Line 3 Decommissioning Project is the final phase of the Line 3 Replacement Program. The work has been divided into four phases, the first of which (Segment 4 in Manitoba) was completed in 2021. Over the summer and fall of 2022, the remaining three segments (Hardisty to Cromer, MB) will be completed.
Decommissioning entails taking a pipeline permanently out of service, safely and responsibly. The practice of decommissioning in place minimizes the potential effects on communities and the environment, as well as the stability issues that surround soil disturbance. For Enbridge’s existing Line 3 pipeline, the decommissioning process involves wiping and cleaning, disconnecting, segmenting, filling (at strategic points), and continuing to monitor the line.
Enbridge Multibillion-dollar Line 3 Replacement Program is the largest project in Enbridge history, which involves replacement of all remaining segments of Enbridge Line 3 pipeline between Hardisty, AB and Superior, WI, along with construction of associated facilities. The project involves replacing existing 34-inch-diameter pipe with 36-inch-diameter pipe from Hardisty to Gretna, MB, and Neche, ND, to Superior. The new Line 3 will comprise the newest & most advanced pipeline technology and provide much needed incremental capacity to support Canadian crude oil production growth, as well as U.S. and Canadian refinery demand.
Métis N4 works with Enbridge, mainliners and subcontractors to ensure socio-economic requirements in the procurement process. A separate socio-economic plan will be required for Métis participation in relation to each of the three construction spreads in Manitoba. In addition to providing subcontracting opportunities for Métis-controlled businesses, contractors are asked to identify potential project management roles for Métis personnel.
Enbridge’s Multibillion-dollar project saw 218 Métis men and women trained through the Met secure high performance quality jobs on the largest project in the company’s history. The project strongly needs the support from Métis labor force to decommission its old pipeline still underground to secure the contract MMF N4 construction signed a joint venture with Alberta-based steel River Group. The team of mainly indigenous employees of which more than 70% were Métis would be charged with emptying the old pipeline, wiping it clean on the inside and out, disconnecting the pipeline from the main line to prevent any more oil from entering, permanently closing all valves cutting and sealing the pipeline and filling the lines under rail crossings. All of these were to be done while focused on the common goal of quality workmanship, culture awareness, environmental protection, and personal safety.
Bipole III is a new high voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission project to improve overall Manitoba Hydro system reliability and dependability. This project includes the deployment of resources necessary to successfully execute transmission line right-of-way clearing along the N4 section.
Métis N4 Construction undertook the Transmission Line Right-of-Way Clearing Project (N4 Section) of 200 km, over 1300 ha clearing project. Métis N4 also project manages the Transmission Line Right-of-Way Clearing Project (C1 Section).
Métis N4 Construction Inc. and Interlake Powerline Contractors Ltd (Forbes Bros. Ltd.) Joint Venture manages Bipole III (C1 Section) anchor and foundation installation project. Both JV partners agreed that this project would make more contributions to the Indigenous population in this province, provide more jobs and promote the provincial economy.