PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Source Keyera.com:

“KAPS, a natural gas liquids (NGL) and condensate system, is a highly desired industry pipeline solution designed to integrate services, generate more volumes and expand commercial opportunities. All of which can benefit Alberta. KAPS creates a platform for future investment opportunities that could include additional gas and condensate processing investments, new NGL infrastructure or other value-added services. Based on the current scope, KAPS will consist of a 16-inch condensate pipeline and a 12-inch NGL mix pipeline. KAPS will be constructed from northwest of Grande Prairie and connect to Keyera’s Fort Saskatchewan Fractionation and Storage Facility (KFS).

KAPS will play a key role in restarting Alberta’s economic engines and help drive prosperity for Albertans. This $1.6 billion investment provides both short and long term financial benefit for the province and is estimated to provide thousands of jobs for Albertans over the course of the project.”

OUR ROLE

Matrix was contracted to provide strategic advice and completed a desktop constraints analysis for the project. Matrix was responsible for completing the environmental field studies required to develop the necessary regulatory permits and applications as well as preparation of some of the applications including the Conservation & Reclamation Report and associated Environmental Alignment Sheets, Fisheries Act Requests for Review, and Code of Practice documentation.  Field work included the following activities:

• Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat
• Vegetation – weeds and rare plants
• Wetlands
• Fish and Fish Habitat
• Soils
• Clubroot
• Archaeology and paleontological (management of subconsultant Ember Archaeology)

The project is required to meet several additional regulatory requirements including the following:

• Fisheries Act
• Canadian Navigable Waters Act
• Species at Risk Act
• Migratory Birds Convention Act
• Alberta Environment Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA)
• Alberta Public Lands Act
• Alberta Water Act
• Alberta Wildlife Act
• Alberta Forestry Act
• Alberta Historical Resources Act

CHALLENGES

The ambitious regulatory schedule meant that all field work, reporting, and regulatory applications needed to be completed in approximately 6 months. For this to occur, the project required strong collaboration within the project team including engineering, land, survey, GIS, geotechnical specialists, and construction ​management.

With a pipeline project of this scale, change management, data management, and effective team communication were the key challenges to be overcome. Matrix worked with Keyera to develop a​n environmental field study schedule that would meet key regulatory milestones. In addition, the project team worked collaboratively to develop a strong and positive project and safety culture.