The elusive pipe dream is a reality for Cochranites right now.
Residents passing over Highway 22 on Quigley Drive can see the work in progress. Sections of the pipeline are strewn along the highway and equipment is moving earth before the deep freeze of winter sets in.
The West Path Delivery Project is an approximately 21.5 km pipeline loop that will run parallel to Highway 22 for approximately 6 km through the town of Cochrane. The project will include a horizontal directional drill at the Bow River and construction at the adjacent dog park.
The project, through NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. a wholly owned subsidiary of TransCanada PipeLines Limited and affiliate of TC Energy, kicked off on August 6 on the south end of the Elbow River and has progressed north toward the town.
“Our construction crews are currently in and around Cochrane and will have a significant economic contribution to the town through creating demand for local goods and services,” said Jennalee Colpitts, spokesperson with TC Energy.
The company didn’t specify any potential environmental impacts along the route or what precautions they have in place. On their website the company states that construction and operations of the project will comply with all safety and environmental guidelines and regulations.
The project will supply southwest Alberta and connected downstream markets with natural gas produced in Western Canada. Construction around the community and north of town adjacent to Sunset Ridge should be complete early next year. The entire project is expected to finish by next summer.
Most construction will take place during daylight hours, Monday to Saturday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some activities may occur outside these hours including the horizontal directional drill of the Bow River and planned SR1 diversion channel. The drill will be required to run 24 hours per day, seven days a week until complete.
TC energy says their workers will abide by any noise regulations and will restrict their work as stipulated by local, municipal or provincial regulations.
View the entire scope of the project on the TransCanada website: https://www.tcenergy.com/globalassets/pdfs/natural-gas/west-path-delivery-project/transcanada-ngtl-west-path-delivery-project-map.pdf
