Lately there has been a lot of talk about Kinder Morgan’s Trans Mountain Pipeline and whether or not it should expand. As a business deeply involved with the oil and gas industry, we understand the value that this pipeline can offer to all Canadian citizens. Even so, it is important to take into account all factors and concerns that have the potential to affect Canadians and our beautiful land.
The Trans Mountain Pipeline, or TMPL, transports crude oil and refined products to the west coast. In fact, it is the only pipeline system in North America to do so. This “batching” of products allows high efficiency transport from Edmonton to terminals in central British Columbia, the Greater Vancouver area, and down into American markets such as Washington and California.
Expansion means many things for Canadians. Perhaps the most exciting of these is the opportunity for TMPL to inject an estimated $7.4 billion into Canada’s economy. Over a span of twenty years, experts suggest that producers will experience $73.5 billion in increased revenues. While all of that money is being pumped into the Canadian economy, thousands of jobs will be available to Canadian citizens. In fact, it is estimated that the twinning of TMPL alone would result in 15,000 construction jobs. That doesn’t include the 37,000 other jobs that will be created, stemming from the pipeline.
For nearly 65 years, oil has been transported safely through the TMPL. Pipeline companies have a responsibility to the people and the land that they effect, meaning that spills are just as devastating to the company itself as to those who are protesting them. In order to provide the highest quality of safety at all times, pipelines companies like Kinder Morgan must continually develop comprehensive safety procedures and protocol. It is imperative to hold these companies environmentally responsible so that the oil and gas industry remains beneficial instead of destructive.
By working alongside the communities that will be affected, Kinder Morgan’s TMPL is working hard to ensure that the land and our citizens are being respected. Here at Westcal Insulation, we understand that large pipeline companies need to be held to high standards, in keeping with those high standards, we are proud to work alongside them.
