Pipeline Profiles: Westcoast or BC Pipeline
Pipeline system and key points
Section updated July 2021
The Westcoast Transmission System (Westcoast) is also known as Enbridge’s BC Pipeline. It transports natural gas produced in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin to consumers in British Columbia and, through interconnecting pipelines, other Canadian provinces and the United States. Westcoast extends from points in Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Alberta and British Columbia, to the Canada-U.S. border near Huntingdon, British Columbia. At the border Westcoast connects to Williams Northwest Pipeline, which supplies natural gas to the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Westcoast also connects to the Nova Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL).
Key points on the Westcoast Pipeline include interconnections with:
- NGTL at NOVA/Gordondale and Sunset Creek;
- Williams Northwest Pipeline at the Huntingdon Export;
- FortisBC local distribution system at FortisBC Lower Mainland;
- Southern Crossing pipeline at Kingsvale.
The pipeline commenced operations in 1957. CER-regulated assets include approximately 2 900 km of operating pipeline, and various auxiliary infrastructure.
Official CER documents related to the construction, operation and maintenance of Westcoast can be found here: Westcoast pipeline regulatory documents [Folder 90718].
You can see Westcoast and all CER-regulated pipelines on the CER’s Interactive Pipeline Map. The map shows more detailed l
ocation information, the products carried by each pipeline, the operating status and more. You can also view a system map on Enbridge’s website.
Pipeline map
Source: CER
Text version of this map
This map provides an overview of the Westcoast or BC pipeline.
You can see Westcoast and all CER-regulated pipelines on the CER’s Interactive Pipeline Map. The map shows more detailed location information, the products carried by each pipeline, the operating status and more. You can also view a system map on Enbridge’s website.
Throughput and capacity
Section updated quarterly (early March, mid-May, mid-August and mid-November)
Select key point:
Select units:
Key Point Map
Key Point Trends
Key Point Description
Note: The physical capacity of a pipeline is based on many factors such as the products being carried, direction of flow, pipeline pumping capacity, and maintenance work or other pressure restrictions. The actual physical capacity of the pipeline may, at times, be higher than the assumed operational capacity stated here.
Dashboard instructions
- Click on a key point button above the chart & map to view traffic at a different location. The map shows approximate locations on the pipeline where throughputs & capacity are recorded by the pipeline operator.
- Click and drag your mouse on the area chart to zoom into the desired date range. Click on the Reset Zoom button to reset the full date range.
- Click on the chart legend items below the chart to remove & add sections of data as required.
- The key point trends are calculated using quarterly average traffic at the key point. Natural gas throughput trends are displayed year over year (last full quarter of data compared to the same quarter last year). Crude oil and liquids key point trends are displayed quarter over quarter (last full quarter of data compared to the previous quarter).
Note: The five-year average is calculated for natural gas key points using the total throughput across all trade types and direction of flows. For bi-directional key points (both export and import) the throughput is displayed for both directions, instead of the five-year average.
Looking for daily data? Daily natural gas traffic datasets are available on Open Government.
Source and description
Data Source: Open Government
Description: The above dashboard displays pipeline throughput and capacity at key point(s) along the system. Where possible, the five-year average and five-year range for throughput is shown with the current year throughput to better highlight the trends. For pipeline key points with a defined location, a map is displayed next to the graph showing the approximate key point location where pipeline throughput and capacity are recorded.
Facilities
Section updated July 2021
The $24 million Silverstar Project [Folder 3908375] was approved [Folder 4012532]by the CER in November 2020. The project proposed new metering facility at Sunset Creek Compressor Station to facilitate a new delivery point off the T-North system at this location.
In 2018, Westcoast applied to the CER for the T-South Expansion and Reliability Project [Folder 3596844] which was approved [Folder 3827912] in September 2019. This $329 million project would upgrade three Compressor Stations (CS-4A, CS-5, CS-3) and expand T-South pipeline system. This expansion will provide 190 million cubic feet per day (MMcf/d) of incremental firm transportation service on the T-South system from Compressor Station 2 with delivery to Huntingdon Meter station. For more information, see the T-South 2018 Compressor Station Applications CER information page.
