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Gazoduc TQM - EasternAccess Project (Archived)

Cacouna; Lachenaie; Saint-Augustin; Saint-Nicolas; Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade (QC)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Final Decision

Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 07-03-32781
National Energy Board: OF‑Fac‑Gas‑T201‑2007‑01 01

Environmental Assessment Type

Comprehensive study

Other Assessment Process

Government of Québec

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

National Energy Board
Transport Canada

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On August 24, 2007, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because the National Energy Board considered taking action in relation to section 52 of the National Energy Board Act and Transport Canada considered providing federal lands.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

Gazoduc TQM is proposing to construct and operate the EasternAccess Pipeline project to be located primarily on the south shore of the St. Lawrence river in Quebec, between Cacouna and Lévis. The proposed project would consist of:

New 230 km pipeline between Cacouna and St- Nicolas

  • 762 mm outside diameter
  • maximum operating pressure of 9930 kPa
  • 23 m wide permanent right-of-way
  • 10 m wide temporary work area, plus additional temporary work areas for crossing waterways, roads, railways or other existing obstacles
  • block valves: number and location to be determined, approximately 100 m2 of land required for each, within permanent right-of-way
  • additional pig launching and receiving station, land requirements and location in between Cacouna and St-Nicolas to be determined
  • cathodic protection system within permanent right-of-way


Cacouna station facility

  • metering station
  • pig launching and receiving station
  • estimated surface area of 3600 m2
  • near the proposed Cacouna LNG terminal


St-Nicolas station facility

  • pig launching and receiving station
  • pressure reducing and regulating equipment (to permit operating pressure to be reduced from 9930 kPa to 7070 kPa)


Looping of the existing pipeline between St-Nicolas and St-Augustin

  • 13 km in total
  • 3.8 km using the existing tunnel under the St. Lawrence River
  • new permanent right-of-way less than 23 m wide, adjacent to the existing 23 m wide right-of-way which will be used as temporary work space; additional work space may be needed for crossings as well as at both ends of the tunnel
  • 762 mm outside diameter
  • modifications or replacement of the cathodic protection system


New compressor station

  • near Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade
  • approximately 250 m by 250 m


Other project components

  • modifications to existing Lachenaie compressor station
  • modifications to existing pig launching and receiving equipment at St-Nicolas, St-Augustin, Saint-Maurice and Boisbriand
  • construction and use of any new required access roads


Typical pipeline construction activities include:

  • surveying;
  • opening the construction site (opening of fences between properties, installation of culverts, installation of temporary fences, etc.);
  • clearing;
  • constructing access for pipeline installation machinery and equipment;
  • topsoil handling;
  • grading;
  • stringing, bending and assembling of the pipeline;
  • non-destructive inspection;
  • crossing of rivers, roads, railroads, etc.;
  • trenching;
  • blasting (when rock is present);
  • laying of the pipeline;
  • backfilling;
  • welding;
  • hydrostatic testing (or other technology to verify the integrity of the pipeline);
  • dewatering;
  • reclamation of the work zone and of underground drainage system;
  • installation of cathodic protection system; and
  • installation of signage to indicate the presence of the pipeline.


Operational activities consist of regular maintenance, including aerial patrols and internal inspections. A computer-based Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is used to continuously monitor and control pipeline operations, including flows, operating pressures, temperatures and equipment status.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2009 and be completed in late 2010. The proposed project is expected to operate for a period of at least 20 years.

Activities and effects associated with abandonment would be similar to construction.

Final Decision

The environmental assessment was terminated on April 4, 2008 because the proponent had withdrawn the project.