As work on the Trans Mountain pipeline ramps up in places, the company conducted a ‘full-scale’ emergency response exercise in the Kamloops area today.
The company says there were over 225 people from more than 25 agencies working to ensure ‘an efficient and effective response’ in the event of an emergency.
“At Trans Mountain, we test and practice our plans regularly and involve local first responders, Indigenous groups and government agencies to ensure we’re prepared in the event of an incident,” said Michael Davies, the VP of Operations for Trans Mountain.
“While our goal is that our emergency response plans are never used, we are fully prepared to respond to any incident in a timely and effective manner.”
Davies says the company does more that 20 such emergency response exercises each year, with today’s taking place in the Inks Lake area, southwest of the city, consisting of a response in ice and snow-based in the event of a full-bore pipeline rupture.
“The drill also included an off-site Incident Command Post where several agencies, stakeholders, first responders and regulators participated in an integrated response alongside Trans Mountain personnel, the company noted.
“Our top priority is the safety of the communities where we operate. That is why we practice simulated emergency responses, in all types of weather especially, to ensure we are fully prepared in any situation if an emergency were to happen” noted Trans Mountain’s Director of Emergency Management Kelly Malinoski, in a release.
“To help mitigate concerns of communities and residents along the pipeline corridor, our teams continually review, revise, practice and also share our emergency response capabilities to all parties who could be involved.”
Malinoski says Trans Mountain has to have an Emergency Management Program in place that can anticipate, prevent, manage, and mitigate conditions during an emergency.
(Photo via Trans Mountain Corporation)
We conducted a full-scale emergency exercise in #Kamloops today. Each year #TransMountain holds over 20 exercises for employees, contractors, first responders, government agencies and #Indigenous groups. https://t.co/xUD4hygVY0 pic.twitter.com/5Rcfajsvtl
— Trans Mountain (@TransMtn) February 12, 2020
The #CER is participating in Trans Mountain’s full-scale
#emergencyresponse exercise near #Kamloops, #BC pic.twitter.com/3j4GRABGmu— Canada Energy Regulator (@CER_REC) February 12, 2020
