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Enbridge Pipelines (NW) Inc. (Enbridge) is proposing to remove and replace a segment of the Line 21 pipeline located southeast of kilometre post (KP) 158 near Little Smith Creek in the Northwest Territories (NWT) (the O&M Activity).
Line 21 (the Norman Wells Pipeline) carries crude oil from Norman Wells, NWT to Zama, Alberta over a distance of approximately 870 kilometres (km). At KP 158, the pipeline parallels a meander bend of Little Smith Creek, a tributary of the Mackenzie River. Enbridge has been actively monitoring slope instability in the area of the meander bend, which, over the years, has been encroaching onto the pipeline right-of-way (ROW). To protect the pipeline from the potential impacts of further slope movement and to support continued safe operation of the pipeline, Enbridge is proposing to remove and replace a segment of the existing nominal pipe size (NPS) 12 pipeline at this location.
The O&M Activity involves the removal of an approximately 516-metre (m) segment of the existing NPS 12 pipeline and replacing it with a new, approximately 520-m NPS 12 pipeline segment with a greater depth of cover, below the landslide impact zone. Enbridge is planning to install the new pipeline segment via horizontal directional drill (HDD) within the existing Enbridge ROW, and no new land rights are required for operation; however, some temporary workspace, located on privately-held Sahtú lands administered by the Tulita District Land Corporation, will be required to accommodate construction activities.
The O&M Activity will require upgrades to existing access roads, as well as the following temporary infrastructure:
• Construction camps (up to three small camps)
• Laydown yard (fuel and equipment storage)
• Potential Barge landing (the project will use the existing barge landing on the Mackenzie River south of Little Smith Creek and will use temporary portable steel ramps for loading)
• Temporary workspace
- HDD work sites (entry and exit points, and ROW for trenchless pipe drag section)
- Pipeline stopple/tie-in locations
The existing pipe segment will be removed once the new segment has been tied-in and is operational. All infrastructure and equipment will be demobilized in March 2021 prior to the closure of the winter road and ice crossings. Should the closure of the winter road and ice crossing arrive earlier or the O&M Activity is delayed (i.e. by weather, etc.) some equipment may be required to be stranded until Summer 2021 when the summer barging season can begin at which time any stranded equipment will be demobilized.
On Line 21 at KP 158, the pipeline parallels a meander bend of Little Smith Creek, a tributary of the Mackenzie River. Enbridge has been actively monitoring slope instability in the area of the meander bend, which, over the years, has been encroaching onto the pipeline ROW. To protect the pipeline from the potential impacts of further slope movement and to support continued safe operation of the pipeline, Enbridge is proposing to remove and replace a segment of the existing NPS 12 pipeline at this location.
Removing an existing section of pipe and putting a new section in its place where the replacement is greater than 100 m (but less than 5 km) in length
Pressure testing of line pipe performed by means other than hydrostatic testing
Enbridge believes in open and transparent communication with all landowners, Indigenous communities, municipalities, and all other stakeholders potentially affected by its projects and operational activity. Where required, Enbridge undertakes focused engagement and consultation with stakeholders that strictly adheres to regulatory and corporate stakeholder engagement guidance. This supports a common understanding amongst all parties around potential areas of concern and alignment on areas of mutual interest in developing a suitable course of action. Appropriate notification and engagement also supports achievement of Enbridge’s corporate policies and principles as set out in Enbridge’s Indigenous Peoples Policy and the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility Policy, as well as to help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and expectations.
Much of the work associated with the Project will take place within Enbridge’s existing ROW, with some temporary workspace required on privately-owned Sahtú lands administered by the Tulita District Land Corporation (TDLC). Enbridge has engaged on this proposed maintenance work starting in the fall of 2018 and continues to transparently engage with local stakeholders, groups and those who are interested in the planned maintenance work. Enbridge continues to engage with multiple groups and individuals in the Tulita District (Tulita District Land Corp., Tulita Land Corporation, Fort Norman Metis Community, Norman Wells Land Corporation, Tulita Renewable Resource Council, Norman Wells Renewable Resource Council, Tultia Dene Band, Town of Norman Wells, Hamlet of Tulita, Tulita Fire/Emergency Services).
Engagement has been varied - including phone calls, emails, letter communication and updates, factsheets, in-person meetings, and virtual meetings. Planned open houses with respect to the O&M Activity were cancelled upon request due to the emerging pandemic situation. Engagement will continue for the lifecycle of the O&M Activity. Negotiations had determined that Enbridge and TDLC representatives will establish a project committee to allow for an organized way to routinely meet to discuss issues, concerns, and successes while the actual work occurs. This project committee will also provide a platform for discussions on continued engagement opportunities.
Enbridge entered into a Benefits Agreement with the Tulita Land Corporation, Norman Wells Land Corporation, Fort Norman Métis Community and Tulita District Benefits Corporation and an Access Agreement with the Tulita District Land Corporation Ltd. both dated September 11, 2020. As well, Enbridge received approval from the Sahtú Land and Water Board for the Land Use and Water Permits on September 17, 2020.
Consultation with Imperial Oil Limited (IOL) is ongoing. Full project approval was received from IOL in early February, 2020.
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516.00
Due to the strong likelihood that hydrotesting the new pipeline segment using only water will freeze, the new pipeline segment will be pressure-tested using a rental fluid comprised of a 50/50 mix of water and glycol. Testing will adhere to relevant territorial and federal regulations. The test fluid will be trucked in and out of the construction site and will not be discharged to the environment.
Line 21 KP 158 Pipe Replacement at Little Smith Creek
Company
Enbridge Pipelines (NW) Inc.
Select all regulations that apply to this event. (Note that different acts may apply depending on the selected company.)
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