including over water, streams, and creeks.

• Prevented contamination of bodies of water, ensuring minimal disturbance to fish-bearing streams and surrounding wildlife.

• Minimized overall environmental impact by providing a low-impact solution for project access and operations.

EXPANSION PROJECT FAST FACTS

• Approximately 980km of new pipeline.

• 73 percent of the route will use the existing right-of-way, 16 percent will follow other linear infrastructure such as telecommunications, hydro, or highways, and 11 percent will be new right-of-way.

• Includes 193km of reactivated pipeline.

• 12 new pump stations will be built.

• 19 new tanks will be added to existing storage terminals.

• Three new berths will be built at Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby. Once the new berths are completed and in service, the number of tankers loaded at the Westridge Marine Terminal could increase to approximately 34 per month.

• The existing pipeline will carry refined products, synthetic crude oils, and light crude oils, with the added capability for heavy crude oils.

• The new pipeline will carry heavier oils with the capability for transporting light crude oils.

• The project will create benefits including new short and longterm jobs, job-related training opportunities, and increases in taxes collected by all three levels of government.

• Trans Mountain and its contractors have hired approximately 36,917 people to work on the project to date.

Today, the company delivers approximately 300,000 barrels of petroleum products each day through 1,150 kilometers (km) of pipeline in Alberta and British Columbia, and 111km of pipeline in the state of Washington.

The highly anticipated Trans Mountain expansion project will provide increased capacity to support Canadian crude oil production growth and ensure access to global energy markets.

The largest project in the pipeline’s history, it involves installing approximately 992km of pipeline, new and modified facilities including pump stations and terminals, and a new dock complex at the Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby, British Columbia.

As a federal crown corporation, Trans Mountain will continue to build upon its 70+ years of experience delivering operational and safety excellence through its crude oil pipeline system.

The company also remains

accountable to parliament through the Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV). As a wholly-owned subsidiary of CDEV, it is therefore governed by an independent board of directors.

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE CORE

Sustainability has always been at the core of Trans Mountain’s business.

This begins with the health and safety of its employees and contractors, and extends into the respectful and deep relationships built with communities and Indigenous people.

From environmental protection to emergency preparedness, biodiversity to board diversity, Trans Mountain is committed to operating responsibly.

As such, Trans Mountain tracks and manages the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by its daily operations. Most of its emissions are indirect, also known as Scope 2, since the company uses electrically driven pumps to move fluid through the pipeline.

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Parallel to this, Trans Mountain proudly supports the Government of Canada’s stated goal to be net zero by 2050 and has set its own interim target to reduce 100,000 tons of CO2 Scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 to support this ambitious goal.

In order to meet this target, the company plans to implement existing system efficiencies and innovations, decarbonize its energy consumption, and explore carbon credit and offset solutions.

As building a pipeline generates emissions, Trans Mountain has committed to offsetting the two main contributors to construction-related emissions as part of its regulatory approvals: fuel consumed by light and medium trucks as well as heavy machinery during construction; and land clearing activities, specifically in areas permanently cleared along the pipeline easement.

It has been estimated that the

expansion project will generate a cumulative one million tons of CO2 during the complete construction period.

Elsewhere, to help reduce emissions arising from fuel consumption, the company’s primary agreement for general construction contractors includes guidelines around anti-idling, which are reinforced by strict air and noise environmental protection rules, and the use of worker camps and shuttle services to minimize transportation to and from work sites.

CHAMPIONS OF THE COMMUNITY

Trans Mountain encourages its employees and contractors to be active members of their communities. The company supports surrounding areas through its community investment program, volunteerism, and supporting local speaking opportunities.

As part of its community work, Trans Mountain has built a partnership with United Way, an international network of local non-profit fundraising affiliates, to help make the greatest impact possible.

Each year, Trans Mountain’s staff come together to support United Way through volunteer-led events and financial contributions. In 2019, the campaign raised more than CAD$100,000 to United Way chapters in Alberta and British Columbia.

Supporting United Way is one of the many ways that Trans Mountain contributes to stronger, healthier communities.

Additionally, Trans Mountain’s community investment program funds positive legacies in the communities where it lives and works, including Puget Sound, Washington, and Calgary.

Grants are available up to CAD$5,000 per organization each

JVC Group Ltd: Pioneering Excellence in Alberta’s Energy Landscape

Established in the heart of Alberta in 1997, JVC Group Ltd has emerged as a beacon of Indigenous entrepreneurship, contributing significantly to the province’s dynamic energy sector. Founded with a vision to provide unparalleled service and prioritize safety in every operation, JVC has become synonymous with reliability, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to both its clients and the community.

Indigenous Roots, Global Expertise:

JVC Group Ltd proudly stands as an Indigenous-owned company, deeply rooted in the rich cultural tapestry of Alberta’s First Nations. Since its inception, the company has seamlessly blended traditional values with a forward-thinking approach, creating a unique identity that resonates throughout the industry. As a testament to its success, JVC has grown to be a key player in the industrial maintenance and energy construction industries, contributing to the economic prosperity of the region.

Looking Ahead:

As JVC Group Ltd looks towards the future, the company remains dedicated to upholding its founding principles of Service-Safely. With a strong foundation built on Indigenous values, a customerfocused approach, and a commitment to innovation, JVC is poised for continued success, contributing to the prosperity of Canada’s energy landscape while fostering positive relationships with its clients, employees, and the broader community.

Service-Safely Driven Philosophy:

At the core of JVC’s success is an unwavering commitment to service excellence. Our company understands the critical role it plays in supporting Alberta’s energy infrastructure, and thus, each project is approached with dedication and a customer-centric mindset. From initial planning to project execution and beyond, JVC’s team of skilled professionals ensures that client expectations are not only met but exceeded.

Service-Safely, Always:

JVC Group Ltd places the highest priority on safety in every aspect of its operations. Recognizing the inherently challenging nature of the industry, the company has implemented rigorous safety protocols and procedures and invested in state-of-the-art technology to create a secure working environment. JVC’s safety-driven culture extends beyond the workplace, emphasizing the wellbeing of its employees, contractors, and the surrounding communities.

Innovation in Action:

In an industry that demands adaptability, JVC Group Ltd is at the forefront of innovation. Our company consistently embraces emerging technologies and modern construction methods to enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and ensure sustainable practices. This forward-thinking approach not only future-proofs JVC but positions it as a leader in the everevolving energy landscape.

Community Engagement and Sustainability:

JVC Group Ltd takes pride in its role as a responsible corporate citizen. Our company actively engages with local communities, supporting initiatives that promote education, cultural preservation, and economic development. In addition, JVC is committed to environmentally conscious practices, striving for sustainability in its operations and minimizing the ecological footprint of its projects.

Phone: 780-455-0776 | Email: info@jvcltd.ca | Web: jvcltd.ca

year and are designed to address the needs of the community across areas of focus such as environmental stewardship and education.

In this way, environmental projects must enhance well-being in the areas of ecosystems, water, or environmental education.

Ecosystems projects must show their ability to enhance or conserve ecosystems and species of conservation concern and reduce the threat of significant invasive species to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Similarly, water projects must support the protection, enhancement, or restoration of water resources.

Finally, environmental education projects need to provide education to residents that helps develop an understanding and appreciation of nature and motivates ecologically informed decisions and actions.

PROTECTING TRADITIONAL LAND

Trans Mountain is committed to working with Indigenous people where it operates.

The company’s goal is to build and sustain effective relationships based on shared respect, to enjoy mutual

WHAT IS PIPELINE APPORTIONMENT AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Across the planet, the energy sector works on a monthly cycle, and the Trans Mountain pipeline is part of this. Apportionment describes the amount of demand shippers place on the pipeline in excess of its available capacity.

• Each month, the company’s shippers submit requests for how much petroleum they want to send through the pipeline to service their customers. These requests are called nominations.

• Determining pipeline capacity is complex and affected by factors such as the types of products that have been nominated, any pipeline system maintenance activities that will reduce flow, and carry-over volumes that haven’t completed their transit of the pipeline by the end of the month.

• Based on available pipeline capacity and the volume of shipper nominations Trans Mountain receives, the company calculates apportionment using a method accepted by the Canada Energy Regulator, forming part of its tariff, which includes the terms and conditions under which the service of a pipeline is offered or provided, including the tolls, rules and regulations, and practices relating to specific services.

• If shipper nominations total less than the pipeline capacity, the apportionment percentage to that destination will be zero and all the product volumes nominated by shippers are accepted to be transported for that month.

