“We are very pleased the federal government has announced the approval of the Northern Gateway Pipeline and we are confident the 209 conditions will be met by the project’s proponents,” says Matt Brassard, P. Eng., president of the Consulting Engineers of Alberta.
“We look at the project from an engineering point of view. Many of the conditions imposed by the National Energy Board relate to issues that will be resolved by engineers. Designing a pipeline and related infrastructure are typical of the tasks engineers address every day during their careers,” continues Brassard.
The National Energy Board in its review of the Northern Gateway Pipeline proposal said, “The Panel expects Northern Gateway to continue to follow good engineering practice. This consists of applying informed judgement and proven and accepted engineering methods, procedures, and practices to address a technical problem. The application of good engineering practice results in an appropriate, cost-effective solution that meets the needs of the project, meets regulatory requirements, and protects the safety of persons, the environment, and property, when the solution is properly implemented and maintained. Where there are potential unknowns that are difficult to predict accurately due to natural variability, the Panel finds that a precautionary approach is needed in applying good engineering practice.”
“Canadian engineers are among the most knowledgeable and best trained in the world and have undertaken immense design challenges, often to design things that people said couldn’t be done—a national railway system; tunnels through mountains, Confederation Bridge; high mountain highways, thousands of miles of pipelines and countless other projects. Each has been constructed using the latest technology and innovation and have become the infrastructure fabric of Canada that we all, without thinking, take for granted,” adds Brassard.
“Overcoming the design challenges to protect British Columbia’s and Alberta’s pristine wilderness will not be easy but it will be done. We applaud Enbridge’s commitment to excellence in engineering design and innovation and know that Canada’s engineering profession will exceed expectations,” concludes Brassard.
“The Consulting Engineers of Alberta are an important part of our knowledge-based economy. In Alberta, 100 member-firms of the CEA employ over 10,000 professional engineers, technologists and support staff and contribute over $2 billion annually directly to Alberta’s economy and support more than $20 billion in construction and development.