By Lynda Myer
As the 10th and final major river crossing for the 670km pipeline that is due to transport natural gas from north-east BC to the LNG Canada processing facility in Kitimat, the micro-tunneling beneath the Morice River in British Columbia has been completed by Coastal GasLink.
Considering the subsurface conditions, CGL decreased the length of the micro-tunnel by 28m so work is now commencing on construction of the exit point.
Following completion of the tunneling process, currently pipe will be pulled through the concrete tunnel and linked with the rest of the project route on both sides of the Morice River, while the hydrotesting will then be done.
According to CGL: “Micro-tunneling was chosen for the Morice River crossing because it was the safest method with low environmental impact. Micro-tunneling was selected as the safest method to cross the Morice River following extensive engagement with indigenous communities, along with comprehensive environmental and technical assessments. This innovative technology allowed for tunneling under the river, with limited environmental, economic or social disturbances.”
The purpose of this pipeline with 670km length is slated to be daily delivery of 2.1 billion ft2 natural gas, with the potential to deliver up to 5 bcf/d through additional compression along the route.
