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Environmental protection rules

Published by , Editorial Assistant
World Pipelines,


To support its environmental protection goals and promote its culture of environmental awareness, Trans Mountain has established 10 environmental protection rules (EPRs) as part of the Trans Mountain Expansion Project. Mountain (PETM). These must be followed by all Trans Mountain employees and contractors at every PETM job site. The PETM environmental rules programme was developed using concepts from the Life Saving Rules Programme. Each rule is data-driven and focuses on preventing significant events that are harmful to the environment. The programme and rules are the first of their kind to address and promote environmental protection in industry.

Environmental protection rules

Waterways and wetlands – Minimise work in riparian habitats. Ensure that all drainage, erosion and sediment control measures and spill prevention and response materials are in place.

Biosecurity – Clean equipment at designated cleaning locations and maintain standard equipment cleaning records.

Fish and water use – Avoid periods of restricted fish activity and perform fish rescue, flow and water quality monitoring when necessary.

Heritage resources – Avoid known heritage resources. Immediately stop localised work if something is discovered by chance (eg, an archaeological artefact) and implement a contingency plan.

Spills - Keep equipment in good working order. Use secondary containment and ensure spill kits are available and stocked.

Air and noise – Do not let equipment idle when not in use. Install and maintain appropriate sound control and dust suppression measures.

Land and soil – Install and maintain effective drainage, erosion and sediment control measures. Ensure soil is collected, stored and marked appropriately.

Trespass – Ensure all construction activities and materials are conducted and maintained within the approved project footprint.

Traditional land use – Conduct pre-construction visits for new work areas and report any on-site observations. Implement approved mitigation measures for all traditional land use sites.

Migratory birds – Avoid working during bird migration periods. If work is required, conduct a nest survey prior to the activity and do not cross migratory bird nest buffers unless authorised to do so.

Each person who works on the project is trained according to the rules of environmental protection during the level 1 environmental training of the PETM. In addition, the programme is officially launched at each job site to underscore the importance of the commitment made to communities, regulators and environmental protection stakeholders.

Environmental stewardship and leadership are recognised through Trans Mountain’s environmental protection rules awards (ESRP) programme. This programme has two levels of prizes: one-time prizes and quarterly prizes. Spot awards provide immediate on-the-job recognition of individuals and teams demonstrating positive environmental practices. Quarterly awards recognise teams and individuals who have demonstrated exceptional effort and compliance on a larger scale and in a sustainable way. The PEPEPs aim to ensure that Trans Mountain takes responsibility for the protection of the environment. If, in the unlikely event that breach of an EPR is believed to have occurred, a thorough investigation ensues. When the investigation is completed, any justified disciplinary action is taken. Trans Mountain is committed to protecting the environment and will take all necessary steps to ensure that its commitments are met by all.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/regulations-and-standards/25032022/environmental-protection-rules/

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