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Resource development opportunitiesrich for First Nations communities
B.C.’s natural gas sector experiencinga time of unprecedented investment,growth, and job creation
Liquified natural gas to provide employment opportunities for British Columbians
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Crea�ng Value in an Unconven�onal World
Annual Unconventional Resources Conference
October 9-11, 2013 | Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
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Crea�ng Value in an Unconven�onal World
Annual Unconventional Resources Conference
October 9-11, 2013 | Calgary TELUS Convention Centre
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 20136
B.C. Oil & Gas Report 2013is published by:DEL Communications Inc.Suite 300, 6 Roslyn RoadWinnipeg, ManitobaCanada R3L 0G5
President David Langstaff
ASSoCIAtE PubLIShER Jason Stefanik
Managing editor Shayna Wiwierski [email protected]
sales Manager Dayna oulion account rePresentatives Jennifer hebert Gladwyn Nickel Mic Paterson Anthony Romeo Colin James trakalo
Production services provided by S.G. bennett Marketing Services www.sgbennett.com
art director Kathy Cable
layout & design Dana Jensen
advertising art Caitlyn haier Joel Gunter
cover photo provided by nexen.
© 2013 DEL Communications Inc.all rights reserved. contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein and the reliability of the source, the publisher in no way guarantees nor warrants the infor ma tion and is not responsible for errors, omissions or statements made by advertisers. opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees.
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Contents
DELCommunications Inc.
bRItISh CoLuMbIA
Oil & Gas Report 2013
8 Message from the B.C. Premier, the Honourable Christy Clark
10 Message from the Minister of Natural Gas Development, Rich Coleman
12 Message from the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, John Rustad
14 B.C. key to market access for oil and natural gas: CAPP
18 LNG – Potential for dynamic impact on B.C. economic growth
20 A potential game changer: Nexen pursues a top-tier shale gas play in Northeastern B.C.
22 A northern gateway partnership: Enbridge
24 Apache/Chevron Kitimat upstream: Direct link to Horn River and Liard Basin
26 BC Jobs Plan building the foundation for prosperity
28 Horn River Basin strategically aligned for LNG: A Q&A with Dave Rushford, chair of the HRBPG
32 Human resources for B.C.’s resource economy
36 ‘Wanted’ - Businesses to serve emerging communities of Prince Rupert and Port Edward, B.C.
38 Are the capital risks too high to invest in B.C.’s LNG industry?
40 The energy pathway: KTIDS Northwest
42 A decade of safety improvement on the rigs
44 Encana receives top honours for responsible Canadian energy development
46 BC Oil and Gas Commission launches innovative water tool
48 Serving the profession and the professional: the Society of Petroleum Engineers
50 British Columbians want answers from pipeline industry
52 STEP Energy Services’ acquisition of Kamber Nitrogen Services expands benefits to operators in the Fort St. John region
54 The unconventional renaissance: CSUR
56 The voice of the service sector in B.C.: Energy Services BC
58 Changes to Enform’s COR program creates efficiency for energy industry employers
60 Have you considered an alternative safety approach?
62 Fort St. John set to host the 2013 BC Energy Conference
64 Regional development in the Northern Rockies: Laying the groundwork for success
66 In the hub with Mayor Lori Ackerman of Fort St. John
68 Emerging energy sector to enhance growth of Prince George economy
70 Make your move to Tumbler Ridge
72 Education program builds energy awareness among students and teachers: Society of Petroleum Engineers
74 Product enhancements in OGLs lead to increased protection for hoist gears
76 Supporting LNG development: NOV Wilson Business Development Group
78 New “TILT” desanders deliver improved efficiency
80 Gas Field Innovators brings life to tired oil and gas wells
82 GPEC – supplying today’s environment for tomorrow
84 Prince George company expanding into the Peace area: The Alliance Group of Companies
86 Performance under pressure: Caliber Oilfield and Production Services Inc.
88 A dream becoming a reality: Swift Specialty Services Ltd.
90 Like their structures, family-owned Calhoun Super Structure continues to grow and expand
92 Western Canada’s oil + gas communications experts: TOG Systems
94 Modular construction a key solution in overcoming project issues
96 TerraPro: tradition and innovation
98 Worksite solutions crafted from houseboat beginnings: TA Structures
100 Under pressure, under control: Peregrine Pressure Testing Ltd.
101 A team that works: Edge Electric & Controls
102 The calling: Alpha Safety Ltd.
104 Spray-applied polyurethane liners replace traditional lining systems in Northern B.C.
106 The right fire truck for the job: Smokey Series Fire Trucks
108 Giving back to the community: Rosenau Transport Ltd.
110 Never lost – save time and funds with the right navigation system
112 Making the earth move for over 50 years
114 One call does it all: Radar Road Transport Ltd.
116 Breathe Right
121 Relax with unparalleled service at Northern B.C.’s Wonowon Lodge
122 Index to advertisers
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Lasting Impressions
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Impressive Opportunities• Residential & commercial development needed for growing population.• Demand for multi-family and age-friendly housing.• Land available for estate lots.Economic Drivers• 2 operating mines under expansion, 2 others undergoing project
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72 pipeline projects, and 5 geophysical programs.
Emerging industries• Burgeoning wind power industry under development.• Tourism operators wanted to provide outdoor experiences in the
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 20138
Message froM the B.C. PreMierthe Honourable christy clark
For years, british Columbia has
been a premier location for oil
and gas development. Some of
the world’s most promising resource ar-
eas are found here. Looking forward, the
coming boom in liquefied natural gas –
or LNG – demand is on the verge of cre-
ating unprecedented opportunities.
the advantages we provide are clear:
geographical proximity to Asia; a sup-
portive regulatory and fiscal framework;
a long history of safe and responsible
development; and positive business
partnerships with First Nations and local
communities.
Simply put, b.C. is the place for indus-
try to invest and conduct business. over
the last year, large industry players with
global LNG experience have come for-
ward and announced their intentions to
build an export facility in our province.
b.C.’s momentum has attracted inter-
national attention, including the first in-
ternational LNG Conference in Canada
this past February. over 500 people at-
tended the two-day event – appropriately
called “Fuelling the Future” – to discuss
b.C.’s LNG prospects. First Nations lead-
ers, representatives from 25 b.C. commu-
nities, federal and provincial government
officials, academics, and 192 companies
from eight countries participated.
LNG is a unique, historical opportuni-
ty for british Columbia – a lasting legacy
that will create jobs, revenues and pros-
perity. It is expected to create on average
39,000 jobs during a nine-year construc-
tion period, and once operations begin,
there will be as many as 75,000 full-time
jobs in regions and sectors across the
province. Additionally, the growth and
development expected is poised to trig-
ger approximately $1 trillion in cumula-
tive GDP within british Columbia over
the next 30 years.
that’s why we’re taking action now to
make sure british Columbians see the
benefits made possible by this once-in-a-
lifetime opportunity. besides being able
to make further investments in areas like
education and healthcare, we will create
a bC Prosperity Fund, enshrine it in law,
and dedicate revenues to eliminating the
provincial debt.
those are the stakes, and we can’t af-
ford to waste time on needless delays.
None of this would even be possible
without a vibrant oil and gas sector and
the dedication of industry, First Nations,
local communities, and government
agencies.
Please visit our website at www.gov.
bc.ca to learn more about government’s
commitment to grow and diversify b.C.’s
oil and gas sector. S
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201310
Message froM Minister of natural gas develoPMentrich coleman
Infrastructure capital, job creation
and economic growth – these are
the benefits of a vibrant natural gas
and oil sector.
For years, british Columbia has been a
premier location for natural gas and oil
development. Some of the world’s most
promising resource areas are found here.
Modernized technology pioneered in
our province has reshaped exploration
practices around the world. Most recent-
ly, the province has become the setting
of a bold new energy future where lique-
fied natural gas – or LNG – will create
unprecedented opportunities for british
Columbians.
b.C.’s potential in this global industry
was expedited with the release of our
natural gas strategy in 2012. the goal is
to diversify the sector, increase our com-
petitiveness, and attract investment. We
need to facilitate growth as quickly as
possible to secure b.C.’s position as a lo-
cation of choice for tomorrow’s natural
gas export industry.
the advantages we provide to this
global industry are clear: a geographical
proximity to Asia; a supportive regula-
tory and fiscal framework; a long history
of safe and responsible natural resource
development; a stable geo-political ju-
risdiction; and positive business partner-
ships with First Nations and local com-
munities.
Simply put, b.C. is the place for pro-
ponents to invest and conduct business;
where new infrastructure and economic
opportunities are supported.
the world is taking notice. one year
after releasing our strategy and plans
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 11
for LNG, b.C. is positioned as a future
supplier of clean natural gas for Asia
and new markets.
Large industry players with global
LNG experience have come forward and
announced their intentions to build
an export facility. the momentum has
been so significant that it led to the
first international LNG conference in
Canada this past February. over 500
people attended the two-day Fuelling
the Future event to discuss b.C.’s LNG
prospects. First Nations leaders, repre-
sentatives from 25 b.C. communities,
federal and provincial government of-
ficials, academics, and 192 companies
spanning eight countries participated.
LNG is a unique, historical oppor-
tunity for british Columbia – a lasting
legacy that will create jobs, revenues
and new prosperity. Recently, I was ap-
pointed the Minister responsible for
the new Ministry of Natural Gas De-
velopment by british Columbia’s Pre-
mier, Christy Clark. the creation of this
ministry, as well as a dedicated Cabinet
Working Group on Liquefied Natu-
ral Gas, demonstrates how sincere our
commitment is, and how real the op-
portunity has become.
We owe this opportunity to a vibrant
oil and gas sector, and to the dedication
of industry, First Nations, local commu-
nities, and government agencies that are
making it possible. the benefits are sub-
stantial. the opportunities of tomorrow
are taking shape today.
Please visit our new ministry website
at http://www.gov.bc.ca/mngd/ to learn
more about the government’s commit-
ment to grow and diversify b.C.’s natural
gas and oil sector. S
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201312
Partnerships are at the heart of
b.C.’s relationships with First
Nations. With some 200 First
Nations calling b.C. home, the pro-
vincial government has made build-
ing relationships with First Nations
communities a priority. underscoring
these commitments is the knowledge
that government must work in partner-
ship with aboriginal people to identify
shared goals and outcomes.
the way forward to close the socio-
economic gap between First Nations and
other british Columbians is to ensure
that First Nations are in the best possible
position to take advantage of resource
development opportunities in their
communities. opportunities in major
new natural gas pipelines and develop-
ment of a liquefied natural gas (LNG)
export industry for british Columbia can
create the jobs, income and other eco-
nomic benefits for First Nations that can
help build a robust economy.
Aboriginal people can play an im-
portant role in development of a LNG
industry. First Nations are working with
the b.C. government and industry on
LNG plants proposed for in Kitimat
and Prince Rupert areas, as well as on
new major natural gas pipelines from
northern british Columbia that will
provide the gas feedstock for liquefac-
tion.
b.C. is also working with treaty 8
First Nations to ensure that they benefit
from natural gas extraction and other
developments in their territory.
Message froM Minister of aBoriginal relationsand reConCiliationJohn rustad
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 13
In February, the provincial government
announced $32 million for the First Na-
tions Limited Partnership to facilitate a
non-equity investment in the Pacific trail
Pipelines Project which will connect to
Kitimat LNG. the partnership is com-
prised of 15 First Nations along the route
of the pipeline and will generate signifi-
cant revenues for each of the First Nations.
As well, my ministry has signed several
agreements with the haisla Nation and
with the Federal Government that will al-
low for provincial regulation of an LNG
plant on reserve land. Additionally, the
haisla are part of the ownership group, bC
LNG, which proposes to develop a float-
ing LNG export project in Douglas Chan-
nel. having these types of agreements
in place provides increased certainty on
the land and, thus, increases confidence
among business investors as well.
the work to date done by the Pacific
trail Pipelines Aboriginal Skills Em-
ployment Partnership (PtP ASEP) is an
example of where First Nations, govern-
ment, and industry can come together
to address the training needs of aborigi-
nal communities in combination with
the workforce requirements of industry.
by working closely with First Nations
and industry, we are creating jobs and
long-term economic development for
many communities.
Government is encouraging the LNG
sector to work with First Nations as it
develops and plans their projects, to
include First Nations in environmental
work required to support those projects
through regulatory processes, and to
also consider business and commercial
arrangements with First Nations. Make
no mistake, engaging early and often
with First Nations makes good business
sense. It saves companies money and
creates increased predictability and cer-
tainty for everyone.
by exporting natural gas to Asia, b.C.
has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
and we want to make sure First Nations
have the opportunity to participate in,
and benefit from, the economic bene-
fits this new industry will bring to all
of british Columbia. I am committed
to continuing the dialogue between
our government, First Nations, and the
business community to ensure indus-
try understands its obligations and re-
sponsibilities to First Nations.
It’s critical that we secure the ben-
efits that will arise from the develop-
ment of the liquefied natural gas sec-
tor. My role as minister will be to en-
sure First Nations are participating and
benefitting. S
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Calgary Edmonton
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Pointing you in the right direction
Celebrating 40 Years • 1973 – 2013canam.com
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201314
As Canada’s window to the Pa-
cific, british Columbia’s role in
expanding and diversifying mar-
kets for Canada’s oil and natural gas re-
sources cannot be overstated.
Responsibly producing and trading
our abundant natural resources creates
jobs, generates taxes and royalties, con-
tributes to stronger, more prosperous
communities, and benefits the country
economically as a whole.
At present, the united States is Cana-
da’s only customer for oil and natural
gas exports. Natural gas exports to the
u.S. declined 16 per cent over the past
five years and are projected to drop fur-
ther as abundant and affordable supply
makes the u.S. increasingly self-suffi-
cient. Likewise, u.S. demand for oil is
flat, a trend expected to continue in the
medium term, while Canadian produc-
tion is poised to double over the next two
decades.
