WESTLOCK – The $8 million replacement of 21 kilometres of natural gas lines within the Town of Westlock that had been expected be done by the end of September, is now scheduled to be finished by early next month.
Apex Utilities Inc. president Graeme Feltham said Oct. 14 the projects in Westlock and the Town of Morinville, tabbed at $4 million, faced supply chain and weather challenges this summer — crews are currently in the Hamlet of Pickardville with an expected completion date there for the end of October. Although Apex Utilities owns the lines, the actual work is being done by Robert B. Somerville Co. Limited.
“It was rainy in June and July and it really slowed us down in both towns. We have some specialty equipment to stop the flow of gas, they’re called stoppers and there was a problem getting enough of those, so the supply-chain problems that are happening all over the world impacted us, too,” said Feltham, noting the new lines will last for another 60 years. “But the projects are tracking on budget.”
In addition, Apex Utilities regulatory communications and research supervisor Chantal Row, noted some minor modifications to the scope of the work being done also contributed to the delay.
“With underground pipeline projects, minor changes are expected since issues can only be identified once the pipe is exposed,” she said, noting the number of onsite workers in Westlock during the project ranged from 35 to 50.
In a press release this spring, Apex Utilities Inc. noted the project was to “ensure the ongoing and safe operation of its natural gas pipeline system.”
Between Westlock and Morinville, more than 33 kilometres of aging pipeline is being replaced that was installed more than 60 years ago, including 21 kilometres in Westlock alone.
Apex Utilities Inc. is a provincially-regulated natural gas distribution utility that delivers gas to over 82,000 residential, rural, commercial, and industrial customers in more than 90 communities across Alberta.
