Trans Mountain Pipeline set to restart Sunday after nearly 3-week shutdown caused by storm
The Trans Mountain Pipeline plans to reopen Sunday for the first time since the devastating storm that struck B.C. in mid-November.
The pipeline, which normally transports roughly 300,000 barrels of oil from Alberta to Burnaby each day, was shut down as a precaution during the atmospheric river that flooded towns and destroyed highways last month.
"Throughout the shutdown period, the pipeline remained safely in a static condition and there was no indication of any product release or serious damage to the pipe," Trans Mountain said in a statement on Saturday.
The pipeline operator said it has now completed "detailed investigations of the pipe's integrity" and geotechnical assessments of the landscape surrounding it.
The company says it has forwarded plans for restarting the pipeline to the Canada Energy Regulator. Subject to the CER's approval, the pipeline will restart during "daylight hours" on Sunday, Trans Mountain said.
"Restarting the pipeline has required a significant, sustained effort to reinstate access lost due to damaged roads, changes in river flows, and adverse weather," the company's statement reads.
"Crews worked around the clock to clear highways, build bridges and manage watercourses to allow for access and repairs to the pipeline."
One the pipeline is operating again, crews will monitor it closely, Trans Mountain said, adding that emergency management teams remain in the field and prepared to respond "in the unlikely event of a release."
"Over the coming weeks, Trans Mountain will continue with additional emergency work," the company said. "Some of this work includes conducting additional inline inspection, armouring of riverbanks and adding ground cover or relocating sections of the pipeline."
The shutdown of the Trans Mountain pipeline was a major reason why the provincial government introduced gasoline rationing orders last month.
Earlier this week, the province extended the rules limiting drivers to 30 litres at a time until Dec. 14, a move intended to give the pipeline more time to restart.
With the pipeline now set to resume operating, CTV News Vancouver asked Emergency Management B.C. whether the gas rationing order would be ended early.
The agency did not provide a response on Saturday. On Sunday afternoon, a spokesperson shared a written statement saying the province is "encouraged" by the reopening of the pipeline, but is not yet ready to lift the 30-litre limit.
"The fuel order will remain in effect to prioritize essential vehicles and will be re-evaluated as the Province continues to recover from the recent weather events," the statement reads.
"We all must continue to do our part and limit our fuel consumption and take transit when possible. British Columbians have stepped up in big ways and we are confident this can continue for the next little while."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.
Rape, terror and death at sea: How a boat carrying Rohingya children, women and men capsized
In March, Indonesian officials and local fishermen rescued 75 people from the overturned hull of a boat off the coast of Indonesia. Until now, little was known about why the boat capsized.
Stormy Daniels describes meeting Trump during occasionally graphic testimony in hush money trial
With Donald Trump sitting just feet away, Stormy Daniels testified Tuesday at the former president's hush money trial about a sexual encounter the porn actor says they had in 2006 that resulted in her being paid to keep silent during the presidential race 10 years later.