In Asia, meanwhile, demand for oil
and natural gas is growing at a rapid pace.
the International Energy Agency esti-
mates world energy demand will increase
35 per cent by 2035, driven in large part
by expanding economies such as China
and India. From a supply perspective,
Canada’s oil and natural gas assets repre-
sent a significant wealth opportunity for
all Canadians, provided we remain com-
petitive and develop the infrastructure
necessary to connect to these markets.
british Columbia’s proximity to Asia
and its tidewater access make it key to
supplying Asian markets.
Planning and regulatory work con-
tinues on proposed b.C.-based pipeline
projects, such as Enbridge’s Northern
Gateway, Kinder Morgan’s expansion and
many proposals to liquefy natural gas
and ship it to world markets.
We recognize the public’s concerns
related to crude oil pipelines and ma-
rine transportation proposals in b.C. are
genuine and substantial. We believe these
concerns can be resolved to the public’s
satisfaction through continued respon-
sible resource development, implemen-
tation of world-class operating practices
and leading spill prevention and re-
sponse capabilities.
Canadians expect the oil and natural
gas industry and governments to ensure
environmental risks are mitigated while
realizing the jobs and economic growth.
We agree and are committed to doing
so, contributing to the high standards
of living we have come to expect and
enjoy due to our abundance of natural
resources, and the planning, investment
and innovation of previous generations
of Canadians.
For example, oil sands development
is expected to generate $117 billion in
economic activity in Canadian provinces
outside of Alberta over the next 25 years.
About $28 billion will be generated in
b.C. alone, according to the Canadian
Energy Research Institute. transportation
infrastructure, including pipelines, is crit-
ical to ensure these benefits are realized.
In addition to the work underway on
oil projects, diversifying natural gas mar-
kets through exports of liquefied natural
gas (LNG) is critically important to the
Canadian natural gas industry.
Abundant supplies have seen North
American natural gas prices drop to the
By geoff Morrison, manager of B.c. operations, canadian association of Petroleum Producers
B.C. key to Market aCCessfor oil and natural gas
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201316
lowest level in a decade. Due to trans-
portation costs and competing u.S. sup-
plies, western Canadian natural gas is
now less competitive in its traditional
u.S. and eastern Canadian markets.
to adapt to this new market reality,
ensure an outlet for production growth
and capture a share of the growing glob-
al LNG markets, the natural gas industry
is focused on building LNG terminals
on the West Coast and exporting the
product to Asia, where demand is grow-
ing and prices are currently much higher
than in North America.
Australia and the united States are
only two of Canada’s international com-
petitors for offshore natural gas markets.
And both are ahead of Canada in terms
of established LNG infrastructure devel-
opment and commercial relationships
with consuming nations.
Canada can be a competitive supplier
to offshore natural gas markets. to do so,
however, we must have a collective sense
of urgency and shared commitment to
compete in these global markets.
b.C.’s royalty regime, which governs
the producing part of the natural gas in-
dustry, is competitive with other jurisdic-
tions and generates significant resource
revenue for the province. that same type
of competitiveness must extend to the
fiscal framework LNG exporters need to
attract the substantial investment capital
that will be required to open new mar-
kets for a resource that otherwise may
be stranded in the oversupplied North
American market.
If LNG projects do not move forward,
reduced market access will ultimately re-
sult in reduced investment activity and
jeopardize the economic benefits of nat-
ural gas development.
A calculation based on a 2012 report
by the Canadian Energy Research Insti-
tute shows the proposed LNG facilities
on the West Coast could generate about
$150 billion in taxes and $500 billion in
GDP growth across Canada over the next
25 years.
In summary, Canada’s oil and natural
gas industry is positioned to continue to
create significant value for all Canadians
as global energy demand increases. to
achieve these benefits, however, we must
remain competitive, we must maintain
the confidence of the public that we are
acting responsibly, and we must align
within Canada to compete effectively on
the global stage.
It’s an opportunity for today’s genera-
tion to act as those before us and to seize
the opportunity to not only sustain, but
but also improve the quality of life for
all Canadians. S
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201318
It is no exaggeration to declare that
the economic future of the province
of british Columbia may be more
dependent on developments within the
world of natural gas than any other sin-
gle factor.
british Columbia has already identi-
fied enormous reserves of the colourless,
odourless gas; several billion dollars are
currently being expended in developing
and expanding those reserves, and tens of
thousands of workers are presently em-
ployed within the industry.
however, a new and dynamic side to
the natural gas equation has recently en-
tered the picture in a big way, namely the
conversion of natural gas from its nor-
mal gaseous state into liquefied natural
gas (LNG) for trans-shipment to distant
markets, particularly those in Asia where
energy requirements are huge, while al-
ternative means of supply are inadequate
at best and nearing crisis levels at worst.
this conversion is necessary, as there
is simply no viable method of shipping
huge quantities of natural gas other than
in a liquefied state. In order to accomplish
the conversion into LNG, plants known
as “LNG trains” must be constructed. the
process involves purification of the gas
and then cooling to a temperature of -161
degrees Celsius. LNG is then loaded on
special vessels for shipment and, upon
arrival at the final destination, the LNG is
regasified. throughout the process, safety
is a vital concern as natural gas in all its
forms is exceedingly flammable.
one of the most important economic
factors is the dynamic difference between
pricing of natural gas in North America
versus Asia. In Canada and the u.S.A.,
where supplies are abundant and grow-
ing dynamically, commodity pricing for
natural gas hovers near $4 per million
british thermal units (btus), but in
lng – Potential for dynaMiC iMPaCt on B.C. eConoMiC growthBy leonard Melman
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 19
Asia, where domestic supplies are mini-
mal and demand is excessive, the price
hovers near quadruple that amount.
therefore, this price differential suggests
an opportunity to make enormous prof-
its – including substantial tax revenues
for governments – by building a pipeline
from b.C. natural gas fields to Prince Ru-
pert and establishing LNG conversion fa-
cilities and advanced harbour capabilities
in that community.
Speculation is abundant regarding the
continuation of this vast pricing differen-
tial. on the one hand, Asian demand for
energy continues to grow rapidly and it
appears alternatives to natural gas such as
nuclear power, conventional petroleum
fuels, and even renewable energy sources
all encounter serious environmental or
supply problems. however, on the supply
side, numerous new LNG terminals are
being proposed in several nations which
could mitigate the supply/demand bal-
ance in favour of adequate or even excess
supply down the road, thereby reducing
price pressures.
thanks to its location directly on the
Pacific Coast and its relative proximity
to b.C.’s natural gas fields, Prince Rupert
has indeed become the focus of atten-
tion when it comes to british Columbia’s
LNG development. two companies have
already received regulatory approval to
proceed with LNG plans and several oth-
er applications appear to be in the works.
In 2011, Kitimat LNG was granted a li-
cence to export LNG from b.C., with Asia
as the primary commercial target. In grant-
ing the licence, Canada`s National Energy
board noted, “...the board recognizes that
forecast demand growth for LNG in the
Asia pacific region provides a new oppor-
tunity for Canadian producers to diversify
their export markets...”
Next, LNG Canada, a venture between
Shell Canada Ltd. and three Asian part-
ners, submitted a plan for environmental
review to build both a LNG terminal at
Kitimat and a natural gas pipeline from
northeastern b.C. to the terminal facili-
ties. In the proposal, the company noted,
“Project construction is expected to start in
2015...with construction of the first phase
to be completed in 2019/20. the life of the
project is expected to be at least 25 years.”
the stakes for b.C. could be staggering.
Premier Christy Clark recently declared
that should LNG expansion take place
as projected, the province could be able
to create a “prosperity fund” of sufficient
size to entirely eliminate both the prov-
ince’s governmental debt and its provin-
cial sales tax as well. both commercial
activities and job creation associated with
both construction and operations could
be enormous as well.
With stakes that vast placed upon the
LNG table, developments within the in-
dustry bear the closest attention. S
TERRACE/KITIMAT
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201320
Advancements in technology have
enabled the cost-effective recov-
ery of shale gas — a potentially
game-changing resource for the world’s
energy supply. Shale gas, which is found
in abundance throughout many conti-
nents, is an affordable, clean-burning
fuel.
For Calgary-based Nexen Inc., an
upstream oil and gas company that de-
velops energy resources in some of the
world’s most significant basins, shale gas
is one of three strategic businesses; the
others are conventional oil and gas and
oil sands. Nexen recognized the poten-
tial of shale gas early, and in 2006 be-
gan acquiring large blocks of high-qual-
ity acreage in the horn River basin of
Northeastern british Columbia — one
of the most prospective shale gas fields
in North America. In 2010, Nexen pur-
chased more land in the nearby Cordova
and Liard basins, bringing the compa-
ny’s total land position to approximately
300,000 gross acres.
third-party evaluators have estimated
that Nexen’s horn River and Cordova
lands hold between four trillion and 15
trillion cubic feet of recoverable contin-
gent resources, while its Liard lands con-
tain an estimated five to 23 trillion cubic
feet of prospective resources.
“Shale gas complements Nexen’s oil-
weighted portfolio, and we believe it can
be a significant source of growth in the
future,” says Ron bailey, Nexen’s senior
vice-president, Natural Gas (Canada)
operational Services & technology. “In
an environment of relatively low natu-
ral gas prices, shale gas must compete
for capital with other opportunities.
For now, we are prudently pursuing our
horn River drilling program, while fo-
cusing on cost-reduction, superior exe-
cution, environmental stewardship, and
research of alternate markets to maxi-
mize the value of the resource.”
Nexen continues to achieve industry-
leading results in the horn River basin,
where the company completed a nine-
well pad in 2011. In 2012, Nexen devel-
oped an 18-well pad in the horn River
basin and set a new industry record,
completing 6.3 fracs per day, beating the
previous industry record of four fracs
per day. Currently, Nexen is drilling 20
horizontal wells from a single pad in
the horn River basin. Production capac-
ity from Nexen’s Dilly Creek facility is
about 175 million cubic feet per day.
“the horn River basin is a top-tier
shale play and Nexen is at the heart of
it,” observes bailey. “We have a very large
resource base and a strong team that has
extensive experience from working in
other shale gas basins.”
the calibre of Nexen’s resource base
and operating expertise were under-
Nexen pursues a top-tiershale gas play in Northeastern B.C.
a Potential gaMe Changer
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 21
scored by the joint venture agreement
announced in 2011 to a consortium led
by INPEX Corporation of Japan. under
this agreement, INPEX and its partner,
JGC, acquired a combined 40 per cent
working interest in Nexen’s shale gas
holdings in Northeast british Columbia.
Nexen remains the operator.
Nexen believes liquefied natural gas
(LNG) exports could be an attractive op-
tion for maximizing the value of its shale
gas resource in the future. the partner-
ship with INPEX and JGC brought with
it significant LNG expertise and market
access. INPEX’s assets include large LNG
projects around the globe, and the com-
pany is currently building a regasifica-
tion terminal in Japan. Nexen, INPEX,
and JGC are jointly investigating the fea-
sibility of a potential downstream proj-
ect, including exporting LNG.
Nexen is making impressive strides
in demonstrating the cost-effectiveness
of shale gas drilling. At horn River, the
company has reduced its cost per stimu-
lated metre by about 60 per cent since
2009. but bailey says Nexen recognizes
it’s not enough to make shale gas pro-
duction cost-effective — it must also be
done safely, reliably, and with minimal
impact on the environment.
“technology has enabled the respon-
sible development of shale gas,” says
bailey, “but concerns about its impact on
the environment have been raised, espe-
cially on how production impacts water.
We’re responding to those concerns on
several fronts and we’re committed to
keeping local residents informed on our
progress.”
Nexen complies with rigorous b.C. wa-
ter protection measures. For example, to
reduce the risk of water contamination,
regulations require significant setbacks
for water sources, such as lakes, rivers,
and aquifiers. Nexen’s shale gas wells
have steel casing and cement barriers in
place to provide protective, imperme-
able barriers between gas production,
flowback water, and water sources. Nexen
also minimizes the risk of surface spills
of wastewater by injecting it deep under-
ground where it can be safely stored.
Nexen conducts comprehensive water
availability and water-quality monitor-
ing near its Dilly Creek operations and
shares that data with regulators. the
company is also advancing testing of
new technology that could enable it to
use saline water as an alternative to fresh
water in shale gas production.
“We plan to be a responsible energy
developer in Northeastern b.C. for many
years to come,” observes bailey. “We want
to make sure we get it right from the start
when it comes to safely and responsibly
unlocking this resource base.” S
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201322
It’s known as the Northern Gateway project. but, for more
than a decade and counting, Enbridge has viewed this as the
Northern Gateway partnership.
Northern Gateway is a proposed $6.5-billion energy infra-
structure project that would link Canada’s oil sands with emerg-
ing Pacific Rim energy markets. At the same time, Northern Gate-
way represents the evolution of Enbridge’s community-centred
partnership approach with the company’s aboriginal associates.
“All along, we’ve seen the aboriginal community as a funda-
mentally important partner in Northern Gateway,” says Michele
Perret, Northern Gateway’s senior manager of community and
municipal relations. “Northern Gateway is truly a nation-build-
ing exercise, but it would also be impossible to achieve without
a strong relationship built on respect, trust, and sincerity.”
throughout the project’s planning and consultation phases,
Northern Gateway’s aboriginal partners have always rated long-
term environmental considerations above the sizeable economic
benefits that the project offers. “In other words, they’re not will-
ing to sacrifice tomorrow for today where the environment is
concerned,” says Perret. “We’ve listened. And we’ve responded
with extra environmental and safety measures.”
