Fact sheet: Birch Grove Program
Adding up to 178 MMcf/d of natural gas transportation capacity to our T-North system
Birch Grove Program
Westcoast Energy Inc., an Enbridge company, owns and operates a natural gas transmission system in British Columbia (BC) that transports natural gas for markets throughout BC, Alberta and the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
This gas is used to heat homes, hospitals, businesses and schools. It is also used as a fuel for electric power generation and is a staple in a number of industrial and manufacturing processes that produce hundreds of products that improve our lives.
Westcoast is proposing the Birch Grove Program, an expansion of the northern section of this natural gas pipeline system—known as Transmission North (or T-North). This project is needed to meet growing regional demand for natural gas and to support potential LNG exports. It aims to add up to 178 million cubic feet per day of natural gas transportation capacity to the T-North system, with an anticipated in-service date of Q3 2028.
The proposed project includes the installation and replacement of pipeline segments, as well as piping upgrades and modifications at existing compressor stations.
Project overview:
- Type: Natural gas pipeline expansion
- Status: Proposed
- Capacity expansion: 178 MMcf/d
- Expected to transport: Natural gas
- In-service target date: 2028
- Ownership: Enbridge Inc.
- Operator: Westcoast Energy Inc.
(click image to enlarge project map)
Project Information:
Project scope
Pipeline loop and replacement
To increase transportation capacity, a 36-inch-diameter pipeline segment is proposed to be installed parallel to and connected to the existing natural gas pipeline system. This process is called pipeline looping, and helps minimize environmental disturbance by utilizing an existing pipeline corridor. The pipeline segment will start southwest of Taylor, on the south side of the Peace River. It will run for approximately 32 kilometres (km).
Approximately 400 meters of pipeline located east of Taylor is also proposed to be replaced with heavier-walled pipe that will be able to accommodate an increased volume of natural gas.
Compressor station piping upgrades and modifications
A compressor station moves natural gas through a pipeline to maintain its flow and pressure. Over long distances, friction and geographic elevation differences slow the movement of gas and reduce its pressure. A compressor station gives the natural gas pressure a “boost.”
To accommodate the increased volume of natural gas, piping upgrades and some associated modification will be required at Compressor Station (CS)-01. This work will be localized to the existing station site.
Additionally, three new cooling bays at CS-16 by Sunset Creek are also proposed to be installed. These cooling bays regulate the temperature of natural gas, which rises with increased flow and pressure. Cooling is necessary as part of the process involved with safely transporting natural gas.
