SemCAMS Area Project Description

Transcription

1 REGULATORY The Redwillow Pipeline Project involves crossing a provincial boundary, and therefore, approval for it will require the preparation of an application to the NEB. plans to proceed with the regulatory application for the proposed project early in the fourth quarter of This includes an application to the NEB to satisfy Section 52 of the NEB Act. PROJECT DESCRIPTION SUMMARY invites questions or concerns at any time throughout the entire planning, construction and operation phases of the proposed Redwillow Pipeline. While it is desire to inform you, it is also our hope that this process results in an open, effective and ongoing dialogue with you throughout our period of operating the pipelines. In order to assist potentially affected participants in understanding the proposed development, will continue to inform, listen to, and learn from stakeholders as our plans proceed and the project becomes further defined. PROJECT CONTACTS Head Office Address: #2000, 450-1st Street S.W. Calgary, AB T2P 5H1 General Project Enquiries redwillow@semcams.com National Energy Board (NEB) The proposed Redwillow Pipeline crosses the border from British Columbia into Alberta. This requires involvement and approvals of the NEB. is cooperating closely with the NEB to ensure the concerns of the public are addressed for the project. Copies of the NEB s A Proposed Pipeline or Power Line Project: What You Need To Know will be made available at our community consultation events. For further information on the regulatory process, you may contact: National Energy Board Telephone: Address: Website: 444 Seventh Ave. S.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0X8 info@neb-one.gc.ca 24 Hour Emergency Response # INTRODUCTION CAMS Midstream Services ULC (), or an affiliate, is proposing to build a new pipeline approximately 150 km in length from northeastern British Columbia to connect with the existing operated Northwest Wapiti, Wapiti and Simonette pipeline systems southwest of Grovedale, Alberta. This project is called the Redwillow Pipeline Project. is based in Calgary, Alberta and safely operates more than 900 km of sour gas pipelines Area Project Description Proposed Redwillow Pipeline in west central Alberta as well as sour gas processing plants that process more than 16,000,000 cubic metres of sour gas per day (565 MMscfd). This project was first introduced in May 2007 in this project s Early Project Bulletin. This Project Description builds on information presented in the Early Project Bulletin and it is part of ongoing commitment to provide information as the proposed project progresses. Contents SEPTEMBER 2007 Project Overview 2 Project Need 2 Public and Industry Consultation 3 Aboriginal Consultation 3 Project Information 4 Routing Considerations 5 Setbacks and Right-of-Way 5 Area Map of Redwillow 6 Construction 8 Emergency Planning Zone 9 Emergency Response Plan 9 Operations 9 Health, Environment, Safety 10 Environmental Mgmt and Studies 10 Minimizing Environmental Impact 11 Project Schedule 11 Project Contacts 12 PAGE 12 PAGE 1

2 PROJECT OVERVIEW MINIMIZING ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACTS, working with producers in the Tumbler Ridge area of northeastern BC, has developed a proposal to process initial volumes 1,982,000 cubic metres (70 MMscfd) of sour gas containing 660 tones/day of sulphur. The proposed Redwillow Pipeline includes approximately 150 km of pipeline from southwest of Tumbler Ridge, BC connecting with the operated Northwest Wapiti, Wapiti and Simonette pipeline system near Grovedale, Alberta at W6M. Approximately 93 km of pipeline will be constructed in BC with 57 km of pipeline constructed in Alberta. Once connected to the existing system, the processing will occur at the existing operated sour gas processing facility, Kaybob South No. 3 (K3) Gas Plant, located at W5M. There is sufficient idle processing capacity at the K3 Gas Plant to handle the incremental volumes. The existing operated Northwest Wapiti pipeline will be expanded under a separate application which will accommodate the new volumes. PROJECT NEED The area along the pipeline route between the Alberta and BC border and Tumbler Ridge is one of the areas in western Canada with significant future sour gas production potential. The existing sour gas transportation and processing infrastructure in the area does not have the capacity to handle the proposed volumes. This project incorporates the use of the existing sour gas processing capacity at the K3 Gas Plant rather than the development of a new sour gas processing infrastructure. The use of existing facilities does not contribute to the proliferation of sour gas processing capacity. As the project is developed, potential environmental and socio-economic impacts will be taken into consideration with effort made to minimize them. In addition to mitigation planning for biophysical elements studied in advance of the application, other potential environmental impacts must be evaluated and any impact minimized. These might include: noise, traffic, dust, flaring, emissions or odours. Mitigation plans can include equipment selection, a waste management plan and noise and traffic management strategies. An overview of approach to mitigating environmental impacts is provided below: Noise Noise, whether continuous, intermittent or impact-type noise, will be managed and controlled in compliance with applicable regulations through the use of the latest noise reduction technology. Traffic Road use agreements will be negotiated for any roads that are privately controlled. will comply with the conditions of use and safety while traveling on and working adjacent to roads. The pipeline will cross major roads either by boring or directional drilling so that the surface of the road and traffic along the road will not be impacted. Once the project is in operation, traffic related to the project will reduce significantly and will be primarily light truck traffic required for routine maintenance and monitoring purposes. Flaring No continuous flaring of pipeline gas is planned. No permanent flaring facilities will be installed as part of the pipeline. Flare facilities at the existing K3 plant site, Northwest Wapiti compressor station or existing producer facilities will be used to safely handle any sour gas emissions during pig launching and receiving and during emergency situations. Emissions and Odours does not expect any emissions or odours from the pipeline under normal operating conditions. Further information on what to do in the case of smelling any odour is covered in the Public Safety Information package that will be distributed to persons inside the project EPZ. PROPOSED PROJECT SCHEDULE Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Participant Involvement / Consultation Environmental Field Studies Emergency Response Planning Regulatory Preparation App Filed Regulatory Approvals Construction Start Up PAGE 2 PAGE 11

3 HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT EARLY PUBLIC AND INDUSTRY CONSULTATION is committed to excellence in managing all of the health, environmental and safety aspects of its operations. This is the basis to achieve the company values of working without injury and respecting the environment. believes that the well being of its employees and communities in which it operates is key to its success. expects to work without injury or occupational illness. Workplace reviews of our safety and occupational health practices to attain this goal are routinely conducted. is committed to working with contractors who share similar expectations. aims to ensure all stakeholders and interest groups have an opportunity to become fully informed about the project. This is done by consulting and notifying stakeholders prior to applying to the National Energy Board (NEB) and other regulatory bodies. It is our intention to ensure that Aboriginal communities, the public, industry and other stakeholders are aware of our projects and any impact our projects may have. It is also our intention to keep people informed of our plans as they progress. The foundation of Participant Involvement Program is to ensure our consultations are: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND STUDIES Inclusive Accessible Transparent Fair Respectful This project falls under the jurisdiction of the NEB and the Canadian Environmental Assessment (CEA) Agency. Therefore, an Environmental and Socioeconomic Assessment (ESA) must be submitted with the NEB application. The environmental assessment will consider all of the mandatory factors listed in Section 16(1) of the CEA Act, as well as the factors listed in the NEB s Filing Manual and pertinent issues and concerns identified through regulatory, stakeholder and public consultation. The environmental assessment is required to consider and will consider the following: The environmental effects of the project. This includes the environmental effects of malfunctions that may occur in connection with the project The cumulative environmental effects resulting from the combination of the project with other projects or activities that have been or will be carried out The significance of the above effects Comments from the public Measures that are technically and economically feasible and that would mitigate any significant adverse environmental effects of the project Any other environmental matters as required by the regulators. The completion of the ESA requires significant baseline studies in each of the biophysical disciplines. These include: soil, water (groundwater and surface water), wetlands, vegetation, wildlife, fish and fish habitat, historical resources, forest health, air quality, greenhouse gas, acoustics (noise), baseline sociological and economical factors, and traditional land use studies. The collection of this baseline information helps in the development of appropriate mitigative measures and the development of an Environmental Protection Plan. During summer and fall 2007, project environmental field work was undertaken for the above listed environmental components. Additional field work will be planned in 2007, as necessary, to supplement the study findings. plans to conduct a variety of consultation events over the course of the project, including: Faceto-Face Meetings, Area Open Houses, Project Bulletins, and other communication methods to keep you informed and receive your input. Our Participant Involvement Program: Provides a timely flow of information to stakeholders as the project develops Engages in open dialogue with stakeholders Builds on our relationships with stakeholders Enables us to listen and learn Incorporates learnings into the project design and construction ABORIGINAL CONSULTATION has built and continues to build, high quality relationships with neighbouring Aboriginal communities that may be affected by ' operations and planned activities. The strength of this relationship is built on a foundation of early and continual communication. These discussions are intended to engage the Aboriginal communities regarding potential traditional land use impacts. Together with the potentially affected Aboriginal communities, works to develop mitigation strategies to avoid or limit potential adverse impacts on First Nations and Aboriginal Rights and traditional land use. recognizes the value of establishing a longterm, positive relationship with the communities in which we operate and of becoming a respected neighbour. We are available to respond to questions, concerns, and to discuss alternatives. is also committed to exploring opportunities for business and economic development for the Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal Assistants will be engaged to participate in the environmental field report program and historic resource studies. These could include vegetation surveys, wildlife surveys, aquatic assessments, archaeological and paleontological surveys. will also ensure that Aboriginal Monitors are engaged during construction in any areas identified as significant to a given Aboriginal community. will be working with those Aboriginal communities affected by the project to identify possible business opportunities for Aboriginal companies. will include those qualified Aboriginal businesses on bid requests for consideration on a competitive basis. PAGE 10 PAGE 3