Northern Gateway used detailed Aboriginal traditional
Knowledge (AtK) studies, directed by various aboriginal groups,
to help determine the pipeline’s design and route. Aboriginal
representatives have been invited along on strategic watercourse
assessment and reconnaissance fieldwork, and their input and
knowledge have helped in the selection of crossing locations.
Northern Gateway is committed to world-class programs in the
area of marine transportation safety and marine emergency pre-
paredness and response, with coastal First Nations involvement
in both.
to date, Northern Gateway has held more than 2,000 meetings
and 43 open houses with aboriginal groups regarding the proj-
ect, in addition to 400-plus community presentations, 36 open-
houses with the public, 16 rounds of community advisory board
meetings, and a dozen “community technical meetings” that have
provided specific information about pipeline integrity and safety.
Northern Gateway has also offered up funding to allow aboriginal
groups to participate fully in the engagement process.
throughout this ongoing dialogue, Northern Gateway acted
on community concerns, using public input to alter the pro-
posed project route some two-dozen times in various locations.
Northern Gateway also announced a $500-million package of
enhancements – in the areas of monitoring and analysis, in-line
inspection surveys, and pipeline-wall thickness – to make a safe
project even safer.
From the start, Northern Gateway’s right-of-way aboriginal
communities have been recognized as project partners. An eq-
uity ownership offer for aboriginal pipeline right-of-way com-
munities is worth an estimated $300 million. And that repre-
sents just a portion of Northern Gateway’s estimated $1-billion
total aboriginal benefits package – which also includes $100
million in employment income, $300 million in business op-
portunities, and a $100-million community investment fund, a
portion of which would be dedicated to aboriginal right-of-way
communities.
Northern Gateway’s aboriginal skills development and em-
ployment training strategy – funded by the company’s $3-mil-
lion aboriginal education and training fund – has an “employ-
ment-right-now” approach. Northern Gateway is working direct-
ly with 14 aboriginal communities, helping to develop skilled
tradespeople in heavy equipment operation, pipefitting, iron-
working, welding, and surveying. Northern Gateway is also com-
municating with local colleges in b.C. and Alberta to make sure
they’re aware of impending labour needs in the energy pipeline
and construction sectors, and looking for ways to link aboriginal
graduates to work in those fields.
Northern Gateway represents a potential world-class energy
infrastructure project, with state-of-the-art technology. but it
can’t be done alone. Enbridge promised full inclusion for its
aboriginal partners – and will continue to live up to that prom-
ise. S
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201324
Rob Spitzer is executive vice-pres-
ident of development for the
Apache/Chevron Kitimat up-
stream project. In his new role, Spitzer’s
focus involves assets in Northeast b.C.,
specifically the horn River basin and the
Liard basin. During his former position as
vice-president of exploration for Apache
Canada, Spitzer was involved in natural
gas exploration across the country and in-
ternationally. Spitzer was also chair of the
horn River basin Producers Group since
its inception, and only recently handed
over the reins for that when he accepted
his new role with Apache/Chevron.
Mr. spitzer, how many wells is apache-
chevron drilling in the liard basin, and for
what purpose, i.e. exploration or production?
Rob spitzer (Rs): Apache and Chevron
have the 50/50 partnership that was an-
nounced in late December 2012, and we
have three wells we’re drilling for sure in
2013 in the Liard – it could be up to five.
We have one tenure well in the horn, so
that’s basically the plan for 2013. beyond
that, there are wells we’ll have to drill for
tenure again in 2014. We posted licences
a few years ago and those licences need a
well to retain the land … because we like
the area, we’re drilling the wells to make
sure that we validate the land … some of
these wells will become productive, and
some are drilled solely for the purpose of
keeping the land.
are you drilling vertical or horizontal wells?
Rs: A good number of them will be ver-
ticals and they are mainly in the northern
Liard area, where there’s no infrastruc-
ture to produce them. they’re basically
vertical wells that are aimed at holding
the land, and there are 10 or possibly 11
horizontal wells over the next number of
years. they will be horizontal wells, but
they’re also drilled for tenure primarily
to learn more about drilling them and
production. they’re fulfilling a number
of different needs: tenure, technical infor-
mation, production information, and so
on.
What is the difference you see between the
Horn river formation and the liard forma-
tion?
Rs: Not terribly much, but the biggest
difference is depth and pressure. Cordova
is the shallowest of the basins, then you
get into the horn, which is deeper, and
Liard is the deepest of the three. that
presents slightly different drilling chal-
lenges for each area. ultimately, the for-
mations are relatively similar with shales
that are gas-charged. Drilling differences
are fairly dramatic because of depth, and
costs are proportional to depth. of all
the shale gas in far Northeastern b.C., the
horn River basin is where it started, so
therefore it’s the most mature in terms of
the number of wells drilled historically.
After horn, people poked around in Cor-
dova and then the Liard.
speaking as a member of the Horn river
Basin Producers group, how is the member-
ship doing today?
Rs: the bulk of the work being done
today in that area is still horn River re-
lated. there are still more wells being
drilled at horn than probably the other
two places combined, so the group still
represents the most significant activity.
the producers group is relevant in the
sense that it does a lot of planning to-
gether, and communicates and passes
along information to the community, so
at the end of the day it still has relevance
– it may not be the same level of activity
as it was in 2009, but it’s still the most
significant of the three basins.
What can you say about activity increasing
once again in the area?
Rs: When I used to chair the producers
group, we talked very openly about the
fact that prices go up and down, and as
they do, technology changes, so there’s
going to be some ups and downs. Right
now, because gas prices are relatively low
aPaChe/Chevron kitiMat uPstreaM: direCt link to horn river and liard Basina Q&a with rob spitzer, executive vPof development for apache/chevron Kitimat upstream project By Kathy smith
rob spitzer, the executive vice-president of development for the apache/chevron Kitimat upstream project. COURTESy OF APACHE CANADA LTD.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 25
and there’s no LNG heading for Asia yet,
there is a bit of a lull. but that doesn’t
mean it can’t pick up. I view it as just part
of the business cycle and the lifecycle of
the field. At the end of the day, would it
surprise me if it went up a little bit? No.
Would it surprise me if LNG contracts
were signed and companies needed gas
out of horn? No. Either one of those two
would cause a lot more activity.
How will initial gas supply to lng plants
work?
Rs: I think it’s going to be company-specific. From Apache/Chevron’s stand-point, we’re looking at horn obviously and Liard because we’ve got a large amount of acreage there and a lot of gas. We’re also looking at the grid gas, so it’s likely going to be some kind of combina-tion, and economics determines the com-bination. In other words, what is the grid gas going to sell for, relative to what you think you can produce the gas for in the horn or Liard – if you are buying from the grid (gas already in the system), you don’t necessarily know where the gas is coming from. If you are looking at LNG which is still years out, you’re looking at what the price of gas is going to be when you need it, which isn’t necessarily linked to today’s price. You make an assump-tion on what that price is going to be and compare that with what you think your costs will be to drill, complete, and tie in those wells. the jury is still out on how
those two will interplay.
in looking forward at positive investment de-
cisions for lng, what is most encouraging?
Rs: the two key ingredients for LNG are supply and demand. From a supply standpoint, b.C. is blessed with a lot of gas, including Northeast b.C., so that’s a good thing. the other part is what’s the demand for gas? there’s a big demand for it, so now it’s just a matter of filling in the blanks and that’s not a trivial exercise. It’s got to make economic sense, environ-mental sense, and so on. I’m optimistic obviously because we’re working toward
that goal, but there’s lots [of work still]
to do.
the new idca (infrastructure development
contribution agreement) passed for Fort
nelson, and the referendum passed to access
provincial monies for infrastructure. do you
see this as a positive in terms of Fort nelson
being the primary service centre for the Horn
river Basin?
Rs: Coming from a geographic stand-
point, it’s been that way historically.
It’s a great thing for the Northern Rock-
ies Regional Municipality, and how it’s
spent is up to them … what they’ve ac-
complished by attracting that money
and having the province provide it is a
good thing for the oil and gas industry
and the residents of b.C. S
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201326
british Columbia’s natural gas sec-
tor is experiencing a time of un-
precedented investment, growth
and job creation. the reason: liquefied
natural gas, also known as LNG.
the Government of british Colum-
bia’s aspirations for LNG came to the
forefront with the release of the bC Jobs
Plan in 2011, where we made a pledge to
pursue the export potential of our prov-
ince’s vast supply of natural gas.
With access to Asian markets, LNG
will strengthen the economics of b.C.’s
natural gas sector and facilitate new em-
ployment opportunities for british Co-
lumbians.
Construction of multiple LNG projects
is expected to create thousands of jobs
over the next decade – this includes field
preparation work, trade services, heavy-
equipment operators and engineering
positions, to name just a few.
once in operation, each LNG facil-
ity will have permanent positions to be
filled. they will require highly skilled
and technically qualified employees to
successfully manage and operate this
new industry for b.C.
based on the development of five proj-
ects, our analysis indicates over 75,000
long-term jobs will be created once LNG
plants are fully operational, with the
construction phase creating thousands
of additional jobs.
Employment opportunities will occur
all over the province. of the permanent
jobs created, 2,400 of them will operate
and maintain LNG plants and a stagger-
ing 61,700 positions will support the in-
dustry – the people who will be involved
in exploration, production, processing
and transportation. New jobs will be cre-
ated in other sectors, as workers and lo-
cal businesses thrive from the economic
stimulus created from LNG activities.
obviously the demands on our labour
force are increasing quickly and people
will need training to fill job openings.
our government is taking action to en-
sure british Columbians are first-in-line
for the jobs being created.
A bC Natural Gas Workforce Strategy
Committee was formed in March 2012 to
evaluate and address labour supply-and-
demand needs. In July 2013, a strategy
and action plan was released, initiating
the crucial first step to ensure training
requirements are addressed in a timely
manner.
our work is far from over. Actions are
now being taken by various parties –
government, industry and key stakehold-
ers – to implement our plan in a timely
manner so the natural gas sector can
continue to grow and british Columbi-
ans are ready for the opportunities of the
future.
With technology improving, new re-
sources still being discovered, and pro-
jections increasing, b.C. estimates that
expanded growth, including LNG ex-
ports, in the natural gas sector could be
supported for 80 years or longer. this is
why our work to prepare british Colum-
bians for the jobs ahead is so essential.
together with industry and key stake-
holders, we are championing a prosper-
ous future full of economic opportuni-
ties. We will be a leader for LNG pro-
duction and export. british Columbians
– with the skills to make it all work – will
benefit for generations to come.
to learn more about the bC Jobs Plan,
please visit http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/.
to view the bC Natural Gas Workforce
Strategy and Action Plan, visit www.
rtobc.com/Resources/Reports.htm. S
BC JoBs Plan Building the foundation for ProsPerityBy rich coleman, Minister of natural gas development
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201328
David Rushford is the new chair
of the horn River basin Pro-
ducers Group (hRbPG), suc-
ceeding Rob Spitzer in the role. Rushford
is also senior vice-president and chief
operating officer for Quicksilver Re-
sources Canada Inc. In a recent interview,
Rushford expressed a high level of confi-
dence that once investment decisions are
reached for LNG facilities, activity will in-
crease in the horn River basin.
Mr. rushford, what prompted you to
become chair of the Horn river Basin
Producers group, representing one of the
world’s most desirable shale gas plays?
Dave Rushford (DR): I’ve been in-
volved with the horn River Producers
Group for a couple of years, and Rob
Spitzer before me has been doing an
excellent job of that for a number of
years. of all the producers, Quicksilver
probably has the largest interest in horn
River relative to our overall portfolio, so
it’s very important to us. I felt that from
a Quicksilver perspective, and knowing
the area quite well, I’d be a good choice,
and I was elected as chair.
activity is down in the Horn river Basin
for now. are you confident that once
investment decisions are reached for lng
facilities, activity will increase in the area?
DR: Certainly all of the members are
encouraging that these facilities get per-
mitted and built because we absolutely
need to have another outlet for gas sales
in North America. I think I can speak for
all the producers that we’re all working
diligently to get economics to a level that
we can support activity in the horn River
basin. I think british Columbia and the
federal government have a major role
in terms of getting pipelines permitted,
LNG plants built on the coast, and a
fiscal structure that works for the horn
River. It’s economically challenged right
now, but I think that can be fixed. It’s
really hard to ignore the size of the re-
source – the horn River, Cordova, and
Liard combined – there really isn’t any-
where in the world with that level and
accumulation of gas in one place outside
of the Middle East.
While capital is very mobile and it can go
anywhere in the world, what makes the
shale gas in northeast B.c. so desirable?
DR: the first thing they’re going to
look at is the geology, and that’s what sets
Northeastern b.C.’s assets apart – it really
is blessed with world-class geology. the
second thing companies are looking for
is certainty in regulatory processes. Cana-
da has a very modern, very complex, very
thorough regulatory process. Countries
from all over the world come to study
our processes. the negative is that ours
take a considerable amount of time to go
through, and the positive is that they’re
done professionally, at arm’s length from
government, and we have the certainty
of law within the processes. the third is
the fiscal framework we work under – we
don’t know yet what the framework for
LNG is going to be, so that’s job number
one following the provincial election that
just happened. All factions of the provin-
cial government that industry has been
working with are extremely supportive
of developing LNG in b.C., and the same
can be said federally – I think everybody
understands the value proposition to the
citizens of the province for developing
the LNG business – it really can be one
of the major economic supporters for the
entire country.
though low gas prices are supposed to be
self-correcting, it all takes time. How do
you weigh in on gas prices and the surplus
of gas in the system?
DR: the amount of supply from
large shale plays, such as the Marcellus,
haynesville, barnett, horn River, and
Montney, have added a tremendous
amount of gas into the system, as well
as secondary gas coming off the u.S.
shale oil plays (associated gases pro-
duced from the oil). this has resulted in
a supply surge and not enough demand.
