Compliance Verification Activity Report: CV2223-266 - Westcoast Energy Inc.

Overview

Compliance verification activity type: Field Inspection

Team:

• Inspector 1897

Regulated company: Westcoast Energy Inc.

Operating company: Westcoast Energy Inc.

Province(s) / Territory(s):

• British Columbia

Discipline(s):

• Environmental Protection

Related events:

• CV2223-165
• OM2022-052
• OM2022-273

Rationale and scope:

Field inspection to verify environmental protection and implementation of the EPP for the Coquihalla 9 (OM2022-052) and Coquihalla 16 (OM2022-273) 2021 flood repair sites.

Compliance tool(s) used:

• None

Facility details

Facilities:

• SPECTRA - 30" MAINLINE

Facility Types

• Pipeline
• Pipeline
• Pipeline right of way (ROW)

Regulatory requirements

Regulatory requirements that apply to this activity:

• Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CERA)
• Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CERA)
• Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR) 2020-03-16
• Plans And Procedures
• Project-specific Environmental Protection Plan (EPP)
• Enbridge EPP - Gas Transmission and Liquids - Nov 2020

Observations (no outstanding follow-up required)

Observation 1 - Coquihalla No. 9 and 16

Date & time of visit: 2022-08-16 11:00

Discipline: Environmental Protection

Categories:

• Soils and Soil Productivity
• Erosion
• Biosecurity
• Chemical Spills/Releases
• Surface Water Management
• Containment and Drainage Structures
• Water Bodies - Fish-bearing
• Direct Mortality of Fish
• Sedimentation/Turbidity
• Destruction/Loss of Habitat
• Disturbance
• Chemical Spills/Releases
• Erosion
• Temporary Access Structures
• Wildlife
• Destruction/Loss of Habitat
• Disturbance
• Species of Concern
• Vegetation
• Invasive Plant Management
• Housekeeping
• Waste Management

Facility:

• SPECTRA - 30" MAINLINE (Pipeline)

Observations:

General

Coquihalla River No. 9

• Westcoast is removing and replacing an approximately 200 meter segment of the Westcoast 30” 8AL1 from KP 76.0 to KP 76.2.
• The Coquihalla River changed paths over the course of the 2021 floods including approximately 8 ft of material deposited. Westcoast reps discussed that the new alignment will stay as-is over the pipeline right-of-way (RoW).
• CER IO reviewed the site environmental hazard assessment document. Environmental aspects and associated hazards and mitigation were appropriately listed.
• Westcoast reps discussed that a Letter of Advice (LOA) has been obtained from DFO. 
• An area of water seepage was being pumped off-site. Another area of water seepage contained three pumps, and at the discharge end water was flowing at a natural rock outcrop. All pumps contained appropriately sized fish screens. Extra hoses were located at the site.
• The contractor (Stantec) has been doing water quality checks twice per day.
• Coastal Tail Frogs were found at the site and salvage activities have been taking place over the past few weeks. A go/no-go map is sent out to project personnel daily because of the continuing amphibian salvage.
• Westcoast reps discussed that there has been no significant wildlife sightings in the area (including Northern Spotted Owl). Bird surveys have been completed in the area. CER IO requested and obtained records indicating when and where "no-go" (i.e. bird nesting) areas changed to "go" areas. No concerns.
• A potential archaeological site was not disturbed as this area was noted as potential temporary workspace that's no longer required.
• CER IO discussed activities with the Company Indigenous Monitor (IM). The IM mentioned that no cultural/heritage sites have been found in the area. Approximately five loads of trees were sent to a local Indigenous community.
• Westcoast reps discussed that no significant spills have occurred. Light stands included secondary containment. Spill kits were observed onsite, and one kit was checked for appropriate spill containment materials.
• CER IO asked for records demonstrating that equipment (including three track hoes and one rock truck) was cleaned upon arrival to the site. No concerns.
• An area with previously unstable bank/rocks had a berm installed up against it. Westcoast representatives discussed that no rock has been imported yet.
• Temporary access bridge contains side curbs.
• Water navigation hazard signs installed upstream of the work area. 
• Access road had been recently watered down for dust control.
• Two duff (strippings) piles were covered with a tarp. Topsoil windrow was signed and covered.
• Worksite boundaries were labelled, and there were no signs of trespass.
• A safety snow fence was installed around a bell hole.
• Project personnel were wearing appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Site housekeeping was tidy.
• Designated smoking areas were signed.

• No active work being conducted at this site as Westcoast is waiting on one BCOGC permit.
• Westcoast reps discussed that after two decommissioned pipes have been removed, rock riprap will be installed along the full bank on SW side of the river to address erosion from the 2021 floods. A temporary bridge will be installed across the watercourse in order to get equipment across.
• Westcoast reps discussed that there has been no significant wildlife sightings in the area.
• Water navigation hazard signs were installed upstream of the RoW. 
• Worksite boundaries were labelled, with no signs of trespass.

Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used

Observations (company follow-up required)

Identified non-compliances to company plans or procedures are non-compliances either to: