Enbridge - Northern Gateway Pipelines

FAQs

1. Will the pipeline be built above ground?

The vast majority of the pipeline will be buried up to a metre underground. The only exceptions will be select water crossings where it is safer to run the pipeline above the water crossing.

2. What benefits will the pipeline bring to British Columbia and Alberta?

The economic opportunities for this project are significant. It is estimated that about 5,500 person-years of on-site employment will be created during the construction phase in BC and Alberta providing opportunities to learn new skills and start new careers. In addition, about 1,150 long-term jobs will be created to operate the pipelines and marine terminal.

Total local, provincial and federal government tax revenues during 30 years of operations will be approximately $2.6 billion; this includes about $36 million per year estimated to be paid by Northern Gateway as local property taxes.

Northern businesses will benefit by providing services, supplies and materials to the project during the three years of construction.

3. Is there a federal moratorium preventing tankers from transiting BC’s coastal waters?

There is no federal ban on oil tankers entering BC ports.  Oil tankers enter today at the Port of Vancouver and at Kitimat as well.  Both the federal and provincial governments, and their respective departments, have confirmed that tankers are currently able to enter BC waters and BC ports.

In fact, over the past 25 years, 1,500 tankers carrying petrochemicals safely entered Kitimat Harbour. And last year, the Port of Vancouver handled more than 180 tanker calls carrying oil, jet fuel and gasoline.

There is a voluntary tanker exclusion zone that keeps tankers moving between Alaska and Washington State away from the BC coastline, but this would not apply to ships entering the Northern Gateway Terminal or other BC ports.

4. Did you consider running the pipeline to Prince Rupert where a major port already exists?

We considered Prince Rupert and Kitimat as possible locations. We carried out a feasibility study that took into account a number of considerations. The study found that the routes to Prince Rupert were too steep to safely run the pipeline, and that Kitimat was the best and safest option available.

5. What environmental safeguards will be in place to prevent pipeline leaks?

Enbridge is an industry leader in internal pipeline inspection and invests heavily in innovative leak detection technology. For example, the cutting edge computer system will be used to electronically monitor the pipeline 24/7 from the Enbridge operations control centre. Safety control valves and leak detection systems will also be put into place to provide a strong safeguard for the environment.

For more information, please visit the Pipeline Operations section of the website.

6. Why can’t the oil from Alberta be refined locally and used in Canada?

Northern Gateway will have the capacity to transport various types of crude oil including upgraded products.  Our role is transporting petroleum products on behalf of our customers, who determine where the product will be refined.

7. What are you doing to gain the support of Aboriginal groups for the project?

Northern Gateway is committed to working with Aboriginal groups to create opportunities for partnerships and to incorporate traditional knowledge into the route planning and operations.

In addition we are exploring potential partnerships such as partial pipeline ownership, employment, skills development and other procurement opportunities.

8. How do you respond to those who say it’s not a question of if a vessel spill will occur, but when?

Pipeline leaks are rare and spill prevention will be a top priority for Northern Gateway. The key to success is to prevent accidents before they happen through a variety of measures. 

Northern Gateway is committed to ensuring that vessels transporting petroleum and condensate via the Kitimat marine terminal will employ the highest worldwide safety and navigational standards.  To help ensure those standards are met, Northern Gateway is participating in a voluntary assessment known as the TERMPOL review process, administered by Transport Canada.  This review process evaluates marine terminal operations, vessel routing and other marine safety issues.  As part of this process, Northern Gateway, together with interested participants, also voluntarily conducted a Quantitative Risk Assessment to quantify the risks associated with the marine components of the project.

The safe passage of marine vessels will be achieved through a comprehensive strategy that brings together the best people, technology and planning.