Thursday, October 18, 2007
Fort Howe Hotel
Horst Sauerteig
Midge Thompson
Christine Saumure
Claude MacKinnon
Mike MacIntyre, Co-Chair for Brunswick Pipeline
Susan Harris
Tammy Calvin
Gordon Dalzell
David Peterson, NB Environment and project Compliance Officer
Christianne Vachon-Horgan of Revolution Strategies, facilitator.
Guests:
Tom Hanthorn, Presentation – Safety Practices in Construction
Mike Whalen, Presentation – Safety Practices and Maintenance in Operations
Mark Landry, Brunswick Pipeline Corporate Security Officer
Regrets were received from, Brian Fitzpatrick, Carmel McCaig, Ellen Murphy and Al MacDougall.
Three additions were made to the agenda, under #8, Q&As/Other Items:
i. Update on Irving Oil Objection
ii. Content of recycled materials in steel of manufactured pipe
iii. Terms of Reference Discussion
The minutes were accepted without changes.
Answers to the four questions noted at the end of the Minutes of the September 13, 2007 meeting:
Q1. How far apart are the cathodes spaced?
A1. Approximately every 1,000 m
Q2. Shut-off valves – number and generally where?
A2. 4 in Saint John, including the meter station outside of the Canaport LNG terminal, one in the Grandview Avenue/Loch Lomond Road area, one on the Spar Cove side of the St. John River, and one just west of the Gault Road.
Q3. Differences in infrastructure standards, related to the Mexico terrorist explosions.
A3. Unable to obtain a comparison. NEB standards for construction and safety practices/monitoring are, however, considered the toughest in the world.
Q4. Effect of a leak near the Irving Oil refinery?
A4. A leak in the vicinity of the refinery would pose no danger to the storage tanks at the refinery. Impacts at this location would be similar to a leak in other areas.
Claude MacKinnon was nominated, and accepted the nomination. There being no other nominations, Claude MacKinnon was named Committee Co-chair.
A good discussion was held with respect to the selection of a facilitator. A number of questions were asked, including what the role of a facilitator is in relation to that of the co-chairs, why a facilitator is needed and if it would be just another layer, and if one was needed at all. A description of the facilitator role was discussed.
The Committee decided to forego inclusion of a facilitator for the present time and to assess progress over time. The Committee retains the option to name a facilitator at a later time.
On the question about level of detail in the minutes, it was noted that committee minutes are not being taken “verbatim,” but rather to capture the direction and general content and highlights of discussions. As well, the minutes will record any decisions and questions of the Committee.
Tom Hanthorn presented an overview of the safety systems and culture in place for the project. As part of the contractor selection processes, the contractor is required to participate and comply fully with the safety practices. Subcontractors, as well, are required to comply and can be directed to leave a job site if they act outside of these established guidelines.
“Don’t Walk By” is the safety policy and practice slogan. Culturally it means that an inspector or manager is required to be aware of their own area of expertise as well as safety practices, and to enforce them, but it also applies to every employee/sub-contractor of all levels. Even the most junior employee on a job site is empowered and required to raise an issue if they find an unsafe condition or situation at the job site or any work area.
Mike MacIntyre noted, in response to a question, that while this is entirely true and a great – even enviable – culture in which to work. However, overall, Brunswick Pipeline is 100% responsible for complaints and issues that arise, especially with the public.
Tom circulated a sample of a project information kit that is available for inspectors. On the key ring are cards containing first aid, safety, checklists, forms and related subjects to enable them to be more effective on the job site. There are also handouts and information sessions provided to all, including the recently hired project inspectors.
On a question, Tom stated that some of the safety issues a contactor/sub-contractor could face at a job site are:
* a trench collapse, during which there is a high likelihood of fatality
* particularly in an urban setting, maintaining safe work sites for the manpower and the public, and
* when working in roadways, ensuring the safety of workers related to the work itself but also related to the traffic around them.
Mike Whalen’s presentation covered the subjects of safety features of the pipe and operational maintenance practices. In all cases, the project will meet and even exceed Code standards for design; for example the pipeline that will be laid in the urban areas will be Class III pipe, whereas the standard requires only Class I or Class II depending on the location. Other protections include a variety of regular inspection methods, cathodic protection built into the pipe itself, remote isolation valves, Call Before You Dig program and public awareness programs, and pipeline crossing restrictions (S112 of NEB Act) to ensure safe loadings for crossing over or under the line.
In response to several questions about emergency planning zones (EPZ), pressure relief valves and procedures, it was agreed that a presentation and discussion specifically about emergency planning would be held at a future meeting. The finished plan is required to be filed with the NEB 60 days prior to operation start-up, however, work on the plan will begin shortly. A construction emergency plan is in development and will be in place prior to construction.
Copies of the horizontal direction drill (HDD) Noise Management Plan, decibel rating charts and an HDD handout were distributed to the Committee members for their information. The matter is being discussed with residents of Spar Cove and Milford, and in the news media with respect to the possibility of Brunswick Pipeline asking Common Council for a City by-law change to allow 24-hour/day drilling. Two open houses are planned for Spar Cove (Tuesday, October 23, 5-8 p.m. at the Leisure Services Office, Adelaide Street) and Milford (Thursday, October 25, 5-8 p.m. at the Milford Memorial Community Centre).
An invitation was offered to committee members to travel to Halifax to view the HDD operation in the harbour.
i. Update on the Irving Oil Objection to the NEB: the objection was filed with the NEB as part of the process of the detailed route. As a landowner, and because we are still in negotiations, Irving Oil filed their objection prior before their 30 day period expired so that they could proceed with that option should negotiations fail. We are continuing to negotiate and to work with them related to their concerns, as we are with other landowners.
ii. Recycled materials in steel of manufactured pipe: our pipe manufacturer, Berg Steel, advises that their steel plate supplier (IPSCO) uses a very high percent of recycled automotive scrap in their steel making process. The pipe is not only safe due to it’s metallurgic make-up and cathodic safety system built into it, but also makes use of available materials to reduce our environmental impact related to mining.
iii. Terms of Reference Discussion: As the discussion with respect to a facilitator was held (item 5) this item can be deferred to the next meeting.
iv. Number of employees at peak: At peak, there will be approximately 400 employees (expected to be around May 2008). Additionally, there will be approximately 100 management and inspection staff to oversee them.
v. Request for cards for the Committee to hand out: Susan Harris to look into this and report back.
Thursday, December 13, 2007, 7 p.m., Fort Howe Hotel (Location may be moved)
Thursday, January 17, 2008, 7 p.m., Location to be confirmed
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