From the CER web site This must be one of the reasons MCR has been delayed with the start of work on the spread.
This approval was dated last week. Good news, this looks expensive.
26 June 2020
Ms. Megan Sartore
Senior Regulatory Specialist
Trans Mountain Pipeline ULC
Suite 2700, 300 – 5
th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB T2P 5J2
Email megan_sartore@transmountain.com
Dear Ms. Sartore:
Trans Mountain Pipeline ULC (Trans Mountain)
Application for the Coquihalla Crossing No. 15 and 16 Replacement Project
(Project) under section 214 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CER Act)
and section 45.1 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Onshore Pipeline
Regulations (OPR)
The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) received Trans Mountain’s application, dated
23 January 2020, as well as its subsequent filings dated 23 March 2020 and 17 April 2020,
to construct and operate the Project. The Project proposed to decommission two crossings,
Coquihalla No. 15 and 16, and replace them with two new segments of pipe, approximately
285 and 305 metres long, respectively. Through its monitoring program, Trans Mountain has
identified these locations to be susceptible to failure during flood events due to mechanical
damage as a result of large woody debris. Trans Mountain proposes to install the
replacement segments deeper into the substrate.
In order to minimize environmental impact and disturbances to the public, Trans Mountain
stated it will construct the replacement segments of the Project in conjunction with the Trans
Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP) crossings at those locations using a common ditch for
the two lines of pipe. Trans Mountain committed to applying for leave to open (LTO)
pursuant to section 213 of the CER Act for the two crossings, but requested relief from the
requirements of section 213 for the tie-in welds for the Project. Trans Mountain also
requested exemptions from the provisions of subsection 180(1), sections 198 and 199 of the
CER Act for the Project, and any other relief the CER may consider appropriate.
The Commission of the CER (Commission) has taken into account considerations that
appear to it to be relevant and directly related to the Project as well as matters under
section 56 of the CER Act, and is satisfied with Trans Mountain’s engagement activities. The
Commission finds that the protection of the environment and public safety have been
appropriately addressed by Trans Mountain in the Project application and materials. In
addition, the Commission evaluated the financial viability, economic justification, and
proposed design and operations of the Project. The Commission finds that it is in the public
interest to grant the requested relief.
…