INNOVATION March-April 2014

f ea t u r e s

Pipeline Geohazard Assessment in British Columbia

B ritish Columbia is seeing an influx of major pipe- line project proposals due to the strong demand for Western Canada energy exports in Asia and the United States. When considering these proposals, espe- cially under greenfield conditions, an understanding of potential threats that could affect pipeline routing, design, construction and operation is essential. Geohazards constitute a class of threats of a geological, geotechnical, hydrological or seismo-tectonic nature, and involve natu- ral and anthropogenic processes. Dr. Rodney S. Read, P.Eng., P.Geo., P.Geol. (AB); Moness Rizkalla, P.Eng. (AB); Dr. John J. Clague, P.Geo.

A project-specific inventory of credible, probable geohazards is a key component of pipeline geohazard assessment. Potential geohazards that might affect a particular project depend in part on the physio- graphic setting. For example, landslides, debris flows and rock fall are relatively common in mountainous areas, whereas areas with limited relief are less prone to these hazards. Likewise, credible projects in Northern Canada must consider risks such as permafrost thaw and frost heave.

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