Compliance verification activity type: Field Inspection
Team:
Regulated company: NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.
Operating company: TransCanada PipeLines Limited
Province(s) / Territory(s):
Discipline(s):
Related events:
Rationale and scope:
Environmental inspection of the NGTL 2021 Expansion Project construction Grande Prairie West Section, Valhalla and Elmworth spreads.
Compliance tool(s) used:
Facilities:
Facility Types
Life-cycle Phases
Regulatory requirements that apply to this activity:
Observation 1 - Elmworth Spread - General Construction Observations
Date & time of visit: 2021-08-17 08:00
Discipline: Environmental Protection
Categories:
Facility:
Observations:
The inspection team visited numerous sites of environmental interest along the Elmworth Spread including watercourse and wetland crossings, SARA listed species locations, invasive plant management locations and an HDD crossing location. Below are noted general observations from this inspection: -RoW boundaries respected with no trespass observed at locations inspected. -Soil piles appropriately segregated and staked. No evidence of erosion loss on topsoil piles. -Sites where weeds have been previously identified have weed infested topsoil piles specifically segregated and staked with appropriately visible labeling on stakes. TC Energy representative indicated weed growth on these piles is managed on an as needed basis and is monitored by EIs, contractor environmental coordinators and with landowner input. -Erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures generally functioning as designed with minor areas for improvement identified during the inspection which were appropriately managed by the company. -Company representatives indicated that where possible there is less reliance on sediment fence and instead ESC strategies like keyed edges are implemented in order to reduce construction waste as well as minimize creating needs for ongoing maintenance of fencing. -Channels installed across roach in wetland crossings to maintain drainage as appropriate.
-Wildlife boundaries and buffers, as well as company personnel awareness in regards to SARA listed species noted as appropriate.
-Minor environmental deficiencies identified by company noted as being appropriately tracked and managed within environmental management system.
-Environmental awareness of contractor foreman noted as appropriate for execution of work at various sites, including HDD crossing at Wapiti River.
-Water intake screened appropriately with permitting and water monitoring data available upon request. No issues noted.
-Waste segregation at HDD crossing sites noted as appropriate. However leak observed in containment on green hazardous waste bin, no contamination of soil was observed and upon discovery company personnel responded by cleaning up oil staining on bin skid with absorbent pads and took the bin out of service. Please refer to CNC 1.
-Slings with tears observed in storage in HDD site tool crib. These were removed from service by company personnel upon discovery. Please refer to CNC 2.
Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used
Observation 2 - Valhalla Spread - General Construction Observations
Date & time of visit: 2021-08-19 08:00
The inspection team visited numerous sites of environmental interest along the Valhalla Spread including watercourse and wetland crossings, invasive plant management locations and a completed HDD crossing location. Below are noted general observations from this inspection: -RoW boundaries respected with no trespass observed at locations inspected. -Soil piles appropriately segregated and staked. No evidence of erosion loss on topsoil piles. -Sites where weeds have been previously identified have weed infested topsoil piles specifically segregated and staked with appropriately visible labeling on stakes.
-Invasive plant management mitigations generally noted as appropriate, with opportunities for improvement observed during the inspection including areas where additional controls for small groups of Canada Thistle will be added to deficiency list for follow up in accordance with company environmental management program. Upon review and discussion with company environmental inspector, the CER IO is of the view this issue is being appropriately managed by the company at this time.
-General construction measures for environmental mitigation at watercourse crossings observed as compliant, including signage, erosion and sediment control measures and vehicle crossings maintenance.
-Area of Anderson Creek triple crossing inspected. This crossing was completed by HDB and overall assessment was that environmental protection measures and mitigations at this site were followed appropriately, especially given the complex topography of the area. The inspection team visited a location where a fluid release had previously occurred, with response and clean up completed at the time of the event. No residual drilling mud or any evidence of adverse environmental effects were observed at the time of the inspection.
Observation 3 - CNC #1 Leaking hazardous waste bin
Date & time of visit: 2021-08-18 14:41
CER IO observed leak with oil staining emanating from crack in base of green hazardous waste bin located at Wapiti River HDD crossing location.
Compliance tool used: Corrected Non-compliance (CNC)
Regulatory requirement:
Relevant section(s):
Company action required:
Company will take corrective action to prevent environmental impact from observed leaking waste bin.
Due date: 2021-08-18
Date closed: 2021-08-18 Note: the date closed is the date that the inspector completed their review of the company corrective actions for adequacy and determined that no further actions are required.
Reason closed: Requirement met
Compliance achieved: Yes
Observation 4 - CNC #2 Worn lifting slings in Wapiti River HDD crossing tool crib
Date & time of visit: 2021-08-18 14:53
Discipline: Safety Management
CER IO observed lifting slings stored in the HDD tool crib which had holes and tears in the outer layer of fabric in multiple locations. This was brought to the attention of the CER IO by the Indigenous Monitor, and subsequently brought to the attention of company personnel.
Company shall take corrective action to make safe the observed situation.
Observation 5 - Indigenous Monitor Observation #1
Date & time of visit: 2021-08-20 09:00
Discipline: Socio-Economic
Additional observations recorded by independent Indigenous Monitors participating in the CER inspection. Any compliance-related observations which require specific regulatory follow-up have been recorded above.
IMAC - SCFN Services – IM
CV2122-195 NGTL - Inspection in Grande Prairie, Alberta accompanied with CER and NGTL/Midwest Environmental Team: August 17, 18, 19, 2021
IMAC – SCFN Services – IM
Inspection in Grande Prairie , Alberta accompanied with CER and NGTL/Midwest Environmental Team
Identified non-compliances to company plans or procedures are non-compliances either to:
- the condition of an authorization document that requires the implementation of that plan or procedure; or
- the relevant section of the regulations that requires implementation of that plan or procedure including those sections that require implementation of plans or procedures as a part of a Program