The $564.5 million Spruce Ridge Program [Folder 3350582] was approved [Folder 3723841] by the CER in December 2018. The Spruce Ridge Program would build and operate two natural gas pipeline loops, totaling 38 km, and the associated facilities. For more information, see the Spruce Ridge Program CER information page.
In October 2016 Westcoast applied for Wyndwood Pipeline Expansion Project [Folder 3070734] to build and operate 27 km of natural gas pipeline and associated facilities southwest of Chetwynd, BC. This project is a loop of Westcoast’s existing Fort St. John Mainline and will cost $170.3 million. The project was approved by the CER in August 2017. For more information, see the Wyndwood Pipeline Expansion Project CER information page.
The $216.3 million Jackfish Lake Expansion Project [Folder 2855929] was approved [Folder 3299132] by the NEB in June 2017. The project is in the Peace River District between Taylor, British Columbia (BC) and Chetwynd, BC. The project will enable Westcoast to provide new firm transportation service from receipt points along the Fort St. John and Alberta Mainlines in T-North. The project includes construction of a pipeline loop on the Fort St. John Mainline, in two segments, totaling 36 km, and installation of an additional compressor unit at the existing compressor station (CS) 1 (Taylor).
The $360 million High Pine Expansion Project [Folder 2839163] was approved [Folder 3025082] by the NEB in June 2017. The project is located in the Peace River Regional District between Wonowon, BC and Chetwynd, BC. The project will enable Westcoast to provide incremental firm transportation service from receipt points along the Fort Nelson Mainline between CS N4 and CS N5; and from receipt points on the Aitken Creek Pipeline in T-North. High Pine Expansion Project consists of pipeline looping along the Fort Nelson Mainline, in two segments, totaling 39.2 km, and installation of an additional compressor unit at the existing CS 16 (Sunset).
Tolls
Section updated July 2021
A toll is the price charged by a pipeline company for transportation and other services. Tolls allow pipeline companies to safely operate and maintain pipelines. Tolls also provide funds for companies to recover capital (the money used to build the pipeline), pay debts, and provide a return to investors. The interactive graph below shows the tolls on selected paths on the pipeline since 2006.
Data Source and Description
Data Source: Open Government
Description: The above chart displays tolls data for the pipeline system. Only major or benchmark toll paths are shown for illustrative purposes. To see tolls for all available system paths, see the tariff filing in REGDOCS.
Open data can be freely used and shared by anyone for any purpose. The data for these graphs are available.
For tolling purposes, Westcoast is divided into twoFootnote 1 zones:
- Zone 3 consists of sales gas transmission pipelines north of compressor station 2, near Chetwynd, British Columbia. Zone 3 is also referred to as Transportation North or T-North.
- Zone 4 consists of the sales gas transmission pipelines south of compressor station 2. Zone 4 is also referred to as Transportation South or T-South.
Tolls are based on the cost of service, are zone-based, and are term-differentiated (for example, tolls for a five year contract are lower than tolls for a two year contract).
Official CER odcuments related to the traffic, tolls and tariffs for Westcoast can be found here: Westcoast toll documents [Folder 92844].
A list of shippers on Westcoast is available on the Westcoast website (Capacity; Pipeline Contracted Firm Service).
Abandonment funding
Section updated June 2020
The CER requires all pipelines to set aside funds to safely cease operation of a pipeline at the end of its useful life. In 2016, Westcoast estimated it would cost $363.6 million to do this. These funds will be collected over 40 years and are being set aside in a trust.
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trust fund balance | 7 433 809 | 15 714 265 | 24 585 082 | 30 763 000 | 43 855 000 |
Official CER documents related to abandonment funding can be found here, sorted by year and by company: abandonment funding documents [Folder 3300366].
Pipeline financial information
Westcoast Pipeline financial information
Section updated July 2021
Pipeline companies report important financial information to the CER quarterly or annually. A strong financial position enables companies to maintain their pipeline systems, attract capital to build new infrastructure, and meet the market’s evolving needs. The data in this table comes from Westcoast’s Quarterly Surveillance Reports [Folder 235199]. Income statement information and equity ratios are for the Transmission division of Westcoast Energy Inc., as reported to the CER.
