Geographic Response Plan Development – An Innovative Approach
Authors: Kereliuk Jamie , Trefanenko Christine 
Published: December 2021

The Trans Mountain pipeline system extends from Edmonton, AB to Burnaby, BC, and into Washington State. The pipeline transports a variety of refined and non-refined products to refineries in Canada and the United States, and to the Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby, BC for export. The Trans Mountain Expansion Project will twin the existing 1,150 kilometer (714 mile) pipeline between Edmonton, AB, and Burnaby, BC, and increase the systems capacity from 300,000 barrels per day to 890,000 barrels per day.

The Trans Mountain pipeline system has vulnerability to geographic and man-made hazards that could lead, in worst case scenarios, to line ruptures and spill releases. The development of Geographic Response Plans (GRPs) are a vital component of this project because they limit the risk of line ruptures posed by hazards. GRPs provide mitigation for potential spill impacts by enabling timely and effective response with pre-identified control points, response tactics, and other specific geographic details. Trans Mountain's GRPs are designed to expedite the decisions and actions of responders during an incident, as well as minimize impacts to ecologically and culturally sensitive areas by identifying and prioritizing them during a response.

The Trans Mountain pipeline traverses multiple High Consequence Areas (HCAs), including Indigenous communities, urban centers, parks, protected areas, watercourses, and sensitive ecosystems. Due to the complex nature of the HCAs, an all-encompassing multi-stage approach to the development of the GRPs was established.

Trans Mountain's GRP development began with simulating and modelling hypothetical spills along the pipeline to determine the largest possible extent of impact. This was followed by an inclusive field program involving a multi-disciplinary team of spill response and environmental specialists, local stakeholders, and Indigenous Peoples that travelled the pipeline and verified proposed control points while documenting environmental, social, and cultural HCAs. The participation of Indigenous communities and local stakeholders was invaluable in providing local knowledge on various aspects of the environment.

As a result, approximately 600 control points were field-verified and corresponding tactical Control Point Data Sheets were developed. The two-page Control Point Data Sheets provide detailed information on waterbody type, site safety, logistics, resources at risk, and spill response tactics which includes a photos and diagrams to visually aid responders in implementing containment and recovery tactics. The GRP and Data Sheets are publicly available at https://grp.transmountain.com.

Trans Mountain is committed to conducting business in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. Development of the GRPs has contributed to Trans Mountain being as prepared as possible to mitigate and minimize environmental and socio-economic impacts in the unlikely event of a spill. The GRP development has also enabled First Responders, Indigenous Peoples, communities, and fellow infrastructure operators to augment their response toolbox and enhance their ability to respond.