Environmental Protection

PMC’s commitment to protecting the environment extends through all phases of pipeline design and construction and complies with all federal and provincial acts and regulations that exist to minimize or avoid adverse environmental effects that can result from development.

 

Environmental Protection Program

Plains Midstream Canada’s (PMC) Environmental Protection Program (EPP) outlines a structure and framework for safeguarding the environment when planning and executing our work activities. This program identifies environmental sensitivities that may affect operations and the protection measures implemented to minimize or avoid impacts. The program framework also requires PMC to set environmental goals, objectives and targets and to review and report on our environmental performance on an annual basis.

Through the EPP, we focus on minimizing the environmental footprint of our operations and appropriately managing environmental liabilities.  PMC’s Regulatory and Environmental Department oversees the day-to-day operations, execution and maintenance of the Environmental Protection Program. The Operations Department is responsible for implementing the program in the field.

Environmental Planning

PMC’s commitment to protecting the environment extends through all phases of pipeline design and construction and complies with all federal and provincial acts and regulations that exist to minimize or avoid adverse environmental effects that can result from development.

Pre-Construction: Prior to initiating a project, environmental assessments are performed to evaluate whether any sensitive areas may be affected by the activities. The assessments also identify the best methods to minimize impacts on soil, vegetation, wetlands, water quality, air quality, fish, wildlife, their habitat, heritage resources, and traditional land and resource use. Consultation with landowners, Aboriginal communities and other potentially affected stakeholders also help identify local environmental issues and thereby assists PMC in designing appropriate protection measures.

During Construction: Environmental impacts are minimized by following mitigation measures outlined in a site specific Environmental Protection Plan. When working in or adjacent to a water course, water quality is monitored,  special construction techniques are used to prevent erosion and sediment from entering waterways and in areas of native grasses, special wooden mats are used to protect the ground cover.

Post-Construction: When construction activities are completed, efforts are directed to restore the disturbed areas and reestablish vegetation. We continue to monitor the recovery of the project area until site conditions have met the levels similar to pre-construction conditions.