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues (million $) | 296 | 323 | 325 | 397 | 385 | 394 | 381 | 416 | 504 | 629 | 599 |
| Return on Common Equity (million $) | 35 | 46 | 50 | 53 | 54 | 51 | 63 | 85 | 115 | 126 | 144 |
| Rate base (million $) | 1 093 | 1 074 | 1 224 | 1 349 | 1 346 | 1 347 | 1 358 | 1 603 | 2 560 | 2 916 | 2 954 |
| Rate of return on rate base (%) | 7.55 | 8.12 | 7.69 | 7.67 | 7.67 | 7.35 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 6.8 | 6.4 | 6.4 |
| Deemed equity ratio (%) | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Rate of Return on Common Equity (%) | 8.78 | 10.01 | 9.36 | 9.54 | 9.89 | 9.01 | 9.8 | 9.8 | 10.1 | 9.4 | 10.1 |
Corporate financial information
Section updated June 2020
Westcoast Energy Inc., carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission, owns the Westcoast Transmission System. Westcoast Energy Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of Enbridge, following Enbridge’s merger with Spectra Energy in February 2017.
Credit ratings provide an idea of the financial strength of a company, including its ability to attract capital to build new infrastructure and meet financial obligations. The credit ratings below are expert opinions of how likely the debt issuer is to live up to its obligations.
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DBRS credit rating | A (low) | A (low) | A (low) | A (low) | A (low) | A (low) | A (low) | A (low) | A (low) |
| S&P credit rating | BBB+ | BBB | BBB | BBB | BBB | BBB+ | BBB+ | BBB+ | BBB+ |
Financial regulatory audits
Section updated June 2020
The CER audits pipeline companies to confirm compliance with the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, regulations, CER orders and CER decisions. Financial regulatory audits focus on toll and tariff matters such as detecting cross-subsidies. Westcoast’s last audit was completed in August 2018. Official CER documents related to Westcoast’s financial regulatory audits can be found here: [Folder 571548]
Safety and Environment
Conditions Compliance
Section updated May 2023
Every pipeline company in Canada must meet federal, provincial or territorial, and local requirements. This includes Acts, Regulations, rules, bylaws, and zoning restrictions. Pipelines are also bound by technical, safety, and environmental standards along with company rules, protocols and management systems. In addition to these requirements, the Commission may add conditions to regulatory instruments that each company must meet. Conditions are project-specific and are designed to protect public and the environment by reducing possible risks identified during the application process.
Condition compliance is part of the CER's oversight and enforcement action is taken when required.
Conditions can be related to a specific region, or apply to the pipeline project as a whole. The map below displays the number of in progress and closed conditions mapped to economic regions as defined by Statistics Canada.
Conditions can typically be either in-progress or closed. The CER follows up on in-progress conditions.
In-Progress
This status refers to conditions that continue to be monitored by the CER. This happens when:
- condition filings have not yet been received by the CER; or,
- filings have been received but are under review or do not yet meet requirements; or,
- a project is not completed and it has conditions, which have not been met; or,
- a project has a post-construction condition, but a requirement has not yet been completed; or,
- some conditions may be active indefinitely or refer to the continued operation of a pipeline.
Closed
This status refers to:
- condition requirements that have been satisfied, and no further submissions from the company are required; or
- conditions whose filings or actions apply to a specific phase that have been fulfilled as the phase is completed (i.e. a specific filing during construction phase). Note: comments on the required actions can still be received.
Dashboard instructions
- Click on a region to view conditions info
- Click map area outside of regions to hide info
Note: Some conditions apply to multiple regions. Conditions may be double counted across regions, resulting in a higher number of conditions than the totals seen in the buttons above.