You’re seeing some of the gas price re-
covery now, and we’ve had an almost
100 per cent surge in gas prices since last
year, although it’s still too low for the
horn River to see a massive increase in
drilling activity – but it’s finally starting
to go in the right direction. Storage num-
bers in the u.S. and Canada are back into
a normal five-year average. our storage
last year was absolutely full – there was
horn river Basin strategiCally aligned for lngQ&a with dave rushford,chair of the Horn river Basin Producers groupBy Kathy smith
david rushford, chair of the Horn river Basin Producer’s group.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 29
nowhere to put any more gas at the end
of the injection season, so we’re finally
coming back into the normal patterns
and we’re starting to see a bit of gas price
recovery.
obtaining investment decisions can be
slow-going. in the interim, what evidence
do you see of continued support for lng
and related projects in B.c.?
DR: All the major recent studies show
great support for LNG exports. We’ve
got more gas than we can possibly use
and if you look at it from a future re-
serves perspective, we’ve had reserves in
place in North America equal to seven
or eight years’ worth of supply, which
has been typical over the last 20 years.
Now we have resources in place that are
excess of 100 years’ worth of supply. We
can drill up several times that again.
We’ve got this wonderful situation in
North America where we have this mas-
sive resource that can be developed, so
we just need to develop markets for it.
While awaiting approvals for projects like
building pipelines across mountains and
constructing lng plants, how is the me-
ticulous regulatory and permitting work
going?
DR: When you look at the process
the world over on large investments,
there’s a number of steps you have to go
through, like financing, regulatory per-
mitting, public consultation, and once
you get through all those, you’ve got a
higher level of confidence that the proj-
ect is economically viable, and will get
regulatory approvals. then the boards
of companies will review that for their
final investment decisions. It’s contin-
gent on the economics of the projects,
government fiscal policy, and carbon
tax – there are a number of things.
Assuming we have successful negotia-
tions, and the projects have final in-
vestment decisions in a few years’ time,
you’ll start to see a ramp up of drilling.
there’s not enough gas developed in
Western Canada right now to fill all of
these LNG facilities, so it will spur an
amazing amount of drilling in all of the
basins, including the horn River.
so you can say with confidence that the
members of the HrBPg will likely keep
their irons in the fire in this area?
DR: I think they’ll stay for the long
haul because when you look around
the world at shale plays, the horn River
is probably one of the best resources in
the world. Depending on which report
you read, there’s 100 to 150 tCF of re-
coverable gas there, so it will get devel-
oped with time – it’s really just a func-
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201330
tion of getting the economics together,
which really means we need to get these
LNG facilities built. Some producers
are already involved in joint ventures,
and their partners are injecting capital
into the horn River. these projects are
expected to mature over the next few
years.
What about the dreaded distance to mar-
ket and related costs we hear about?
DR: the farther away gas is from the
u.S. market, the more expensive the
pipeline transportation. the counter
to that are the types of reservoirs we
have up in british Columbia – these
are world-class gas assets – the better-
quality reservoir makes up for its loca-
tion. As we move into LNG projects,
gas from Northeastern b.C. is actually
some of the gas that’s closest to market,
so that’s one of the reasons why North-
east b.C. is such a great spot to look at
gas for LNG exports to Asia. Northeast
b.C. is going to have an advantage get-
ting to markets through any of the ex-
port points, whether it’s Kitimat, Prince
Rupert, or others.
the liard river Basin and cordova em-
bayment are also in northeast B.c. What
are the basic differences between those
and the Horn river Basin?
DR: It’s their stage of maturity. there’s
much more history with the reservoir
performance in the horn River than we
have in the other plays. As economics
improve and more drilling gets done in
the Cordova and Liard, you’ll start see-
ing activity accelerate there as well.
on april 11th, 2013, yourself and the former
chair of the HrBPg, rob spitzer, telecon-
ferenced with us when the government of
British columbia and the northern rockies
regional Municipality (nrrM) announced
a landmark agreement called idca (infra-
structure development contribution agree-
ment). it is a long-awaited fair-share type
agreement unique to needs of Fort nelson
and area that addresses infrastructure short-
falls and requirements. the municipality can
receive up to $10 million a year for 20 years
with potential for extension. and, on June 8th
the nrrM held a referendum to seek monies
for five specific projects, which passed 90 per
cent in favour. With such positive changes
for Fort nelson, are you encouraged that the
town will be the primary service centre for the
Horn river Basin?
DR: there has been a constant lack of
infrastructure and challenges meeting
the growth needs in Northeast b.C. the
producers group is extremely support-
ive of the initiatives to start adding in-
frastructure there because we absolutely
believe that the gas development is go-
ing to happen. We absolutely believe the
LNG facilities are going to get permitted
on the coast. When you’re looking a few
years down the road from now at the ac-
tivity levels we’re going to see in North-
east b.C., they’re going to grow very dra-
matically and very quickly once those
final investment decisions are made.
the announcement to start putting stra-
tegic investment into infrastructure with
steady predictable funding over the next
several years is very welcome.
While new infrastructure will help to attract
families to Fort nelson, the town and the
gas patch currently experiences the fly-in-
fly-out model. Better transportation routes to
and from the patch are required. What are
your thoughts on a centre-line road?
DR: the closest analogy would be the
Sierra-Yoyo-Desan, a public-private part-
nership. the producers group has had a
number of very good meetings with the
Ministry of transport about a central cor-
ridor road. Right now with activity levels
down, it’s tough to justify that expenditure
so you’re seeing hesitation. but looking
out two or three years, I think that road
definitely needs to be built. on the fly-in-
fly-out versus live-in issue, you’ll see a slow
transition when you get steadier activity.
there are areas of the horn River basin
that are closer to Fort Nelson where you
can have staff commuting easily to and
from. there will be an economic incen-
tive to move away from the fly-in-fly-out
model, though some areas are too remote
to safely commute. Most of the producers
want to see Fort Nelson as an industry ser-
vice hub for the Northeast. S
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201332
Long before many of the proposed LNG, pipeline, and re-
source projects get in the ground, many communities in
the North are already feeling the pressure.
With several northern cities already at three to four per cent
employment – essentially, anyone who wants a job is in one –
the current response from employers and employment agencies
in the North when asked about finding skilled tradespeople is
pretty succinct:
“there’s nobody left.”
“We’re running short.”
this is an issue concerning businesses looking to embrace the
unique opportunities offered by current and proposed resource
projects in the North. the recent buildForce report, construction
looking Forward: British columbia 2013-2021 identifies a number
of construction trades that are significantly undersupplied. Some
of these are classified as critical shortages – that is: “Needed
workers meeting employer qualifications are not available in lo-
cal or adjacent markets to meet current demand so that projects
or production may be delayed or deferred.”
these projections require a more creative hiring approach.
Employers must have a plan for their personnel before they bid
on a project, digging a little deeper to find (and develop) the
skilled workers they need.
bCCA president Manley McLachlan explains the situation as
tactical: “We must be as strategic in planning the development
of our industry’s labour resources as we are in developing our
country’s natural resources.”
Working with non-traditional labour pools is a start. Many of
the proposed projects – particularly in the Northeast – reported-
ly include requirements to work with the nearby communities,
which are largely aboriginal. these agreements, which honour
the local populations, offer the greatest benefit for the term of
construction and well beyond; ensuring those who are most af-
fected are those who most benefit.
For example, the estimate for these projects is one permanent
job for every seven or eight temporary jobs over the course of
construction. With just one major effort in the North projecting
a hire of 7,500 individuals for construction over the next several
years, that leaves a thousand permanent jobs to remain in the
nearby communities. With this in mind, developing the skills
capacity of the local population is key.
“What we’re looking at now is getting training aligned with
those needs, and at transferability of skills in the North, so that
when one project ends, others are coming on stream,” says Paul
Mitchell, provincial manager for the b.C. Construction Asso-
ciation’s Skilled trades Employment Program (StEP). “For in-
stance, we’ve taken people from large projects in the Northwest
and successfully engaged them in the Northeast. If these projects
go ahead in the next few years, that’s a five-year opportunity in
many cases. that’s an opportunity to put an entry-level person in
there and they will come out a journeyperson. And that’s cool.
that’s what gets young apprentices engaged.”
he adds, “we can come in and provide support, and partner
for training opportunities; the employer does the hire. that pro-
cess can take several months or a year; but in situations like we
have with these resource projects, it can easily align with the op-
portunity that’s going to unfold.”
In response to this, the british Columbia Construction Asso-
ciation (bCCA) and its human resource programs are working
with employers to respond to their demand – starting at home.
JobMatch, which connects unemployed individuals with jobs
in the construction sector, recently completed its pilot program
and was renewed in early 2013, following results well beyond
the original goals. StEP, on the other hand, is focused on im-
proving opportunities for the employed and underemployed to
build careers in the skilled trades through certifications, training,
and apprenticeships, and continues to build on extremely strong
results since its 2006 launch.
both programs work to assess the strengths, skills, and attri-
butes of individual workers to ensure a quality labour supply
for construction employers, and ensure an effective connection
between employer and employee.
together, the programs have connected roughly 6,000 indi-
viduals with jobs in the construction sector, to significant benefit
for each, but also with a wider reach. bruce Lund, the provincial
manager for JobMatch, summarizes the effort as follows: “What
we’re trying to do is maximize the medium and long-term ben-
efits for the local community where the site is, and for the overall
community – the broader provincial economy.”
Lund explains the current status for his staff in the North:
“We’re already placing people every day in the projects that are
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201334
live, including a number of block placements. We recently placed
20 people within a single day, and then repeated it again within
the same week. the JobMatch program is like speed dating –
we’ve received the request, identified and placed a client in 48
to 72 hours. that’s about as fast as you can hire; those kind of
transactional relationships are happening now.”
“At the same time, StEP is involved in the continuum of up-
grading, and we can talk about a lot of supports,” says Mitchell.
“You’ve hired labourers and we ask – do any of these look like
they’re ready to become apprentices? Can we help you with that?
We’re finding new people for their company, or helping to build
training programs for their team. We can help the individual to
get the certificates they need – and the employer doesn’t have
to pay for it. that’s a big issue for a lot of employers. We hear ‘I
don’t have time’, or ‘I can’t afford to train someone’ – and we can
respond to that.”
While the programs’ field representatives expand their search
and support methods only once the local labour market for the
needed workers is exhausted, other options are available.
Recruiting from beyond Canadian borders has become in-
creasingly necessary in order to find highly skilled workers with
in-demand specializations; in these cases, Foreign Skilled Work-
ers bC (FSWbC) offers international search and immigration
support for b.C. employers who have not been able to source
journeypersons and other construction professionals within
Canada who boast the sufficient experience and certifications to
complete the projects to required specifications – or to be able to
train Canadian apprentices.
“You can’t build something like the LNG projects with appren-
tices,” says Mitchell. “You’ve got to have skilled tradespeople;
once you have those you can take on more apprentices.”
Alternatively, the programs’ provincial network allows for field
representatives to connect and assist with the relocation – usu-
ally temporary – of workers in the southern parts of the province,
benefiting not only the projects, but the workers’ home area.
Lund echoes this in practical terms for those of us well outside
of Kitimat and Fort St. John. “there are a number of people in
the south parts of the province who encourage temporary reloca-
tion to the North.”
“At the end of the day they’re going to get a lot more journey-
people getting experience much faster than they can get by the
level of activity currently available in the South. And by the time
they’ve finished these projects, they’ve become journeypersons.
After these projects are done, there are so many boomers retiring
in the coming years that they can use all those freshly minted
journeymen – permanently – at home in the okanagan. there’s
this ebb and flow of mobility that’s going to happen.” S
a JobMatch participant in Fort st. John.
Kevin Mctavish (steP regional employment placement specialist) and aaron smith (steP participant, apprenticeship sheet metal worker) on site.
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201336
Prince Rupert and Port Edward
british Columbia are on the verge
of an extraordinary future as vi-
brant, diverse, and sustainable econo-
mies are connecting North America to
the world.
the Prince Rupert and Port Edward
region present a wealth of opportunity
for entrepreneurs and corporations of
all sectors and sizes. With over $20 bil-
lion in proposed developments in the
immediate area, few locations these days
offer a greater diversity of business pos-
sibilities that include everything from
manufacturing, warehousing, research,
operational maintenance, security, train-
ing and labour services, through to retail
and hospitality services. As a market that
is generally considered underserved in
many sectors, the opportunities are vast.
In fact, investment is not only welcomed
in Prince Rupert and Port Edward, but
encouraged to help meet the needs of a
growing industrial base and those resi-
dents who proudly call it home.
historically, Prince Rupert and Port
Edward relied on forestry and fishing to
sustain their economies, but it wasn’t un-
til the mid-2000s that they embarked on
a new path to become world-class trans-
portation hubs. Since the opening of the
Fairview Container terminal in 2007,
Prince Rupert and Port Edward have been
home to one of the fastest-growing ports
in North America. the Port of Prince
Rupert offers its clients many strategic
advantages, including the distinction of
being the closest North American port to
Asia by up to three days.
the success of existing terminals, fa-
vourable market conditions, and a suite
of significant competitive advantages are
all contributing factors to Prince Rupert’s
and Port Edward’s abilities to attract ad-
ditional investments in port infrastruc-
ture. these days, more than $20 billion
in private investments in port terminal
developments are being considered
within Prince Rupert harbour limits that
include expansions of the coal and con-
tainer terminals and new wood pellet
and potash export facilities. highlight-
ing that investment potential are plans
for several liquefied natural gas (LNG)
terminals. At a cost of roughly $10 bil-
lion per facility, each LNG plant repre-
sents significant opportunities for local
business development and job creation
during construction and operational
phases.
the u.K.’s bG Group intends to build
a facility on Ridley Island, which would
have an initial production capacity of 14
million tonnes of LNG per year. At full
build-out, the terminal would be capa-
ble of producing 21 million tonnes of
LNG per year. the project is called Prince
Rupert LNG and would create 3,500 jobs
during construction, 250 permanent di-
rect jobs, and another 250 spinoff jobs.
