Jon Pitcher of TransCanada — Energy East Pipeline presented to Whitewater Region Township council an overview of what has happened, and what’s expected to happen, with the two pipelines from Alberta to New Brunswick at its meeting last Wednesday.
It’s a $12 billion investment required to build the Energy East Pipeline, he said. It is 4,600 kilometres of 42” pipeline, which will carry 1.1 million barrels of oil a day. It will also provide 14,000 jobs during development and construction. December 2020 is the expected in-service date to New Brunswick.
Mr. Pitcher provided council with a photo of a hospital room and asked them which items in it were made with oil. While they didn’t actually do the experiment, the items included heart monitor, bandages, plastic tubing, latex gloves, intravenous drip, scissor handles, bedding, anaesthetic machine, blood pressure monitor and plastic tray.
If the oil were transported by truck, it would take 4,400 trucks a day while for rail cars, it would be 1,571 per day, he noted.
Mr. Pitcher noted in April 2013, community consultation began and on Oct. 30, 2014, the application was filed with the National Energy Board (NEB). It’s expected the NEB approval should come in 2016/2017.
In Ontario, Mr. Pitcher noted there have been 126 meetings so far — 63 municipal meetings, 46 stakeholder meetings and 17 EMR meetings as well as 59 open houses and has received 24 resolutions of support, 21 of them from Ontario municipalities.
In reviewing various information, Mr. Pitcher noted that protecting the environment is a core value at TransCanada and the company invests $1 billion annual for ongoing integrity inspections and maintenance programs, which are by far the best defense against unplanned accidents and malfunctions.
Prevention and protection of sensitive areas, including surface and groundwater, is achieved by: using heavier walled pipe at water crossings; strategically placing valves to reduce potential outflow volumes; using abrasion resistant coating; installing pipe to a depth at or exceeding CSAZ662; evaluating potential environmental impacts; analyzing potential risks associated with the crossings; developing and practising comprehensive emergency response plans and developing geographic response plans at the most sensitive locations.
When questioned by Mayor Hal Johnson if the emergency response plans would be provided to municipalities involved, Mr. Pitcher answered in the positive.
Mr. Pitcher noted the total GDP benefit during the seven years in construction and operation in 20 years show it to be $36.4 billion. Breaking it down for Ontario, it’s $15.1 billion. There will be 2,300 direct and 1,900 indirect jobs created in Ontario.
Mr. Pitcher noted the length of natural gas pipeline in Ontario is 8,070 kilometres with 70 compressor stations and five power plants. There are 5,579 landowners involved and 249 employees. Salaries total $38.2 million with property taxes coming in at $476.7 million, provincial taxes of $7.6 million and $1.5 million community investment.
When questioned at the end of the presentation about the type of material in the pipes, Mr. Pitcher said they will meet stringent requirements and are non-corrosive.
Mr. Pitcher noted the pipeline will cut through Whitewater Region Township in Haley Station.
