The Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project involves the installation of 50 kilometres of new natural gas pipeline between Coquitlam and Squamish, BC. In August, Ally Emergency Management collaborated with Surerus Murphy Joint Venture and FortisBC to conduct a table-top exercise (TTX) focused on validating response procedures for potential accidental pipeline ruptures. Surerus Murphy is building a section of the pipeline that when complete will supply natural gas to FortisBC’s proposed Woodfibre LNG project. The project’s completion date is expected in 2027.

As part of the emergency response exercise, a fake scenario was drafted in which a backhoe operator accidentally strikes a live gas line. The impact of the strike includes workplace injuries and an uncontrolled release of natural gas. Participants in the exercise engaged in discussions to outline the necessary actions, including immediate responses at the incident site, ongoing coordination and notifications, and effective communication with the media and the public.

As with all exercises, the objective is to identify potential response gaps and develop plans to address them so that our clients – Surerus Murphy and FortisBC – are prepared for any unforeseen emergency events that may occur.