Malaysia’s Petronas, through its sub-
sidiary, Progress Energy Canada, is plan-
ning to build the Pacific Northwest LNG
export facility on nearby Lelu Island.
this proposed facility would have an ini-
tial capacity of 12 million tonnes of LNG
a year with expansion possibility for a
subsequent six million tonnes per year.
Similar to Prince Rupert LNG, the Pacific
Northwest LNG project would create up
to 3,500 new construction jobs at peak
activity, and 200 to 300 direct perma-
nent jobs once operations begin.
With over $20 billion in LNG and
other terminal developments planned
in the Prince Rupert harbour, Prince Ru-
pert and Port Edward are embarking on
one the most exciting growth periods in
recent history and now is the time to ex-
pand into the region and enjoy the many
strategic advantages the communities
have to offer, including a growing and
diverse economy, job growth, growing
population, exceptional quality of life,
and affordable commercial and residen-
tial real estate options.
If you’re interested in being part of the
excitement in Prince Rupert and Port Ed-
ward, the economic development office
wants to hear from you.
For more information, contact
Derek baker, economic development
officer for the Prince Rupert and Port
Edward Economic Development Cor-
poration, at 250-627-5138 or by email,
[email protected]. General
information can be found online at
www.predc.com. S
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201338
Ever since hydraulic fracturing tech-
nology first extracted natural gas
from tight shale rock, both the
natural gas and overall energy sectors
have been going through a major trans-
formation.
Just a little over five years ago, liq-
uid natural gas (LNG) plans were being
drafted to build LNG import terminals
in Kitimat, b.C., and in Louisiana, u.S.A.
the “fracking” revolution took natural
gas production to all-time highs, supply
in inventory swelled, prices collapsed,
and plans for LNG import terminals were
turned into export terminals to sell the
massive surplus to Asia where prices re-
mained high.
During this time, new shale gas pro-
duction allowed the united States to
surpass Russia as the biggest producer of
natural gas on the planet, and in doing
so, went from being Canada’s biggest cus-
tomer for natural gas to being its biggest
competitor. technology was exported to
markets outside of North America, and
more countries like Australia started to
open massive shale gas fields, and the
global race to exploit shale gas and tap
Asia’s $150 billion LNG market had start-
ed.
but many point out that investing in
the latest technology for LNG infrastruc-
ture to pipe shale gas from Alberta and
b.C. to Kitimat, where it can be super-
chilled and loaded onto LNG tankers,
has price risks. the capital costs of build-
ing LNG infrastructure and processing
terminals is very high, costing billions
of dollars. Increased domestic demand
could increase domestic prices, making
domestic sales more profitable than LNG
export sales. At the same time, increased
international LNG supplies and exports
to Asia could decrease natural gas prices
in Asia, again making LNG exports from
Canada less profitable.
however, the risks of investing in LNG
should also be weighed against not do-
ing anything at all. Much like Canada’s
oil market, it would be short-sighted to
not invest for the long term and in build-
ing out a secondary market for Canadian
natural gas. Not having a pipeline and
LNG export terminal on the West Coast
leaves Canada with only one customer
for its production surplus – the u.S.A.
– who simply does not need to import
natural gas from Canada. With no LNG
export capability, Canada will not be par-
ticipating in the global market of what is
developing into one of the most impor-
tant sources of global energy for the next
century due to the abundance and com-
paratively lower carbon footprint of nat-
ural gas to other carbon fuels – namely
coal and oil.
the true economical risk is the decline
of a multi-billion-dollar Canadian indus-
try that generates hundreds of millions
in revenues that the various governments
(which supports other government and
social programs), primary and ancillary
economic activity, and employs thou-
sands of people right across Canada, will
simply be lost.
though domestic natural gas prices
have recently increased, prices are still
down more then 50 per cent from the
previous decade. Drilling activity for nat-
ural gas is down over 50 per cent in 2012,
gas-weighted tSX-listed companies are
down over 40 per cent, and government
royalties are down. Investing in Canadian
LNG is needed to save this important in-
dustry.
by having LNG infrastructure and ter-
minals, new jobs are created, economic
activity grows and Canada connects into
the global LNG supply chain that is be-
ing built now and retains its leadership
role in the global energy market not just
for production but technology and in-
novation. Canada can move from being
the largest provider of natural gas to the
u.S.A., to being the largest provider of
natural gas to the world along the same
level as Qatar. Without LNG, this growth
opportunity is lost.
It takes serious in-depth analysis and
economic assessment to make the deci-
sions necessary to invest the vast amounts
of money necessary to invest the capi-
tal necessary to build the infrastructure
needed to export LNG. It requires long-
term thinking and planning and the big-
gest names in the energy industry are
betting on british Columbia. Major inter-
national companies like Chevron Corp.,
Shell, and Petronas are betting and in-
vesting in british Columbia with the lat-
est technologies because of a favourable
regulatory environment and shorter ship-
ping distance to Asia.
And its not just major companies…
countries are also choosing b.C. Japan
recently announced their interest in mov-
ing a Canadian LNG project forward with
$10 billion in loan guarantees to private
Japanese companies that make invest-
ments into providing Japan with a stable
are the CaPital risks too high toinvest in B.C.’s lng industry?By Jay roberge
not having a pipeline and lng export terminal on the West coast leaves canada with only one customer for its production surplus – the u.s.a. – who simply does not
need to import natural gas from canada.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 39
supply of natural gas. they have made
similar investments in Australia. this
international investment support also
helps reduce the risk considerations in-
vesting into Canadian LNG.
being early in exporting to Asia will
allow the negotiation and settlement of
long-term contracts (one of the benefits
of LNG) before additional competitors
enter the market. the race has already
started and british Columbia is moving
forward in the right direction. Canada
has a lead on the u.S.A. to export to Asia,
and the Douglas Channel Energy Part-
nership (DCEP) will likely be the first
LNG facility to begin exporting in 2015.
Cheniere Energy’s terminal in Louisiana
is not expected to be operational until
late 2016. Continued cooperation, glob-
ally competitive regulations, and royalty
structures must be maintained in order to
keep and build on existing momentum.
In addition to Douglas Channel, Can-
ada has three facilities approved com-
pared to only one in the u.S.A. Ameri-
can policy-makers are split over LNG
exports for fear of driving up domestic
prices. the u.S.A. and Canada are, and
should, make natural gas a larger part of
the overall domestic energy mix using it
more for power production and trans-
portation. Canada does not have nearly
the same concerns, as it has lost its largest
customer to the south, and has a surplus
of shale gas that far exceeds an increas-
ing domestic demand for the foreseeable
future. Regardless, with LNG, Canada will
no longer be beholden to just one buyer.
b.C. and Canada can compete with
the u.S.A. As Canada’s gateway to Asia,
b.C. enjoys the advantage of geographic
location with shorter shipping distances
to Asia than Louisiana, which provides a
lower overall shipping cost and shorter
times to delivery. Perhaps overlooked and
just as important, Canada enjoys a lower
political risk profile for many natural gas
buyers in Asia – especially China – that
will work to Canada’s competitive advan-
tage over the long-term.
Canada has a great history of compet-
ing and winning. thinking long term and
making wise investments into a robust
domestic LNG infrastructure will allow
Canada to compete in the global LNG
market. With no LNG infrastructure,
Canada will simply not be competing.
they won’t even be in the game. Jay roberge is an entrepreneur and merchant banker based in vancouver, focused on energy, resources and technology. He is the managing director and partner at tehama ventures inc. and has been a long-time believer in the global opportunity of shale gas dating back to the first holes drilled in north america. He is a past contributor to the b.C. oil & Gas Report magazine and also posts some of his opinions on Hornrivernews.com. S
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201340
the northwest of british Columbia is experiencing un-
precedented economic opportunities. A region that has
historically been supportive of industrial development
is on the verge of diversifying its industrial economic base and
adding to its already existing and established industries.
the proposal of several LNG plants along the coast of north-
ern b.C., the connecting pipeline infrastructure from the gas
reservoirs in Northeast b.C., and Enbridge’s Northern Gateway
project, have enormous economic implications not only for the
region, but also for the province and Western Canada as a whole.
the necessity to diversify Canada’s customer base for its
energy products and open up the growing and energy-hungry
Asian markets for future revenue and royalty streams will result
in healthier, more robust businesses and communities.
the communities in northwestern b.C., including Kitimat
and Prince Rupert as ports, and terrace as a retail and service
hub, are all open for business and have worked diligently and
hard to get ready for the investment influx into the communi-
ties. the b.C. Government has supported the labour and skills
gap issue with several studies and programs, and the action
plan is in place to assure local people will be able to participate
in the job opportunities.
today, b.C. has a provincial government committed to energy
development. their focus is to fast-track government response
so industry can set up successfully.
this commitment by provincial and regional stakeholders
must be met with community support through an authentic
commitment by proponents to inform, engage, and invest in
the energy Pathway
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the communities they wish to be active in, from initial intro-
ductions through the lifetime of a project.
the communities of Northwest b.C. recognize that the sheer
volume of jobs needed to build the infrastructure will addition-
ally require the ability for communities to be welcoming to im-
migrant workers who will come and help to construct this vital
infrastructure that will then bring long-term, sustainable jobs
for decades to come.
the initial spark investments, listed at above $60 billion in
June 2013, will deliver enough economies of scale to the supply
and service industry. this will additionally create a robust, blos-
soming, and healthy economic environment, which will more
easily cope with market changes as it will be diversified and
protected by a broader customer base.
the demands of Canada’s, and especially b.C.’s, challenging
geography, paired with world-class environmental engineer-
ing companies, will deliver state-of-the-art energy delivery so-
lutions. this knowledge and innovation derived from b.C.’s
high-environmental standard, coupled with its natural resource
economy, could one day become an export product in itself.
this knowledge gained by developing world-class processes and
standards for the extraction and delivery of energy will become
part of the legacy in developing the energy pathway.
KtIDS Northwest, a society based in terrace, b.C., is a local
group of industrial development champions that can be a re-
source for energy and supply companies seeking orientation to
the region, introductions to local contacts, or guidance regard-
ing community relations.
We look forward to being part of this exciting change and to
supporting the region, the province, and Western Canada to de-
velop community programs, legacy initiatives and a long-term,
sustainable supply chain. S
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201342
It takes just one to drive change and
leave a positive legacy in the world.
And this is true for an industry’s
safety culture: it’s an attitude, a culture,
and one person has the power to influ-
ence it.
In April, the Canadian Association of
oilwell Drilling Contractors (CAoDC)
hosted its 33rd annual Safety Award
banquets in Edmonton, Alberta. over
2,700 drillers and rig managers from
drilling rigs and service rigs were award-
ed a 2013 Safety Award. these individu-
als were nominated by their employers.
the criteria to be eligible for an award
is completing 200 consecutive days of
operations without an incident.
Drillers and rig managers are making
a difference in the industry’s safety per-
formance. they are having an impact by
reminding crew members to buckle-up
when driving to and from the rig site
and by reminding employees to check
in after they leave the job site to trav-
el home. Rig crews take time to assess
hazards before beginning a critical task.
they stop the operation when someone
notices an unsafe environment.
these individual acts have contrib-
uted to an astonishing difference in
the industry’s safety record. CAoDC
data shows that 10 years ago, incident
a deCade of safety iMProveMent on the rigsBy cindy soderstrom, manager, communications, caodc
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frequency as measured by CAoDC’s
tRIF formula, showed that 10 incidents
or more occurred every 100 operating
hours. today, tRIF has been slashed by
more than half. In fact, the rig industry
has cut that rate down to one-third of
the 2002 tRIF.
that’s not an anomaly. that’s what
industry has maintained for three years
running.
Statistics from WorkSafebC show
that incident rates on rigs operating in
b.C. are well below the combined av-
erage from all industries. WorkSafebC
measures how many time-loss claims
are made for every 100 years of employ-
ment. Data between 2007 and 2011
shows that when time-loss claims are
averaged from all b.C. industries, the
injury rate works out to be between two
and three. Data for only the drilling in-
dustry from that same time period puts
time-loss claims between 0.4 and 0.8.
Data for service rigs and other oilfield
services shows time-loss claims be-
tween 0.9 and 1.3.
Regulators have noticed this indus-
try’s commitment to jobsite safety,
especially those involved in occupa-
tional health and safety. bob Ross, for
example, used to work for Saskatch-
ewan oh&S. today he’s the managing
director of Enform Saskatchewan, but
some time before that, he earned a pay-
cheque from the rigs, working as an as-
sistant driller in the 1970s. he knows
– firsthand – what the benchmark was
for rig safety back then. today, he ap-
plauds the rigs’ commitment to an ever-
improving safety record. his comment
regarding today’s stance toward safe
work? “When this industry committed
to changing their mindset on that mat-
ter, it made the change quickly. that’s
the beauty of this industry: the speed it
likes to work at and its commitment to
improve.”
the safety culture in this indus-
try has benefits beyond the rig site. A
little-known story from 2010: a service
rig crew helped save the life of a man
in a vehicle accident. the rig crew was
travelling to a job. they witnessed the
accident: a truck with a trailer skidded
sideways across the highway and then
rolled – multiple times – into a ditch.
the driver was thrown from the vehicle.
the crew quickly mobilized, putting
into action their first-aid training and
assuming the team roles they would
adopt for an emergency drill. they not
only stabilized the injured driver; they
managed the scene, gathering data from
other witnesses and contacting emer-
gency services.
their experience in man-down drills
meant they knew how to deal with the
emergency. When asked about their
quick response, they credited the repeti-
tion of those drills for giving them the
confidence to act.
the rig industry is moving in the
right direction. Focus is still required.
