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
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.