Trans Mountain Corp. is once again under the spotlight, facing $292,000 in regulatory fines due to environmental violations that took place along its British Columbia pipeline expansion route earlier in 2024. The fines were announced by the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) following a detailed inspection after a severe rainstorm hit the Fraser Valley in January.
What Happened?
The heavy rainfall—nearly 100 mm in just a few days—caused flooding and erosion along certain sections of the Trans Mountain pipeline. Inspectors found multiple deficiencies in erosion control, wildlife fencing, and watercourse management, all of which are key components for environmental safety.
Details from the CER Report
According to the CER’s official documents (posted on October 3, 2024), the inspection revealed:
- Broken wildlife fencing
- A small landslide near the Sumas River in Abbotsford
- Inactive pumps that were supposed to prevent sediment-heavy water from entering nearby streams
- Poor maintenance of erosion controls around habitats for an endangered snail species
These issues highlighted a lack of immediate response during the storm, with inspectors noting “questionable response times.”
Regulator’s Orders
Following the inspection, the CER issued an order demanding Trans Mountain to take immediate action:
“Respond with all available resources to address environmental deficiencies and non-compliances.”
Additionally, the company was told to investigate the root cause behind the loss of a watercourse crossing in Chilliwack, including reasons for delays in implementing contingency measures.
Breakdown of the Penalties
The total $292,000 fine was split into four separate penalties ranging between $64,000 and $88,000 each.
These fines correspond to violations that occurred between January 28 and January 31, 2024.
📘 Note: Under federal law, each day an issue remains unresolved is treated as a separate offence, carrying a maximum penalty of $100,000 per day.
Trans Mountain’s Response
A spokesperson from Trans Mountain Corp. acknowledged the fines, stating:
“We take our regulatory requirements, including our commitment to environmental protection, seriously.”
The company confirmed it had already begun reviewing the CER’s decision and completed all required corrective actions by April 2024.
Compliance Closure
The CER verified that the company met all required corrective steps, officially closing the case later in April 2024. This was confirmed in a follow-up compliance report, indicating the company had taken measures to prevent future incidents.
Background: The Trans Mountain Project
Originally proposed by Kinder Morgan in 2012, the pipeline was later purchased by the Canadian government in 2018 for $4.5 billion. However, due to multiple delays and environmental challenges, the total cost skyrocketed to $34 billion before completion.
The pipeline expansion officially began pumping oil to B.C.’s coast in May 2024, marking one of the most expensive infrastructure projects in Canadian history.
Previous Safety Incidents
This isn’t the first time Trans Mountain has faced penalties. In 2022, the company was fined $164,000 after a fatal workplace incident near Edmonton. These recurring fines raise concerns about the company’s long-term environmental and safety compliance.
What This Means for the Future
While Trans Mountain has closed this chapter, the case emphasizes the growing importance of environmental accountability. As climate change intensifies and extreme weather events become frequent, companies must invest more in resilient safety systems to prevent future damage.
Canada’s regulators, meanwhile, continue to push for tougher enforcement to ensure corporations act responsibly toward the environment.