Union Gas has announced it has received approval for a $74 million pipeline replacement project the company says will ensure the continued reliable delivery of natural gas “and serve an increased demand in Greater Sudbury and the surrounding area.”
The project will involve removing an existing 10-inch diameter pipeline and replacing it with approximately 20 kilometres of new 12-inch pipeline.
Construction will begin May 2018 and the pipeline will be in service by November 2018.
“Union Gas has been delivering affordable and reliable natural gas to over 400 communities in Ontario for more than a century,” Chris Minor, Union Gas northeast district manager, is quoted as saying in a news release.
"This history has provided us with significant experience in pipeline construction and operation and we have an enviable safety and reliability record in this regard.”
Union Gas’ construction partner, Aecon Utilities, a division of Aecon Group Inc., will work closely with the company on the project.
“Throughout construction, Union Gas and Aecon’s primary goals are public safety and minimizing the impact of construction on the surrounding environment,” the release said.
The pipeline and facilities will be designed, constructed and operated according to applicable safety codes and regulations. Once construction is complete, the company’s pipeline maintenance program will ensure that the pipeline system continues to operate safely and reliably.
An integral part of the project was an environmental report conducted by an independent consultant, which outlines the steps Union Gas will take to protect the natural environment, the company said in the release.
“During construction an environmental inspector will ensure compliance with these measures, environmental permits, approvals, laws, policies and other commitments.”
Throughout the project, Union Gas will work closely with the City of Greater Sudbury and an ‘on-the-ground’ community relations staff member will be available for residents and businesses to contact directly with project enquiries.
“This project would not have been possible without the support of members of the community and Council,” Minor said in the release. “Union Gas will use as many local resources as practical to build the pipeline and where possible will procure materials from the local community.”
Quick Facts on the pipeline replacement project:
· Replace approx. 20 km of existing 10-inch diameter pipeline with new 12-inch diameter pipeline.
· Construction in two sections: 1) between the existing Union Gas Coniston and Frood Road Stations, 2) between the Union Gas Azilda and Walden Stations.
· Investment: approx. $74M.
· Anticipated timing: Pre-site work October 2017 - April 2018; Construction May 2018 - December 2018; Site cleanup Spring - Summer 2019.
Learn More: View the Union Gas project page.