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
Asking rent prices up 9.3% across Canada, Ontario sees only decline: report
A new report says the average asking rent for a home in Canada in April was up 9.3 per cent compared with a year ago, while a slight month-over-month increase was also recorded for the first time since January.
What is basic income, and how would it impact me?
Parliamentarians are considering a pair of bills aiming to lift people out of poverty through a basic income program, but some fear these types of systems could result in more taxes for Canadians who are already financially struggling.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Magnitude 4.2 earthquake reported off Vancouver Island's west coast
A 4.2-magnitude earthquake was recorded west of Vancouver Island early Friday morning.
Mexico's president accuses press and volunteer searchers for missing people of 'necrophilia'
The administration of Mexico's president has accused the press and volunteer searchers who look for the bodies of missing people of 'necrophilia,' comments that drew criticism this week.
WATCH Expecting an interest rate cut in June? Don't bet on it after new jobs data
Canada's labour market rebounded in April, adding more than 90,000 jobs, a staggering number of new positions after four consecutive months of little change.
Out-of-control wildfire burning near Fort McMurray
As of 9 a.m. on Friday, the wildfire burning 28 kilometres southwest of the northeastern Alberta city was 25 hectares in size.
Prince William says wife Kate is 'doing well'
Prince William said on Friday his wife Kate was 'doing well' in a rare public comment about the Princess of Wales as she undergoes preventative chemotherapy for cancer.
'Irate male' assaulted Newfoundland officers with block of cheese, police say
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.