Non-Routine OGC Pipeline Application on Crown Land within Major River Corridor

Our client initiated an application for a pipeline that crossed two streams including a major fish bearing river that also supplies water for a local community.  A field review was conducted to determine the best route and preliminary construction plans were drafted.  EWD reviewed the plans to determine appropriate riparian setbacks and pipeline crossing methods.  EWD conducted a fish inventory of the watershed and were able to use this information to select an open cut crossing method for one of the drainages.  A Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) was selected as the appropriate crossing method for the major river crossing. 

EWD initiated stakeholder consultation and addressed local tenure holder concerns which resulted in success preparation, submission and approval of the OGC application

EWD was able to provide environmental water quality services during the HDD of the major river pipeline crossing. Unfortunately, a loss of pressure required immediate mitigation.  EWD developed and submitted an application, appropriate mitigation plan and habitat assessment to the OGC that was quickly approved and allowed the client to complete the HDD.

Ojay Heli-Portable Seismic Environmental Monitoring: Mountain Goat Habitat Study

In 2003, our client in the oil & gas industry needed to complete a heli-portable seismic line exploratory work. Based on a concern whether or not such activity would impact on the local mountain goat population, the client was required by the B.C. Oil and Gas Commission (OGC) to insure that the project did not adversely impact the mountain goat populations. EWD was retained by the client and approved by OGC to complete a baseline inventory and monitoring of mountain goat populations present in river canyon habitat, located near the confluences of the Wapiti River, the Belcourt and Mistanusk Creeks in Northeast B.C. The study focused on determining the distribution of mountain goats, their habitat, and how they respond to aerial activities. The purpose of the study was to determine whether or not goats were present and to establish setback distances for heli-portable seismic drilling activities.

Based on the work completed by EWD, the OGC approved our client’s project. This approval was critical for subsequent development of oil and gas resources in the area, including drilling of wells, access road construction, and pipeline routing.

Environmental Assessment and Remediation of an Auto Dealership Property, Fort St. John, BC.

From 2004 to 2007, EWD completed baseline assessment work, delineation and site remediation for a former auto dealership property. The site had been used for vehicle dealership and related activities for over 50 years and was comprised of four separate parcels.

EWD developed an assessment strategy that allowed flexibility for divesture of the parcels without getting mired in the formal regulatory review process. The assessment work identified hydrocarbon contamination both on and off site, including areas underneath adjoining buildings, municipal laneways and roads. A multiple phased approach was developed that included excavation and source removal, natural attenuation, and risk assessment.