The team associated with the Pipeline Saint-Laurent construction project identified the optimal route, following a lengthy consultation and approval process involving government authorities as well as representatives of the population. The chosen route has the least impact on the population and the environment, and best meets all safety requirements.
The pipeline route runs about 45% through wooded areas and 50% through agricultural land, and basically follows Hydro-Québec high-tension lines between Lévis and Boucherville. The pipeline runs through 32 municipalities, as well as 8 regional county municipalities (RCMs).
Capacity: 100,000 bpd
Outside diameter: 406.4 mm (16 in.)
Minimum wall thickness: 6.26 mm (1/4 in)
Maximum operating pressure: 9,930 kPa (1,440 lb/in2)
Above-ground structures:
- 2 pumping stations
- 27 block valves
- 4 pigging stations
Permanent right-of-way size: 18 m (60 ft.) in wooded areas, and 23 m (75 ft.) in agricultural area
Burial depth: 1.2 m in wooded areas, and 1.6 m in agricultural areas, which exceeds industry standards.
Pumping stations ensure the product flows through the pipeline at an appropriate rate and pressure, and 27 block valves are distributed along the entire length of the pipeline, especially near major waterways. Each section can be isolated using electronic equipment to open and close valves remotely.