Source and description
Data Source: Open Government
Description: The above map displays the number of CER conditions associated with projects approved by the Commission. The map is split into two tabs which show in-progress and closed conditions separately, mapped to an economic region. If a company has no in-progress conditions specific to an economic region, the dashboard will default to show the closed conditions by region. An additional view is available which contains the number of in-progress and closed conditions that don't have a corresponding economic region in the dataset. The map regions are shaded based on the number of conditions, with lighter coloured regions containing fewer conditions compared to darker colors. Conditions that apply to more than one region are double counted in the map, and these conditions will appear in the map region total and map region breakdown for each applicable region. The condition counts contained in the map navigation buttons represent total conditions without region double counting.
Open data can be freely used and shared by anyone for any purpose. The data for these graphs are available [CSV].
Have you checked out the CER's interactive conditions data visualization? This tool offers a deep dive into the CER's conditions compliance data and process, exploring conditions across all CER regulated companies by keyword, project, and location.
Reported Incidents
Section updated May 2023
The information presented here is based on CER data (2008 to current) for incidents reported under the Onshore Pipeline Regulations and the Processing Plant Regulations. New data is added quarterly. Learn more on how incident data collection has evolved since the NEB (now the CER) was established in 1959.
Companies must report events, such as incidents, to the CER in accordance with the CER Event Reporting Guidelines. Knowing what happened, and why, helps us find ways to prevent them from happening again.
What is an incident? (Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR))
As defined in the OPR, “incident” means an occurrence that results in:
- the death or serious injury to a person;
- a significant adverse effect on the environment;
- an unintended fire or explosion;
- an unintended or uncontained release of low vapour pressure (LVP) hydrocarbons in excess of 1.5 m³
- an unintended or uncontrolled release of gas or high vapour pressure (HVP) hydrocarbons;
- the operation of a pipeline beyond its design limits as determined under CSA Z662 or CSA Z276 or any operating limits imposed by the CER.
What is an incident? (Processing Plant Regulations (PPR))
As defined in the PPR, “incident” is defined as an occurrence that results or could result in a significant adverse effect on property, the environment, or the safety of persons. For the purposes of incident reporting in the PPR, events that fall under this definition include, but are not limited to:
- the death or serious injury to a person;
- a significant adverse effect on the environment;
- an unintended fire or explosion that results in or has the potential to result in damage to company, public/crown or personal property;
- an unintended or uncontained release of low vapour pressure (LVP) hydrocarbons in excess of 1.5 m³
- an unintended or uncontrolled release of gas, HVP hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide or other poisonous gas; or
- the operation of a plant beyond its design limits or any limits imposed by the CER.
Incidents and the CER
Companies self-report incidents and are expected to take a precautionary approach in doing so. This means that even when there is doubt as to whether an incident should be reported, the company must report it. The approach is, “When in doubt, report.” This is consistent with CER-regulated companies’ responsibility for anticipating, preventing, mitigating and managing incidents of any size or duration.
The CER reviews all reported incidents to assess whether companies have taken the appropriate corrective actions and to identify potential trends in incidents. Each incident is given a status indicating the current stage of the CER's incident review.
CER Status
- Initially Submitted: The company has notified the CER that an incident has occurred and provided preliminary information. A review has been initiated.
- Submitted: The company has submitted all of the required information and the CER is reviewing the incident.
- Closed: The CER’s incident review has been completed and the file is closed.
Incident type definitions: one incident can have multiple types
- Release of Substance (featured in the dashboard) - Any time a product is unintentionally released. (Releases of non-gas low pressure products in volumes of less than 1.5 m³ are exempt from reporting.)
- Adverse Environmental Effects - When any chemical substance is released at a concentration or volume that has the potential to change the ambient environment in a manner that would cause harm to human life, wildlife or vegetation (e.g., glycol, potassium carbonate, methanol, methanol mix from hydrostatic testing, etc.).
