Ask the Experts
Since proposing the Energy East Pipeline Project in August 2013, we have held 116 open houses in 83 communities along the proposed route. More than 9,000 Canadians attended these events to get a better understanding of the 4,500-km pipeline project and asked questions on the critical issues of safety and the protection of the environment. Here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions from our team’s engineers on pipeline monitoring, our emergency response preparedness and many other key aspects of the Energy East project:
Safety: How do you monitor pipelines?
Safety and the wellbeing of the communities near our operations are at the core of everything we do. Over the past three years, we have invested over $900 million annually in pipeline inspection and maintenance programs. We also fund initiatives that enable emergency personnel to respond quickly and effectively to local needs and our teams focus on emergency preparedness and accident prevention.
More answers on safety:
What happens if our Oil Control Centre specialists suspect a leak?
Who is responsible in case of a pipeline incident?
What is an Emergency Response Plan?
How do we work with local First Responders?
How does TransCanada prepare for an emergency?
Is diluted bitumen different from conventional crude oil?
Are pipelines safe from seismic vibrations and earthquakes?
What are shutoff valves?
Can an older pipeline operate safely?
Environment: What do you do to protect the environment?
At TransCanada, we are committed to protecting the environment. Not just because we have to, but because we want to. With Energy East, just like any project we undertake, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint while fulfilling our obligation to meet the continent’s growing demand for reliable energy.
More answers on the environment:
How do you protect the wildlife?
What kind of environmental studies do you do?
How do we make a pipeline cross a river?
What do you do to protect the environment?
View all answers on environmental stewardship
Conversion: How is a gas pipeline converted to oil transportation?
As part of the Energy East project, approximately 3,000-km of existing pipeline will be converted from natural gas to crude oil service. TransCanada has safely and successfully converted pipelines throughout its 60-year history. Here is how we will convert this pipeline for Energy East.
More answers on the conversion:
Are there design differences between a gas and an oil pipeline?
Is the pressure higher in an oil pipeline than it is in a gas pipeline?
Why are you replacing certain river crossings?
How is a gas pipeline converted to oil transportation?
Why convert an existing pipeline?
View all answers on pipeline conversion