Pipeline Project
NorLand’s blasting divisions have taken the lead in constructing Canada’s energy future – a 670km long natural gas pipeline. Starting near Fraser Lake and working to Kitimat, Glacier Blasting & Shoring and Pacific Blasting moved mountains, battling challenging terrain, covid, and infamous weather to complete blasting on spreads 5 through 8.
Key Project Information
- Project Type:Pipeline and Oilfield
- Budget:$165M
- Location:Kitimat, BC
Scope of Work
While blasting was the main scope of work for this project, it was so much more. Much of the route was in greenfield areas, as such, the first work was to construct access roads. Once access was completed, blasting on grade could be started and eventually blasting for the pipeline trench. In geotechnically unstable areas, hand scaling, rock anchors, and rock fall mesh were installed.
Challenges & Solutions
The main obstacle for this project was the coast mountains; going through a heavily glaciated valley with snow ten months of the year, and up and over challenging steep slopes, including a 1.6km long steep slope from a river valley to a mountain ridge. We were able to successfully complete these challenges and more, utilizing a fleet of up to 40 drills simultaneously on various portions of the four spreads. Our fleet of excavator mount drills gave us the flexibility to get in and create working areas for our production drills, and our smaller drills were able to be moved by helicopter allowing for us to work in more spots than if we had been limited to working only from access roads.
Overall Impact
NorLand continues to be at the forefront of Canada’s energy revolution, blazing new paths through previously unconquered wilds. NorLand’s unwavering focus on safety and excellence was pivotal in overcoming challenges and ensuring the project’s success. Proving once again that Anything. Possible.