- Explosion - An unintended explosion
- Fatality - Any death involving employees, contractors or members of the public related to the construction, operation, maintenance or abandonment of pipelines
- Fire - An unintended fire
-
Operation Beyond Design Limits Includes situations, such as:
- over-pressures - i.e., pressures that are higher than the maximum the equipment was designed to safely handle;
- vibration beyond design limits;
- slope movements causing movement in the pipeline beyond design limits;
- pipe exposures in rivers or streams; and
- introduction of an inappropriate product (e.g., sour gas in excess of CSA limits)
Operation beyond design limit is typically linked to an over-pressure of the product in the pipe; however, if a pipe was exposed to excessive vibration and was not designed for this, this could be considered operation beyond design limits. Operation beyond design limits does not include equipment contacting the pipe, or corrosion pits, etc.
- Serious Injury (CER or Transportation Safety Board) - Any serious injury involving employees, contractors or members of the public related to the construction, operation or maintenance of pipelines.
Are there any incidents near me?
Source and description
Data Source: Open Government
Description: The above map displays the location of product release incidents that have occurred on the pipeline system since 2008. The map defaults to show incidents as bubbles which are coloured based on the substance released. Incidents on the map can be re-categorized based on the most recently available status of the CER's incident review, the year in which the incident was reported, and the province/territory where the incident occurred. The incident map bubble can be switched to show the estimated volume of product released, with larger map bubbles showing larger release volumes relative to other product releases on the system. The incident data can also be toggled to display a stacked bar chart of incidents over time by clicking on the incident trends button above the map. The stacked bars display the number of product release incidents by year, with bar colour segments corresponding to the various products released. Similar to the map, incidents can be re-categorized by clicking on the side buttons to view a breakdown of incidents by status, what happened, why it happened, and province/territory.
Open data can be freely used and shared by anyone for any purpose. The data for these graphs are available [CSV].
Have you checked out the CER's interactive incident data visualization? This tool offers a deep dive into the CER's incident data trends, exploring incidents across all CER regulated companies.
Operations and Maintenance Activities
Section updated May 2023
Oil and gas pipeline companies regularly conduct routine operations and maintenance (O&M) activities on CER regulated pipelines. These activities include things such as pipeline repairs, investigative and integrity digs, and many other activities while promoting safety, security, environmental protection, economic efficiency, and respect for the rights of those that may be affected.
Companies are required to adhere to Canadian Energy Regulator Act’s Onshore Pipeline Regulations and operate their facilities in a manner that is safe and protects the environment. Authorizations for pipelines typically allow companies to construct and operate a facility, and companies are not required to apply for additional approval to undertake most O&M activities. In certain circumstances, companies are required to notify the CER in advance with sufficient information to make a determination as to whether to inspect O&M activities that could result in safety consequences to landowners or the public, environmental consequences, or a negative impact on normal third-party use of the right-of-way (ROW) or adjacent property.
What activities are O&M activities (eligible activities)?
Operations and maintenance activities include:
- All activities necessary to safely operate an existing pipeline;
- Maintenance activities, upgrades or repairs to an existing pipeline or part of a pipeline that do not increase the approved maximum operating pressure (MOP), the stress level or diameter of the pipeline; or
- Physically removing an existing section of pipe up to 5 km in length, and putting a new section of pipe in its place, as long as this replacement does not increase the approved MOP, stress level or diameter of the pipeline.
What O&M Activities require CER approval (restrictions on eligible activities)?
Where any of the following restrictions exist, the company must apply to the Commission in accordance with the CER Act and the related regulations and may not carry out the proposed activity until approval from the Commission has been obtained. The restrictions apply where:
- The work includes welding on an in-service pipeline by a pipeline company that has not previously performed in-service welding in accordance with the requirements of CSA Z662-15, Clause 7.17, ‘Welding on In-Service Piping’, or the equivalent clause in the most recent edition of CSA Z662; or
- The work involves the construction of an aerial crossing, excluding work on company owned or leased land relating to facilities (e.g., terminal stations, processing plants, compressor/pump stations).
What kinds of activities are not O&M activities (ineligible activities)?
O&M activities do not include:
- Upgrades that result in increases above previously approved and specified levels to:
- the MOP,
- stress levels,
- the diameter of the pipeline, and/or
- airborne emissions or noise levels.
