Trans Mountain Expansion
Expansion Project
Trans Mountain Corporation received approval from the Government of Canada in June of 2019 to move forward with the Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMEP). As the largest project in the pipeline’s history, it will twin the existing 1,150 km of pipeline running from Edmonton, AB to Burnaby, BC to increase capacity by about 3-fold.
The project scope encompasses reactivating 193 km of pipeline and installing approximately 980 km of new pipeline. In addition, new and modified facilities will be constructed including pump stations, storage terminal tanks, and a new dock complex at the Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby to increase tanker capacity. The existing pipeline will carry refined products, synthetic and light crude oils with the capability for heavy crude oils, and the new pipeline will carry heavier oils with the capability for transporting light crude oils.
Several of GeoVerra’s team members have been working closely with the TMEP Engineering group for over 10 years, delivering efficient, reliable results. The credibility built through a deep knowledge of pipeline work and the partnerships fostered both with TMEP and First Nations groups were key to GeoVerra being awarded the survey work.
As Canada’s largest geomatics firm, GeoVerra has the offices, resources, and teams to meet the needs of large, high-profile pipeline projects like the TMEP. Not only has GeoVerra supplied the personnel required to get the job done, but they are responsive in their approach, adapting to client requirements as the need for crews ebbs and flows. The GeoVerra team working on the TMEP includes up to 40 survey crews and 50 support staff. Coordination of resources on complex projects – both people and equipment – requires continuous communication at all levels, whether in daily site safety meetings, survey crews connecting with foremen and supervisors, or technical coordination between office teams. Timely, open and straightforward communication is critical to safe, efficient, and quality operations.
Managing relationships with contractors and suppliers, which number in the 100s for a project of this size, is also crucial. It takes exceptional project management skills, which the GeoVerra team has in spades with many members having over 20+ years’ experience. With recent supply chain issues, attention to even the smallest details – like sourcing quality stakes and paint pens to withstand the effects of weather and harsh environments – can impact project timelines. GeoVerra’s acute attention to detail and transfer of deliverables has been key to ensuring that project deadlines are met and client expectations are exceeded.
The partnership between GeoVerra and TMEP runs deep, with relationships built between individual team members at all levels from Field Supervisors, Crew Chiefs, and Technical Staff up through Project Managers, Senior Party Chiefs and Directors. These relationships are invaluable to efficient operations and extend beyond the workday to become trusted friendships that have grown in parallel with career trajectories spanning decades.
GeoVerra has supported TMEP Pre-Legal and Engineering design with a variety of field surveys and deliverables including:
GeoVerra has assumed the maintenance of the Trans Mountain Construction Access Road Network including:
The GeoVerra construction team consists of over 100 individuals involved in management, field supervision, pipe as-built technicians, survey crews, CAD and GIS technicians, an HSE advisor and administrative support.
These individuals are engaged in the following pipeline survey tasks:
“The combination of the teams’ work ethic, the desire to provide great service, and relationship building has made – and continues to make – the long-standing partnership with Trans Mountain Corporation an ongoing success story.”
– David Maguire, Director, Pipelines
