The Coastal GasLink Project (CGL) involves the construction and operation of an approximately 670 km of 48-in (48 NPS) diameter natural gas pipeline from an area near the community of Groundbirch (40km west of Dawson Creek, BC) to the LNG Canada Development Inc. (LNGC) liquified natural gas export facility near Kitimat, BC.
Once complete, this pipeline will transport 2.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day. A partnership of Ledcor and Haisla Nation, Ledcor Haisla Limited Partnership (LHLP), will complete the pipeline construction for CGL – Spread 8 West section which includes the installation of approximately 55 km (34 mi) of 48-inch (NPS 48) diameter pipeline and associated assemblies over a mountain pass and into the LNG facility in Kitimat.
Section 8 West is the most technically challenging section of construction due to its geographical complexities through the Coastal Mountains. There are many steep slope sections that will require unique installation procedures, and the elevation of the project varies by nearly 1,500 m over the 55 km (34 mi).
Certain areas of the project require the use of cable cranes for the pipeline construction with slopes above 45 degrees. The varied seasonal weather conditions present additional challenges for this multi-year project and will require detailed construction planning. Ledcor has also established a partnership with SICIM for the project, who bring expertise in steep slope and mountainous pipeline construction.
These partnerships bring together the technical experience and local knowledge to complete one of the most complex pipelines ever constructed in Canada.