WorkSafebC statistics further note that
the disabling rate of injuries is higher
for the oil and gas industry than in oth-
er industries. training standards have
been introduced through the rig tech-
nician trade and the Service Rig Com-
petency Program, and innovation and
technology have helped to engineer out
hazards.
but most of all, our improved safety
record rests on the influence of employ-
ees who demonstrate again and again a
commitment to safety.
the improved safety record has come
from the influence of crew supervisors.
this influence has made rigs safer and
companies more competitive. It has
helped this industry to be the example
of what a change in mindset can ac-
complish. S
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201344
the merits of three distinct ini-
tiatives from across Encana’s
operations, including a unique
recycling project in british Colum-
bia’s horn River basin, recently saw
the company receive the President’s
Award in the Canadian Association
of Petroleum Producers’ (CAPP) 2013
Responsible Canadian Energy Awards.
the President’s Award, announced
March 20, is presented to energy com-
panies for activities that demonstrate
exceptional environmental, health and
safety or social performance.
historically awarded on the environ-
mental, health and safety and social
performance of a single project, this
year’s President’s Award focused on the
three Encana projects described next.
“Responsible development is a key
component of our business model
throughout our operations and it’s
important that we as an industry con-
tinue to improve our performance.
these types of initiatives help support
our business, improve our relation-
ships with important stakeholders
and help continually raise the bar on
our environmental, safety and social
performance,” said Mike McAllister,
executive vice-president & president,
Canadian Division.
Horn River Recycling Program
In 2009, in an effort to reduce the
amount of material being diverted to
local landfills, Encana began a waste
reduction program in its horn River
work camps. Recyclables were col-
lected at the camps and stored in 50-
foot trailers before being transported
to Fort Nelson and donated to local
community groups. these groups were
then able to sort the material and re-
turn containers to receive the refunded
deposits.
by 2011, it had become difficult to
find groups able to sort an entire trail-
er of material. In 2012, to address this
challenge, Encana and the Northern
Rockies Social Planning Council creat-
ed a sorting facility where individuals
with barriers to employment, fundrais-
ing groups and others in need are able
to sort the containers and return them
for cash. to date, Encana has diverted
20 trailers of for-deposit contain-
ers from the landfill, providing over
$60,000 in revenue to the community.
Race Against Hunger
Encana’s longstanding support of
rural lifestyles was the premise for de-
enCana reCeives toP honours for resPonsiBle Canadian energy develoPMentrecycling program in Horn river Basinamong the three diverse projects cited
in 2009, in an effort to reduce the amount of material being diverted to local landfills, encana began a waste reduction program in its work camps in the Horn river Basin. the project was one of three recognized with the caPP President’s award received by encana on March 20, 2013.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 45
Mike Mcallister, executive vice-president & president, canadian division, accepts the caPP President’s award on behalf of encana on March 20, 2013.
veloping Race Against hunger, a part-
nership with the World Professional
Chuckwagon Association that benefits
local food banks in Encana’s operating
areas in Alberta and british Columbia.
Now in its third year, the initiative has
received overwhelming community
support, raising more than $100,000
and almost 12,000 pounds of food in
2012. In Dawson Creek alone last year,
the campaign raised $11,285 and 1,085
pounds of food for area food banks.
Responsible Products Program Developed in conjunction with
third-party toxicologists, the Responsi-
ble Products Program allows Encana to
make objective, accurate assessments
of its hydraulic fracturing fluid systems
for potential impacts to human health
or the environment using widely ac-
cepted toxicological criteria. Encana
then identifies any required opera-
tional controls to allow for responsible
use of the additives or eliminate them
from use entirely. the program has
been shared with CAPP in support of
the Fracturing Fluid Additive Risk As-
sessment and Management operating
practice. S
encana’s race against Hunger program with the World Professional chuckwagon association raised $11,285 and 1,085 pounds of food for dawson creek-area food banks in 2012. the initiative was one of three projects recognized with the caPP President’s award received by encana on March 20, 2013.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201346
the use and protection of water in the oil and gas sec-
tor has become an important topic in the province of
british Columbia. Water traditionally has a number of
uses, from dust control to machine washing, but its use for
hydraulic fracturing has increased overall use. In the last six
years, the province and jurisdictions across North America
have seen a shift from conventional to unconventional sourc-
es of natural gas, and with that, the increased utilization of
hydraulic fracturing, and thereby water, to unlock those re-
sources. Six years ago in british Columbia, about 15 per cent
of wells targeted unconventional sources, and by 2012 it rose
to over 80 per cent.
With such a shift, the bC oil and Gas Commission (commis-
sion) realized a quick and efficient regulatory response on water
use was required. Regulating this changing industry required the
commission to have critical information on hand, not only to
be confident it was making informed decisions on permits, but
also that permits could be managed in times of extreme weather,
such as the droughts of 2010 and 2012.
It was recognized that a water-resource decision-support tool
was required to aid in managing the decision-making process of
water use approvals. this tool would need to be strongly science-
based, it must be publicly available and transparent, and its de-
velopment must be collaborative, involving academics, research-
ers and government specialists.
After 20 months of extensive collaboration and hard work by
a specialized team, a highly innovative, GIS-based program was
made available on the commission’s website. the Northeast Water
tool, or NEWt, is a tool that is unique to North America and is
designed to query locations on rivers or lakes throughout North-
east b.C for information on water availability, existing use, and
environmental flows.
the commission formally engaged with hydrology and water
resource specialists from b.C. universities and elsewhere to help
guide the NEWt hydrology. Funding and support was provided
by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource operations
(FLNRo) and Geoscience bC, an industry-led, not-for-profit, ap-
plied geoscience organization.
the impact of NEWt is wide-ranging. Not only does it help in-
form commission decisions, but also addresses the critical need
for water information by industry, First Nations, communities,
government, and the public. Its availability increases transparency
surrounding the oil and gas industry’s use of water and helps to
address concerns of the public and media. Industry uses it to assist
with water planning, and with First Nations to help understand
potential impacts of water withdrawals in traditional territories.
BC oil and gas CoMMissionlaunChes innovative water toolBy Maria reschke
a northern B.c. watershed.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 47
a natural resource officer from the Bc oil and gas commission uses neWt to make a decision on a permit.
Not only is this hydrology tool well-based in science, it is easy
to use and understand and makes detailed water recourse infor-
mation available to anyone who might be interested. users are
able to access detailed maps which outline the watershed up-
stream to any particular river, creek, or lake selected. Locations
can be chosen by coordinates or simply by selecting a location
on the map. by zooming in or out, the user is able to move
quickly to another location for the next query.
Details on all water-use permits and licences on a given loca-
tion can be easily accessed simply by requesting NEWt to pro-
duce a PDF report. the report includes all active permits and
licences upstream of the query location that are authorized by
the commission and all other government agencies. this in-
cludes details such as the volumes of water that have already
been licensed or approved for use, detail on environmental
flows, and the volume of water that might be potentially avail-
able for use by industry.
NEWt has already become a model for other jurisdictions.
Alberta is now applying similar concepts to create a hydrology-
based and publicly available decision support tool and hopes
to have work completed in late 2013. the commission’s NEWt
developers believe the approach could be replicated across
North America.
the mandate of the commission is to ensure oil and gas re-
sources are developed for the benefit of all british Columbians.
In order to accomplish this, it is paramount to anticipate indus-
try trends and how they will affect the environment and public
safety. NEWt is a tool that provides the commission with the
required data needed to assess water trends and make decisions
in the interest of all british Columbians. S
screenshot of the northeast Water tool.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201348
Despite what the name implies, membership in the So-
ciety of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is not limited to
petroleum engineers. In fact, about two-thirds of SPE’s
professional members have degrees in other engineering fields
such as mechanical or chemical engineering. In addition, a sig-
nificant portion of SPE members hold non-engineering degrees
in areas including geology, physics, chemistry, and business.
SPE’s more than 110,000 members represent a diverse cross-
section of engineers, managers, consultants, geologists, and
more – all tasked with meeting the world’s growing energy
needs in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.
to assist in meeting this challenge, SPE provides the latest
technical knowledge and professional development through
such resources as conferences, workshops, and technical ex-
hibitions; training courses; periodicals and books; and local
section meetings.
With members in 141 countries, SPE is the largest individual
member organization serving managers, engineers, scientists,
and other professionals worldwide in the upstream segment of
the oil and gas industry. What makes SPE unique is that it exists
primarily for the benefit of its members, who are both owners
of the organization and its major customers.
SPE understands the importance of continuing education for
honing skills and developing new ones, as well as expanding
expertise and knowledge. the SPE Canada office in Calgary,
home to one of the organization’s three training centres, offers
an array of programs and courses that address six technical dis-
ciplines: drilling and completions; hSSE and social responsibil-
ity; management and information; production and operations;
projects, facilities, and construction; and reservoir description
and dynamics.
Courses on thermal Reservoir Stimulation for SAGD and
Forecasting Well Production Data in unconventional Re-
sources are just a two of the many training courses scheduled
for 2013. A complete list of training courses is available at
www.spe.org/training/courses.
In addition to the training courses, SPE holds conferences
and workshops each year in Canada. Calgary served as the
host city for the heavy oil Conference-Canada in June. the
Progressing Cavity Pumps Conference was also held in Cal-
gary, August 26 to 27. Attendees learned about real-life field
applications, applicability of current and future PCP technol-
ogies, well optimization using PCPs through proper automa-
tion and monitoring, and much more.
In November, SPE will host the unconventional Resources
Conference-Canada in Calgary. the conference and exhibi-
tion will showcase the latest techniques and best practices
for discovering, developing, and producing unconventional
resources in North America.
upcoming workshops include Production Forecasting in
october. For a listing of workshops and conferences as their
details are finalized, visit the SPE event calendar at www.spe.
org/events/calendar.
SPE publications, considered the leading source of in-
dustry technical applications, issues and discoveries, cover
all aspects of the upstream oil and gas industry. Among its
library of periodicals, it publishes the Journal of Canadian
Petroleum technology. this bi-monthly, peer-reviewed jour-
nal focuses on heavy oil and oil sands technology, thermal
recovery techniques, unconventional gas supplies, optimiza-
tion techniques, increasing recovery from older basins, and
other technologies designed for the production challenges of
Canada and similar producing regions. View the current issue
at www.spe.org/publications/jcpt.php.
SPE has six local sections to meet the needs of the Canadi-
an E&P industry: Calgary, Edmonton, halifax, Lloydminster,
Saskatchewan, and St. John’s. these sections link members to
technical knowledge through distinguished lecturer visits and
locally organized events, as well as networking opportunities
with industry colleagues.
For more information about SPE’s Canadian activities, visit
www.spe.org/canada. S
serving the Profession and the Professionalthe society of Petroleum engineersBy Melissa schultea, sPe senior manager, canadian activities
Gar-North Ent. is a locally owned Pipe Bending Company located in Fort St. John BC for the past 8 years. We service Oil & Gas Companies in BC and Alberta.
Box 6492, Fort St. John, BC V1J 4H9Phone: 250-785-9914 • Fax: 250-785-9766 • Cell: 250-262-9917
E-mail: [email protected]
SPE is where you are.
Providing technical information to the Canadian E&P marketSPE is a not-for-profi t professional association whose more than 110,000 members globally are engaged in oil and gas exploration and production. As a key resource for technical knowledge, SPE provides publications, events, training courses, and online resources at www.spe.org.
When you become a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, you join the brightest minds in the E&P industry, gaining access to new people, new places, and new ideas from all over Canada, and 140 other countries as well.
SPE has something for everyone working in the upstream oil and gas industry, no matter where in Canada you may be.
Join our worldwide membership today at www.spe.org/join.
WYA_FP_1749_O&GE_0413.indd 1 6/5/13 8:06 PM
It seems everywhere you look, whether
it’s coffee houses, local playgrounds
or boardroom tables, british Colum-
bians are talking about the oil and gas
sector, or more specifically, the pipeline
industry. With all the personal opinions,
misinformation and half-truths floating
around, it can be difficult to make sense of
it all. Not to mention, with the advent of
social media, in which the speed of infor-
mation is measured in nanoseconds, mis-
information quickly becomes the truth.
So, providing honest, straightforward,
factual-based answers to british Columbi-
ans from credible sources is paramount to
earning the trust of british Columbians.
the pipeline industry has been part of
Canada’s critical infrastructure for decades.
It started with the construction and opera-
tion of the first 25-kilometre cast-iron nat-
ural gas pipeline in 1853. then, the first
crude oil pipeline was completed in 1862,
and by the 1950s, with the discovery of an
abundant supply of crude oil in the west,
the transMountain Pipeline system began
transporting crude oil from Edmonton to
Vancouver. Shortly after, Westcoast Energy,
now Spectra Energy, began transporting
natural gas from northeast british Colum-
bia to the u.S. border. today, our mem-
ber companies operate approximately
115,000 kilometres of transmission pipe-
lines in Canada, including approximately
9,000 kilometres in british Columbia.
this long and proud history has result-
ed in successfully transporting 97 per cent
of Canada’s daily natural gas and onshore
crude oil from producing regions to mar-
kets throughout North America. but, like
anything else, there are risks involved. It
seems that just when we’re trying to prove
to Canadians that we’re one of the saf-
est industries, a pipeline incident occurs.
And, after a while, it’s understandable that
people become leery of what it is we’re try-
ing to say and do. the truth is, we are one
of the safest methods of transporting large
volumes of crude oil and natural gas, but
we can no longer keep telling people that
we’re safe. Instead, we need to prove it.
one of the ways we plan on doing that
is through a program called CEPA Integ-
rity First®. this program, which our mem-
ber companies have been quietly working
on for a few years now, is designed to ad-
vance the performance of the industry in
the areas of safety, environment, and so-
cio-economic issues. however, the initial
focus of the program will be on two key
areas: pipeline integrity and emergency
management.