• If shipper nominations exceed pipeline capacity, then the apportionment is a percentage greater than zero.

Total system nominations for the Trans Mountain pipeline system are apportioned by zero percent for May 2024.

IT IS MY DEDICATED PASSION

for pipelines that compels me to partner with others in the industry, share best practices and collaborate on ideas for future innovations and advanced applications.

It is who I am. I am a pipeliner.

We’re proud to have been part of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project, demonstrating the comprehensive inspection value of our MDS™ tool and data analytics expertise. We look forward to future collaborations with Trans Mountain and continuing to deliver innovation and service excellence.

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benefits, and to work cooperatively and transparently.

The announcement of the Trans Mountain expansion project presented a special opportunity to enhance its existing relationships with Indigenous people and their communities. Conversations have subsequently taken place that have been invaluable to project planning and developing understanding between communities and the industry.

Thus, Trans Mountain recognizes the cultural, spiritual, and social interconnections with the natural environment for Indigenous groups and their territories crossed by the pipeline corridor.

Approved mitigation plans are in place to reduce potential impacts to Traditional Land Use (TLU) areas and heritage resources along the construction footprint of the expansion project.

Through years of detailed project planning, extensive information has been collected and provided through TLU studies and a comprehensive archaeology program. Information about known TLU and cultural sites has been incorporated into Trans Mountain’s preparations, such as environmental protection plans, alignment sheets, and resource-specific mitigation tables.

These documents guide construction contractors, environmental inspectors, and Indigenous monitors regarding field requirements and mitigation during construction activity.

Furthermore, Trans Mountain is bound by confidentiality agreements developed with Indigenous groups who agreed to share confidential cultural information to inform project planning and ensure appropriate mitigation is developed.

BIODIVERSITY, LAND, AND WATER STEWARDSHIP

At Trans Mountain, the company knows it has a responsibility to protect the land, water, and ecosystems where it operates.

Water is a shared resource and an essential part of all ecosystems. Therefore, the company takes its responsibility to be stewards of the land and water bodies near all operations seriously.

The company’s pipeline crosses into many protected areas, including recreational areas such as Jasper National Park in Alberta and Mount Robson Provincial Park in British Columbia.

Since the operating pipeline is buried, the impact to surface wildlife is minimal. However, Trans Mountain remains committed to minimizing its impact to the land and the biodiversity of these sensitive areas by implementing a strong asset

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integrity program that prevents spills and a rapid emergency response program that reduces impacts if a spill were to occur.

The pipeline system crosses more than 1,500 bodies of water. During Trans Mountain’s day-to-day operations, there is relatively little in-stream work required, however, in 2022, the company completed two large river crossing replacements in the Coquihalla River.

In planning and implementing any river crossing project, such as the replacement of the section of pipe underneath the river, great care is taken to preserve the environmental features in and around the stream, including the wildlife and aquatic habitat within the specific zone.

For each water crossing, Trans Mountain carried out extensive mitigation measures, and the company’s environmental protection plans detail the actions required

to ensure the protection of land, plants, wildlife, fish, and aquatic environments for the replacement work.

THE NEED FOR EXPANSION

The Trans Mountain expansion project will help make sure Canada gets full value for its oil, as everyone will benefit.

Primarily, workers will greatly benefit during the CAD$30.9 billion construction project. Oil producers will also earn more revenue and the government will collect more tax revenue, contributing to services that benefit all Canadians.

Almost all the oil produced in Western Canada currently goes to the US Midwest, however there is a limit to how much oil this market needs. For much of the last decade, Canada has been selling into the US at a discount to the global price for similar oil products.

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The truth is that Canada’s oil will fetch a better price if Trans Mountain gives itself the option of shipping more of it via the company’s Pacific tidewater terminal in Burrard Inlet.

Canada will then earn more on every barrel of oil that is piped west compared to those sold to existing customers in the US Midwest market, a differential that exists regardless of the price of oil.

With oil sands production expanding in Alberta in the years ahead, new markets and opportunities are emerging.

As countless nations in Asia Pacific begin to develop the same quality of life enjoyed in Canada, they need to secure sources of energy.

Canada is a natural trading partner for these countries, and with an expanded Trans Mountain pipeline system, the business will be in a position to provide for their growing needs for years to come.

SAFE AND RELIABLE ENERGY

TRANSPORTATION FOR 70 YEARS