4 PIPELINE AND FACILITIES PROJECT INFORMATION EMERGENCY PLANNING ZONE (EPZ) The proposed Redwillow Pipeline will transport dehydrated sour gas from the Tumbler Ridge area. The pipeline will be up to 323 mm diameter (12 inch), and will be designed to transport 1,982,000 cubic metres per day (70 MMscfd) of natural gas containing up to 30% hydrogen sulphide (H2S). The proposed pipeline will operate at a maximum operation pressure (MAOP) of 14,600 kpa. The proposed pipeline will connect to the existing Northwest Wapiti, Wapiti and Simonette operated pipeline systems located approximately 20 km Southwest of Grovedale, Alberta at W6M. The existing system will deliver the gas approximately 230 km to the operated K3 Gas Plant at W5M located approximately 45 km Southwest of Fox Creek, Alberta. Existing idle processing capacity at the K3 Gas Plant will be reactivated. No operating license changes are anticipated as a result of the increased volumes. The EPZ is the required area where public protection activities are initiated in the event of an emergency. In order to minimize the risk associated with operating the pipeline and to reduce the extent of the EPZ, the pipeline will be divided into a number of segments by the installation of strategically placed emergency shutdown (ESD) valves. ESD valves minimize the volume of sour gas that could be released in the event of a pipeline failure by automatically closing if there is a sudden loss of pressure. The valves include local monitoring equipment to detect gas leaks. In addition, pipeline operating conditions are continuously monitored by the Gas Control Centre in Edson, Alberta. The anticipated size of the EPZ for the pipeline depends on the population density, with a smaller EPZ in populated areas and a larger zone in non-populated areas. The anticipated EPZ radius will be approximately 15 km on either side of the line in populated areas and 30 km on either side of the line in non-populated regions. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN (ERP) has an excellent record in protecting the health and safety of the public, its employees and its contractors. All of operating units conduct regular emergency preparedness exercises to ensure the existing plans and responses are timely and effective. It is ' desire and intention to engage and work together with the affected stakeholders to develop an ERP for the proposed Redwillow Pipeline. We will provide more information during future consultation activities as we develop an ERP with the stakeholders, including residents, local authorities and applicable regulators. OPERATIONS Safe operation of its sour gas system, pipelines and gas processing facilities is paramount to. The proposed pipeline will be integrated into the Pipeline Integrity, Equipment Integrity and Operating Management Systems. These systems ensure that the pipeline and facilities operate in a safe and reliable manner and that incidents do not occur. Information from the local control equipment is transmitted to Gas Control Centre in Edson, Alberta where it is continuously monitored by staff. The Integrity Management System combines condition based monitoring and preventative maintenance with the objective of ensuring the safety and reliability of all operating facilities. Extensive monitoring and control equipment will be installed to provide continuous surveillance of the pipeline and related facilities to maintain the operation of the system within its design parameters. PAGE 4 PAGE 9