Pipeline integrity involves practices
and processes that pipeline operators un-
dertake in order to ensure that crude oil
and natural gas is transported safely and
within the intended operating parameters.
British ColuMBians wantanswers froM PiPeline industryBy sandra Burns
Preparing the pipeline. COURTESy OF SPECTRA ENERGy.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201350
It also includes things like prevention
technology, which among other things, ex-
amines the latest advancements of in-line
inspection tools. Emergency management
is the ability for a pipeline operator to re-
spond to an emergency situation using a
comprehensive and systematic emergency
response plan.
In both these areas, CEPA will facilitate
the collective review of our member com-
panies’ integrity management programs
and emergency response plans. the inten-
tion is to define a common set of require-
ments that will be adhered to by member
companies on a consistent and ongoing
basis. In doing so, it will provide increased
transparency to the public through indus-
try-wide performance tracking and report-
ing. We know that CEPA Integrity First® is
not the answer to everything, but we think
it’s a good start in demonstrating our in-
dustry’s commitment to continuously im-
proving.
We’ve also heard from a number of
sources that british Columbians want to
know more about what happens in the
event of a pipeline spill or leak. So, anoth-
er initiative that our member companies
are undertaking is to thoroughly examine
the ability of a pipeline operator to re-
spond to an emergency situation. Emer-
gency response plans are activated as soon
as the pipeline operator discovers the in-
cident. they could involve large numbers
of employees, contractors, government
authorities, local emergency responders,
and other key stakeholders who all have
important jobs to do that will ensure the
safety of the people and the environment.
the reality is that without pipelines, we
wouldn’t be able to drive our cars, take
the bus or hop on a plane. Pipelines also
help deliver the raw materials needed for
the petrochemical industry, which then re-
fines the products and produces the plastic
materials, which are then used in consum-
er goods. As Canadians, our lifestyle dic-
tates the use of thousands of commercial
plastic products every day; items such as
garden hoses, plastic packaging, computer
keyboards, and automotive parts and ac-
cessories, to name a few. In order to pro-
duce these products, pipelines are needed.
And, with the volumes that we’re talking
about, pipelines are one of the safest and
most efficient ways to transport raw ma-
terials, such as crude oil and natural gas,
from areas of production to consumer
markets. but, the reality is that not every
Canadian is going to stop using these
products overnight. If Canadians stopped
using pipelines to get products to market,
alternative forms of transportation would
be used.
Another misunderstanding is the idea
that CEPA’s pipeline operators would put
profit before safety, which is also not true.
the majority of CEPA member compa-
nies own and operate large transmission
pipelines that carry significant volumes
of natural gas and crude oil. the member
companies would not intentionally risk
their operations or reputation in order to
save money. Safety is their number one
priority, which is why they have emergen-
cy response plans and procedures in place
to account for any emergency situations
that could arise. these plans are reviewed
and updated, as required, by the pipeline
operator and submitted to the appropriate
regulator. Pipeline operators conduct reg-
ular emergency response procedures and
inform everyone who may be associated
with an emergency response activity of the
practices and procedures to be followed.
outreach activities are also conducted to
inform nearby residents of what to do in
the case of an emergency, as well.
And finally, oftentimes, we forget that
the Canadian pipeline industry is also
strictly regulated. If a pipeline crosses a
provincial boundary, it is federally regu-
lated by the National Energy board. the
regulatory framework takes a full lifecycle
approach to pipelines, which means that
a pipeline operator is expected to follow
specific standards and procedures that re-
late to its construction, operation, and the
retirement of a pipeline.
Providing answers to tough questions
is something CEPA and its member com-
panies are more than willing to do. brit-
ish Columbians owe it to themselves and
their future generations to learn as much
as possible about the pipeline industry,
come to their own conclusions, and be
proud of an industry that has served us so
well for decades. For more information on
pipelines, please visit our website at www.
aboutpipelines.com.
sandra Burns is the manager of
communications with the canadian energy
Pipeline association. Her background
includes a wide variety of communications
experience, including media relations and
social media. throughout her career, she has
been published in various publications, as
well as online. Burns holds a bachelor of arts
in english from the university of Western
ontario and a MBa from the university of
edinburgh. S
Pipeline right-of-way. COURTESy OF ENBRIDGE.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 51
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201352
steP into northeastern B.C.steP energy services’ acquisition of Kamber nitrogen services expands benefits to operators in the Fort st. John regionBy graham chandler
It’s a classic example of what’s called
“synergy”—when two organizations
come together and produce some-
thing better than the sum of their indi-
vidual parts.
“We were looking for a strategic op-
portunity to further propel our growth in
northeastern b.C.,” says Rory thompson,
operations manager at Calgary-based
StEP Energy Services. A leading nitrogen
pumping company in Fort St. John had re-
cently expanded their services into coiled
tubing and caught the attention of StEP.
“they offered a similar value proposition
as StEP – coiled tubing services designed
for the deep horizontal well market, as
well as nitrogen pumping services, and
they were operating in the heart of the
Montney.”
StEP worked with the owners of Kam-
ber Nitrogen Services who were aligned
with StEP’s growth plans, and by mid-
September 2012 the acquisition was fi-
nalized.
Kamber was the first privately owned ni-
trogen company in northeastern b.C. and
had been operating out of Fort St. John
since July 2006. Kamber built a reputation
in the area as the premier nitrogen services
company operating five N2 pumpers and a
number of transport bulkers.
“Nitrogen pumping was a big market
for us,” says Jamie Lawson, Kamber’s ni-
trogen manager. “basically, it’s how we
entered the coiled tubing side of the well
intervention business.”
With a growing client base, Kamber
decided to expand into the coiled tubing
sector late in 2010. the company took de-
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 53
livery of its first Class III long-reach coiled tubing unit in Novem-
ber that year, followed by two reel-support trailers and a second
coiled tubing unit in 2011. “We had success in the coil business
and kept both rigs well utilized. When StEP acquired Kamber, we
were ready to expand our client base even further,” says Lawson.
“So timing worked out pretty well.”
Likewise, the timing was right for StEP. Kamber’s two coiled
units were integrated into the company, which, at the time, dou-
bled StEP’s coiled tubing fleet. the acquisition also provided the
opportunity for StEP to gain a geographic foothold in the prolific
shale plays of northeastern b.C. and Alberta.
but there are more than just two winners with this synergy. the
service centre in Fort St. John has since become the company’s
full-service hub in the region, allowing StEP and Kamber to
strengthen service, maintenance, and project support for clients in
the area. Within the next six months, “our fleet will include a total
of 12 coiled tubing spreads, six of which will operate out of Fort St.
John,” says thompson. “We anticipate the activity in the liquids-
rich natural gas and oil plays, such as Duvernay and Montney, will
continue through 2014 and we are well-positioned to help clients
with their challenging well intervention programs.”
the synergies aren’t restricted to shops and equipment. the cul-
tural fit was right as well.
“Kamber built a team of highly skilled and experienced opera-
tors,” says thompson. “their service model was aligned with our
cultural philosophy of combining the most technically advanced
oilfield services equipment with a team of experienced oilfield
professionals to provide our clients with an exceptional experi-
ence on every project.”
Lawson agrees that StEP’s focus on building a team of oilfield
professionals complemented Kamber’s growth priorities. “StEP’s
people plan and core values of safety, trust, execution, and pos-
sibilities fit well with what Kamber was doing.”
the integration of Kamber into StEP was deliberately staged
over a year period to ensure that the integrity of Kamber’s brand,
its employees, and its client relationships were maintained and
successfully transitioned to StEP.
“As of September 2013, we have wholly incorporated Kam-
ber’s people and assets under the StEP name,” says thompson.
the majority of the company’s employees remained through
the transition, which allowed StEP to learn more about doing
business in the area and the client relationships Kamber had
established prior to the acquisition.
“We are fortunate to have such a great team of technically
capable and client-focused field professionals servicing our cli-
ents in the northern areas of the Western Canadian Sedimen-
tary basin.” S
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201354
british Columbia has an integral
role in the future of the Cana-
dian oil and gas industry, which
has undergone significant changes in
the past six to seven years.
For example, relative to natural gas
alone, in 2007, 85 per cent of wells in
b.C. targeted conventional gas while
the other 15 per cent were horizontal,
hydraulically stimulated wells. Single
well pads meant increased infrastruc-
ture demands to get gas production to
market. the sour content of natural gas
was increasing dramatically, and North
America was looking for imported liq-
uefied natural gas to replace declining
output from the Western Canadian Sed-
imentary basin. today, approximately
90 per cent of b.C.’s wells are target-
ing unconventional gas. Multiple well
pads mean more predictable placing,
dry holes are rare, shales are valuable
reservoirs, and it’s imperative to find al-
ternative markets for the province’s gas
production.
the bC oil & Gas Commission, as
the industry’s regulator, utilizes con-
tinuous improvement as an important
part of their commitment to service.
this allows the commission to take ad-
vantage of newer technologies and bet-
ter position the province going forward.
our organization, the Canadian So-
ciety for unconventional Resources
(CSuR), like british Columbia, is tech-
nology-driven. the province, known for
its world-class geoscience research, has
been both an innovator in petroleum
research and a pioneer relative to hori-
zontal well drilling.
the oil and gas industry continues to
evolve and change as a result of the un-
precedented growth of unconventional
resource exploration and production.
Across Western Canada, significantly,
more horizontal wells completed with
multistage hydraulic fracturing are be-
ing drilled than conventional vertical
wells. unconventional has truly be-
come conventional. horizontal drill-
ing and hydraulic fracturing have been
integral to that transition, and to the
myriad of challenges that the industry
must address in today’s resource devel-
opment environment – social licence,
commodity prices, capital require-
ments, market access.
CSuR has recognized the fundamen-
tal changes that all aspects of the indus-
try are experiencing.
the resurgence of a strong and grow-
ing oil and gas industry in british Co-
lumbia – b.C. has four primary basins
(Montney, Liard, horn River, and Cor-
dova) and cumulative, established un-
conventional gas resources of more than
1,000 trillion cubic feet – is a reflection
of the impact technology can have.
the unConventional renaissanCeBy Kevin Heffernan
Un-con-ven-tion-al – adjective
Innovative; out of the ordinary; productive of something fresh Kevin Heffernan, President, csur
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the industry has also entered a new
era of technological and operational
transparency. Never before has our or-
ganization (CSuR) faced the number of
inquiries about resource development
and calls for engagement from the full
spectrum of stakeholders – landown-
ers, operators, communities, munici-
palities, NGos, professional organiza-
tions, governments, and regulators – as
it faced in 2012 and so far in 2013. In
the past year, we undertook a doubling
of face-to-face engagement with that
spectrum of stakeholders, including
involvement in 60 presentations, com-
munity, and multi-stakeholder meet-
ings, symposiums, and workshops. In
british Columbia and across North
America, operators are also responding
at the community level and through ac-
tions, including voluntary disclosure of
chemicals, development and publica-
tion of hydraulic fracturing operating
practices, increased community en-
gagement, and collaboration to reduce
the footprint of development. Service
companies, too, recognize the need for
transparency and visible recommitment
to a set of health, safety, environmental
(protection), and community values.
the evolution of technology is con-
tinuing from drill bits to software to
geological models and it will continue
to influence the way resources are de-
veloped, how we perceive Canada’s re-
source endowment, and how we talk to
stakeholders and communities where
the industry operates.
What plans does CSuR have to sup-
port and morph with the evolution? We
will continue to:
• Participateinspeakingengagements,
including face-to-face with commu-
nities and multi-stakeholder groups,
for the purpose of raising the under-
standing and awareness of the tech-
nologies and development processes
related to the unconventional re-
source industry in Canada, as well as
highlighting emerging resource play
opportunities.
• HostourTechnicalLuncheonSeries,
field trips and play-specific work-
shops – these are popular learning
experiences and in high demand.
CSuR’s flagship technical event is
the 15th annual Canadian uncon-
ventional Resources Conference
(CuRC), to be held in october 2013.
• Develop and update our understand-
ing booklet and fact sheet series, as
well as the video collection, all of
which are very popular destinations
on our website for a diverse group of
surfers and stakeholders, worldwide.
With a very keen group of staff and
volunteers, we’ll also renew our efforts
to tackle the communication and un-
derstanding challenges presented by
audiences seeking improved science
and engineering literacy.
• Engageindialoguewithgovernments
and regulatory agencies to ensure a
solid understanding of evolving tech-
nologies and development processes,
and that issues identified by the in-
dustry are considered.
CSuR is active across Canada, fa-
cilitating communications and under-
standing between the unconventional
oil and gas industry, provincial, federal
and municipal governments, the pub-
lic, First Nations, and the media. With
a strong focus on technology transfer
amongst professionals (engineers, ge-
ologists, etc.), CSuR’s major role is to
provide this information that enables
resource development in an environ-
mentally, socially, and economically
sensitive manner.
Kevin Heffernan is the president of the
canadian society for unconventional re-
sources. S
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201356
Energy Services bC (ESbC) is the
“voice of the service sector” in
Northeast british Columbia. We
lobby government and campaign pro-
ducers on behalf of b.C.-based contrac-
tors.
Since the successful completion of
the provincial election, the enthusiasm
has been electrifying. With the promise
of four years growth and development,
many companies are expanding, upgrad-
ing equipment, and diversifying with ea-
ger anticipation of involving themselves
with liquid natural gas projects. Several
retail and hospitality providers are ramp-
ing up to fulfill the needs of the employ-
ees of contractors poised to maintain the
increasing requirements and demands
of producers developing the gas fields
of Northeast b.C., and ESbC is buzzing
with phone calls and emails from com-
panies wanting to join our membership.
