Image: Enbridge/Westcoast Energy Inc., used with permission / Compressor Station 5, a.k.a. Australian, along the BC Pipeline near Quesnel, BC. Westcoast Energy, an Enbridge company that oversees and operates the primary natural gas transmission system in British Columbia, is proposing to expand sections of the southern part of a pipeline through the Fraser Valley.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Natural gas project in the Fraser Valley

Natural gas expansion work proposed for the Fraser Valley

Jun 19, 2024 | 12:12 PM

CHILLIWACK — Westcoast Energy, an Enbridge company that oversees and operates the primary natural gas transmission system in British Columbia, is proposing to expand sections of the southern part of this pipeline through the Fraser Valley, including areas near Seabird Island, Agassiz and through to Abbotsford.

According to a statement from Rawnna Low, senior communications advisor for Enbridge, Westcoast Energy says this same natural gas transmission system transports natural gas that ultimately heats homes, hospitals, businesses and schools throughout B.C. This same natural gas is also used in electrical power generation and in manufacturing thousands of products.

“To meet the demand for natural gas, we’re proposing to expand sections of the southern part of this pipeline. This proposed work is called the Sunrise Expansion Program (project),” Low said.

In the Fraser Valley Regional District, this work involves adding pipeline loops, which are sections of the pipe added to the existing pipeline system to enhance capacity. An additional compressor unit and upgrades to existing compressor stations are also being proposed, to help propoel additional natural gas through the pipeline system.

A total of 16.7 kilometres (km) of 42-inch diameter pipeline loops are proposed for two different locations in the Fraser Valley Regional District:

SPORTSBOOK GRAND OPENING

BCLC opens first Fraser Valley sports betting lounge in Maple Ridge

8h ago

CANADA DAY

Abbotsford gears up for expanded Canada Day celebrations

8h ago

PRIMARY CARE CENTRE

Urgent and primary care centre opens permanent location in Langley

9h ago

• About 12.9 km from northeast of Seabird Island to south of Agassiz

• About 3.8 km from southeast of Abbotsford to Huntingdon meter station, located at the Huntingdon-Sumas border

An additional electric-powered compressor unit is proposed to be installed in an existing compressor station (8B) located east of Hope. To provide power to this unit, Low says about six kilometres of overhead power line will be installed from south of Hope to CS-8B. By using electricity to power this compressor unit, we will be able to prevent greenhouse gas emissions of about 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year. That’s equivalent to removing over 20,000 cars off the road each year.

“We are excited to continue to work with local communities and Indigenous groups as we move forward with the Sunrise Expansion program,” said Ali Hendi, major projects manager for Enbridge. “Their input and feedback have been used to design and make this project better. If approved, construction of this project will bring jobs and economic benefits to local communities and businesses.”

Hendi said the project signifies a commitment to deliver energy that B.C. residents need and use every single day.

“For almost 70 years, our natural gas pipeline in B.C.has been transporting natural gas to communities in the region and beyond,” Hendi said.

To advance this work, Enbridge submitted an application for the project to the Canada Energy Regulator on May 30. This project will now undergo a regulatory review process, which includes a public hearing. If approved, construction is expected to start as early as the second quarter in 2026. Westcoast Energy anticipates that the project will be fully operational by the end of 2028.

When peak construction occurs in the Fraser Valley, over 700 workers are expected to be employed for pipeline work and nearly 200 workers for compressor station work. Low estimates nearly $2.4 million will be paid in municipal property taxes within the Fraser Valley Regional District over a 35-year period as a result of this project.

“These taxes will help pay for schools, hospitals, roads and other public infrastructure,” Low said.

Since late 2022, Enbridge says it has been engaging with Indigenous groups, land owners and other vested stakeholders on this project, amassing over 18,000 engagement touch points. These touch points consist of presentations and conversations and are seen as valuable input as Enbridge develops and improves the project.