- "Looping" (i.e., adding pipe parallel or adjacent to, and interconnected with, an existing pipeline for the general purpose of increasing capacity);
- Construction of a new pipeline; or
- Deactivation (for longer than 12 months), reactivation (where a pipeline has been deactivated for more than 12 months), decommissioning, or abandonment.
Source and description
Data Source: Open Government
Description: The above bar chart displays the number of O&M activities from 2015 to current, arranged based on the starting year of the activity. Each bar is stacked based on several parameters, with the default view showing the province/territory where the O&M activity occurred. Navigation buttons to the right of the bar chart provide the option to view the number of O&M activities by province/territory, if the activity includes an integrity dig, if in-stream work is required, if there are fish present, and if there are species at risk present.
Open data can be freely used and shared by anyone for any purpose. The data for these graphs are available [CSV].
View the requirements and guidance notes (O&M Guidelines) for more information on how these events are regulated while promoting safety, security, environmental protection, economic efficiency, and respect for the rights of those that may be affected.
Contaminated Sites and Remediation
Section updated May 2023
As part of the CER’s environmental protection activities, we require companies to manage and remediate contamination throughout the lifecycle of the facilities. As a first step, regulated companies are required to report contamination to the CER through the online submission of the Notification of Contamination (NOC).
After the NOC is submitted, companies must demonstrate they are actively managing the contamination according to the Remediation Process Guide. The progress and current status of remediation at the contaminated site are captured in the annual update submitted by a company each year for a contaminated site.
Third party contamination is on-site contamination that is shown to not be emanating or migrating from the company’s facilities or company-owned or leased lands or Right-of-Way. While third-party contamination is not the result of company activities, the CER still requires that this contamination is reported to the CER through the submission of the NOC.
The dashboard below contains information that is contained in the NOC's and annual updates found in REGDOCS. The CER publishes NOCs that have been submitted to the CER since August 2018, when the CER started collecting this information electronically and annual updates that have been submitted since 2021. For information on contaminated sites for which NOCs were submitted prior to August 2018, email remediation@cer-rec.gc.ca.
There are many different methods and approaches to remediate contamination. Thus, when a company submits a plan for remediation (i.e., remedial action plan) for CER review, they are required to include an options analysis to support the remedial method chosen, select appropriate remediation criteria and demonstrate engagement with potentially affected persons, among other requirements. CER analysts also review closure reports submitted by the company once the remediation is completed to ensure remediation has been completed appropriately.
Are there any contaminated sites near me?
Source and description
Data Source: Open Government
Description: The above map displays the approximate location of contaminated sites that have been reported since August 2018. The map defaults to show contaminated sites as bubbles which are coloured based on the year the Notice of Contamination was submitted. Contaminated sites on the map can be re-categorized based on the province/territory, if the site is within 30 metres of a water body, and the applicable land use at the site. The contaminated sites can also be toggled to display a stacked bar chart of events over time by clicking on the contaminated sites trends button above the map. The stacked bars display the number of contaminated sites reported by year. Like the map, contaminated sites can be re-categorized by clicking on the side buttons to view a breakdown of contaminated sites by site status, activity at time of discovery, pipeline or facility, and contaminant type.
Open data can be freely used and shared by anyone for any purpose. The data for these graphs are available [CSV].
Emergency management
Section updated June 2020
The CER checks to make sure companies are keeping pipelines safe by doing inspections, in-depth safety audits, and other activities. Yet, even with these precautions, an emergency could still happen. Sound emergency management practices improve public safety and environmental protection outcomes, and provide for more effective emergency response.
The CER holds its regulated companies responsible for anticipating, preventing, mitigating, and managing incidents of any size or duration. Each company must have an emergency management program that includes detailed emergency procedures manuals to guide its response in an emergency situation. We oversee the emergency management program of a regulated company’s projects as long as they operate.
The CER requires companies to publish information on their emergency management program and their emergency procedures manuals on their websites so Canadians can access emergency management information. To view Westcoast’s regional Integrated Contingency Plan, go to Enbridge's Field Emergency Response Plans website, where its plans are organized by area of operation.
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