5 CONSTRUCTION ROUTING CONSIDERATIONS Once regulatory and permitting conditions are met pipeline construction will begin. Construction will be completed in several stages. First, the intended route will be surveyed. Once surveyed, the pipeline route will be cleared where required which will allow for construction equipment access as well as pipeline and facility installation. For the pipeline, pipe joints will be strung or laid out along the right-of-way and a trench will be excavated. Trenching will vary in depth allowing for deeper burial in certain areas including road and water crossings. Generally, the bottom of the trench will be approximately 1.5 m below grade. After the pipe has been backfilled, it will be hydrostatically tested for integrity. During a hydrostatic test, the pipe is filled with water and pressurized to test for leaks and pipe strength. The pipeline will then be drained and dried before natural gas is allowed to flow through the pipeline. All construction work will be closely inspected to ensure compliance with regulatory commitments and ' quality assurance procedures. After the pipeline has been installed, the right-of-way will be re-graded to resemble as closely as possible its original condition and re-vegetated with approved seed mixes. will work with qualified local and regional suppliers, contractors, trades and labour to meet project needs during pipeline construction and operation. Determining a suitable route for a pipeline is a complex process involving evaluation of many factors, such as: Public safety Landowner concerns Watercourse crossing stability Environmental factors including soils, wildlife, fish, water, wetlands and vegetation Location of sites significant to Aboriginal communities Route length Amount of new pipeline right-of-way required Seasonal construction constraints proposed route for the pipeline was determined following consideration of these factors. The proposed route is illustrated by the map on page 6. will be undertaking appropriate route reconnaissance, including environmental and geotechnical considerations, along with stakeholder input to determine the final proposed routing. The final proposed route for the Redwillow Pipeline will accompany the regulatory applications. To the greatest extent possible the pipeline route parallels existing disturbances such as public access roads and other pipeline rights-of-way. We will be discussing routing, setbacks, and rights-of-way width as we proceed with our public and industry consultation. SETBACKS AND RIGHTS-OF-WAY When determining the pipeline route, proposes to maintain an average setback of at least 500 metres between the proposed pipeline and any permanent dwelling. A setback is defined as the minimum separation between oil and gas facilities and dwellings and public facilities. The width of the proposed permanent right-of-way will generally be 25 metres. Extra width may be acquired along certain sections to meet safety and operating requirements. The amount of temporary workspace required will vary depending on the terrain, presence of adjacent land uses and the nature of the construction activity being carried out at a particular location. The width of temporary workspace is typically 30 metres, but can range from 15 metres to more than 40 metres at select locations. For safety reasons, the NEB requires a 30 metre setback from each side of the pipeline as a safety zone which also includes the rights-of-way. During construction, temporary workspace will be required at river, creek, road and utility crossings, as well as areas requiring extensive grading. This temporary workspace is only required during construction and will not be necessary once construction is complete. The 30 metre rights-of-way on both sides of the pipeline can be used by the landowner or a company to work within, however, before any activity is started they must contact the company to obtain permission. PAGE 8 PAGE 5

6 Redwillow Pipeline Project Description SEPTEMBER 2007 AREA MAP OF THE REDWILLOW PIPELINE PAGE 6 PAGE 7