The construction of oil and gas pipelines is estimated to be one of the largest industrial land disturbances in Alberta. Most pipelines continue to be constructed using conventional methods with potential long-term ecological impacts. In the interest of reducing impacts, assuring land outcomes, and building public trust, industry and government can shift away from conventional methods to low and no impact practices. This process can create practical and cost-effective technologies that address many issues including soil degradation, soil erosion, ditch-line settlement, negative wildlife interactions, fragmentation, invasive species, and large linear disturbances. 

Innovative Pipeline Strategies (IPS) were originally developed by industry in collaboration with the Government of Alberta in 2007 to establish “Best in Class” technologies and improve land outcomes, facilitate resource development, and build public trust. These policies were also intended to lower the operation and clean-up costs, reduce liability, and reduce offsite damages. 

Devon Canada was the first company to change their internal pipeline construction policy to reflect the objectives of IPS across Canada. Although Devon Canada is no longer operating in Canada, many companies employ select elements of IPS to this day. 

Best practices presented at the Boreal Wetland Centre include: 

Right of way: Assessing the area and determining the minimum width needed for installation based on soil type, stability, pipe size, and location. Stripping is done only as wide as necessary in a way that maintains the root system and prevents soil erosion.  

Cameron Bucket: An implement used to minimize the width of the trench required for pipeline installation resulting in reduced costs and less right-of-way requirements and soil disturbance. 

Topsoil cutter: Breaks up frozen topsoil at the desired depth prior to piling of topsoil material. 

Trenching: The narrowest trench possible is dug to install the pipeline in, the ditch being 2-3 times the width of the pipe. This minimizes the total land disturbed, and vegetation removed from the site.  

Spoil Pile: The soil excavated is separated into piles based on what layer it was pulled from (topsoil, subsoil in some cases, spoil material). This keeps topsoil from being mixed with deeper soil limiting the nutrient value of the material.  

Directional drilling: A drilling method used to install pipe through sensitive or challenging areas. Drilling is done non-vertically, which can be done from some distance away. This lessens the amount of surficial land that needs to be disturbed.  

At the Boreal Wetland Centre

Examples of Best Practices in Action