ESbC is the liaison for b.C.-based busi-
nesses. As executive director of ESbC, I
look forward to future conversations
with Rich Coleman, minister respon-
sible for Natural Gas and housing; todd
Stone, minister responsible for trans-
portation; and my monthly meetings
with MLA and newly appointed minister
responsible for Agriculture, Pat Pimm. A
relationship spanning decades with Sen-
ator Richard Neufeld and MP bob Zim-
mer is our window to conveying issues
at a federal level, and regular meetings
with mayors and regional chairpersons
address municipal and regional district-
related subjects. We persevere for the
b.C.-based contractor.
June 24th, 2013 was recognized as the
inaugural flight for WestJet in and out
of Fort St. John. WestJet is now the third
of three regional carriers (which also
includes Air Canada and Central Moun-
tain Air) serving this outstanding region
of the province. the airport manager is
quoted as saying “Energy Services bC’s
contribution to achieving our goal in
securing a third air carrier is duly noted
and very much appreciated!”
our annual energy expos are stocked
with unique equipment specific to the
climate and geographical challenges pre-
sented by the North. these expos, which
are hosted by ESbC, provide excellent
networking opportunities, connecting
producer to supplier and provide terrific
information transfer face to face.
Lori Ackerman, mayor of Fort St. John,
says, “Northern b.C. has the ability to
change the conversation in the prov-
ince. Natural gas alone can be a game-
changer. understanding the opportu-
nity for b.C. when b.C. businesses are
active in industry development cannot
be stressed enough. Energy Services bC
is the voice of our energy service sector.
As a ‘go-to’ organization, they speak to
the issues that are or can become bar-
riers to strengthening the backbone of
the Canadian economy – our small- and
medium-sized businesses.”
the next few years, if not decades,
project huge opportunities and long-
term jobs in both Northeast and North-
west b.C., and ESbC will continue to
play a major role in every step of this
journey.
For membership information, please
contact Art Jarvis at 250-263-8569, or by
email, [email protected]. S
the voiCe of the serviCe seCtor in B.C.energy services BcBy art Jarvis
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in Calgary in 2006. Synergy services clients in the oil
and gas, minerals, power, renewable energy, highways,
and telecommunications industries. The company has grown
steadily and methodically under the leadership of partners
Bill Giese, Keith Turner and James McCorquodale. In order
to better service the needs of existing and new clients,
Synergy opened offices in Fort Macleod in 2007,
Regina in 2010, St. Albert in 2011,
and Brandon and Cambridge in 2012.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201358
Enform, the safety association for Canada’s upstream
oil and gas industry, is making some changes. It has
taken on new leadership, is streamlining processes,
creating new resources, and enhancing its client services.
“We are in the process of overhauling some of our pro-
grams and systems to make them more effective,” said Cam-
eron MacGillivray, Enform’s president and CEo. “We have a
number of strategic priorities that we have set for ourselves
that include enabling a culture of safety throughout our in-
dustry – and an important aspect of that is assessing safety
performance.”
to that end, Enform, which has an office in Fort St. John,
has streamlined its Certificate of Recognition program
(CoR), which reviews and audits companies’ health and
safety management systems. CoR is a well-proven method
for energy companies to improve their health and safety
performance and reduce any risks and costs associated with
workplace incidents. over the past year, Enform has created
a more efficient application and auditing process. the new
audit protocol was released this past May and has been ap-
proved by governing bodies in british Columbia, Alberta
and Saskatchewan.
“these changes to the CoR program are intended to pro-
vide efficiencies for both companies and auditors with fewer
overall questions and a more effective targeting of interview
questions,” said MacGillivray.
the CoR program has been offered by Enform since 1985,
and to date, 1,778 Alberta employers, 554 british Columbia
employers, and 422 Saskatchewan employers are CoR-cer-
tified companies. the program provides quality assurance
and protocols that support occupational health and safety
guidelines and standards for safety procedures.
“Companies with solid health and safety management sys-
tems are able to identify and assess their workplace hazards
and then systematically control the risks to their employees
and overall operations,” said MacGillivray.
And it has paid off. organizations with a CoR generate
a solid return on their investment in health and safety with
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 59
lower Workers’ Compensation claims costs. In 2012, for in-
stance, industry employers who held a b.C. CoR or SECoR
(a similar certification program for small-sized companies)
with Enform received approximately $2.1 million in Work-
ers’ Compensation rebates through the WorkSafebC’s Part-
ners in Injury and Disability Prevention Program. other
statistics show a substantial reduction in lost-time claim
rates.
Enform is the only certifying partner in Canada to pro-
vide CoR protocols that are cross-jurisdictional, meaning
that through Enform, only one audit is required for a com-
pany operating in multiple provinces. british Columbia,
Alberta and Saskatchewan each have their own set of CoR
standards.
“We are very pleased with the response we have been get-
ting on our new streamlined process,” said MacGillivray.
“there are a number of things that go into creating a safety
culture, and this is certainly an important part of it.”
Enform supports and promotes the highest health and
safety standards in the upstream oil and gas industry, help-
ing companies to achieve their safety goals by providing
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201360
Interest in bC Safety Authority’s new
Alternative Safety Approaches (ASA)
optional program continues to
grow, especially in the oil and gas sector.
Applications have now been received
from eight companies, and an addition-
al 15 companies are in discussions with
the bC Safety Authority (bCSA).
ASA was included in changes to the
safety standards act that were approved
by the Provincial Government of brit-
ish Columbia in 2010. the program
gives owners and operators of regulated
products an alternative method to pre-
scriptive regulation to effectively man-
age safety. An ASA provides flexibility by
treating safety as an integrated whole in-
stead of simply complying with a series
of prescriptive requirements.
An initiative with Shell Canada Lim-
ited on implementing an ASA option
at all of their b.C. facilities is in the fi-
nal stages of preparation. this has been
a valuable exercise for both parties by
enhancing understanding of what is
required and ensuring that the product
is practical and streamlined, while en-
suring a level of safety equal to or bet-
ter than prescriptive regulatory require-
ments.
According to Pearse Walsh, bCSA’s
leader of business development, “An al-
ternative safety approach is an opportu-
nity for owners and operators to imple-
ment innovative safety practices, taking
into account the individual characteris-
tics of their operations to ensure a high
level of safety performance.”
there are two options available under
the ASA program:
• Safety Management Plan: Applies to
the safety of an entire facility and al-
lows for significant substitution or
equivalency to prescriptive regulations
across one or more of the following
technologies: boilers, pressure vessels,
refrigeration, electrical and gas.
• Equivalent Standard Approach: Al-
lows for limited equivalency or sub-
stitution of a regulation in one of the
technologies noted above.
“We believe that ASA options improve
a company’s safety culture, as those
tasks that are most important to safe
outcomes are emphasized,” says Walsh.
“In addition, integrating safety systems
thinking into new projects at the design
stage is a significant safety and value-
added opportunity. bCSA is planning to
work with the design and engineering
teams on the proposed new liquefied
natural gas (LNG) projects”
the bC Safety Authority is confident
that a number of companies will have new
ASA options in place by the end of 2013.
“Safety management plans give com-
panies an opportunity to take a perfor-
mance-based approach towards safety
compliance,” adds Walsh. “bCSA is using
a robust auditing practice to support their
process.”
For more information about the
Alternative Safety Approaches pro-
gram, visit the Permits section of our
website at safetyauthority.ca or email
the bC Safety Authority is an indepen-
dent, self-funded organization mandated
to oversee the safe installation and opera-
tion of technical systems and equipment.
In addition to issuing permits, licences
and certificates, we work with industry to
reduce safety risks through assessment,
enforcement, research and education.
With our mission to build confidence
in safety systems for life, through a focus
on risk and support for innovation, we
are achieving our vision of safe technical
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201362
over 16 years ago, the City of Fort St. John partnered
with the b.C. government to host the first oil & Gas
Symposium. this conference offered an opportunity
for government to recognize the local energy industry and the
significant role it has played in our communities in british Co-
lumbia. It has since been renamed the bC Energy Conference,
recognizing the multiple types of industries related to energy in
b.C., particularly in the northeast region. this annual event at-
tracts politicians, regulators, and industry leaders to share valu-
able information.
At the close of the inaugural conference held in Fort St. John, a
joint protocol agreement was signed between Fort St. John, Fort
Nelson, and Dawson Creek to allow each community an oppor-
tunity to host. this year’s conference will take place in Fort St.
John from october 1st to 3rd, 2013 at the Pomeroy hotel.
As host of the 2013 Energy Conference, the “Energy Capital of
b.C.”, as Fort St. John is known, has one big question for those
attending the conference or who are thinking about attending –
fort st. John set to host the 2013 BC energy ConferenCe
Register for the 2013 BC Energy Conference at
www.bcenergyconference.ca.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 63
Don’t miss this must-attend conference about the British Columbia energy sector.
October 1-3, 2013 www.bcenergyconference.ca
Advancing the interests of energy partners
“Are you energy literate?” this question is
a call to action to those who are involved
with, or affected in some way, by the dis-
covery, production, shipping, and deliv-
ery of energy sources.
Not content to be the same old confer-
ence, this event offers an opportunity to
bring together industry leaders, all levels
of government, and academics to discuss
the issues that really matter in the Cana-
dian energy sector, especially in North-
eastern b.C. the City of Fort St. John is
committed to being a leader in energy
literacy and hopes that other municipali-
ties and industry partners will pursue the
same goal.
Chair of the 2013 bC Energy Confer-
ence trevor bolin states, “Never before has
the Fort St. John area been poised for the
growth in the energy sector as it is right
now. Fort St. John has been a hub for en-
ergy for the past five decades, but it is the
coming decade that’s going to change ev-
erything we thought about energy.”
Whether you’re local government
or industry, bolin has this to say: “If
you only book one event to attend this
year, make sure it’s the 2013 bC Energy
Conference hosted by the City of Fort
St. John. You won’t regret it.”
the three-day conference opens
with an optional tour of a working
camp, followed by two action-packed
days covering hot topics such as the
new types of applications for lique-
fied natural gas pipelines and the need
for effective transportation options in
the future, plus an update on the Site
C project, bC hydro’s proposed third
dam and hydroelectric generating sta-
tion on the Peace River in Northeast
b.C. S
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201364
the Northern Rockies Regional
Municipality (NRRM), provincial
partners, industry, and Fort Nel-
son First Nation (FNFN) work diligently
to ensure sustainable, balanced growth
in british Columbia’s most northeastern
region. Continual discoveries as a re-
sult of ongoing natural gas exploration,
refinement of technologies in both up-
stream and downstream production, and
momentum in the development of west
coast liquefied natural gas (LNG) proj-
ects set the stage for continued growth in
both the natural gas sector and the com-
munity. Canfor’s disposal of assets (two
production facilities and equipment) in
the Fort Nelson area have opened up op-
portunities for fresh investment, with a
healthy and diverse wood supply to sup-
port any range of new operations.
Signing a memorandum of under-
standing (Mou) with the Province of
british Columbia in 2012 solidified the
commitment of provincial leadership
to work with the NRRM to establish a
mechanism for future infrastructure in-
vestment, akin to the Peace River Dis-
trict’s Fair Share Agreements. With Pro-
vincial land sales and royalties in excess
of $3.5 billion from the horn River,
Liard, and Cordova basins, the NRRM
maintains that investment to aging in-
frastructure is essential to sustainable in-
dustry access and development, and not
to be borne by the community alone.
A region of major natural gas supply
to future LNG developments in Kitimat
and Prince Rupert, Fort Nelson, and the
NRRM sees 2013-2016 overall as a pe-
riod of preparation. Forecasts for direct
employment of future natural gas sec-
tor expansion show the potential for a
workforce of up to 10,000 in the NRRM
by 2020.
the Alaska highway, combined with
railhead access and regular scheduled
and charter air service at the Northern
Rockies Regional Airport (NRRA), makes
Fort Nelson a natural transportation
hub. Strategic business and capital plan-
ning of these methods of transportation
(NRRA expansion, and the Alaska high-
way Corridor Study) will ensure that
development stays ahead of the curve.
In response to the development of shale
gas resources and the steadfast growth
of the service sector, new light-industrial
lands are in the second phase of devel-
opment. two-hundred-and-fifty local,
fully serviced acres are available for pub-
lic ownership, accessed by an industrial
traffic route off of the Alaska highway.
to maintain focus on Fort Nelson’s sister
industry, the Forestry Roundtable meets
regularly to explore new options in our
changing forest sector. FNFN and the
NRRM have agreed to pursue a commu-
nity forest agreement, working together
to establish a future community forest
tenure.
tourism in this incredible region also
remains a force, being that the world-
famous Alaska highway serves as Fort
Nelson’s main street, and the globally
significant 6.4-million-hectare Musk-
wa-Kechika wilderness lies in the back-
yard. the number of visitors to the area
steadily climbs annually, as the desire to
explore and experience the “true north”
remains a motivational driver for many
of those with time to spare.
over 300 new businesses of all sizes
have established themselves in Fort Nel-
son since 2009, with a continued expec-
tation of the same growth through 2013
and beyond. Storefronts in retail, ser-
vice-sector providers, corporate oil and
gas drilling, completion and production
services, and expansion of the accom-
modations sector, all show the value
and measurable potential of the NRRM.
Reaching the peak of business success is
not a small feat: doing so in the North-
ern Rockies is well within reach.
For more information, contact Invest
Northern Rockies:
Email: [email protected]
tel: 250-774-2541
www.InvestNorthernRockies.ca S
regional develoPMentin the northern roCkieslaying the groundwork for success
Fort nelson airport.PHOTO By CHRIS GALE NORTHERN PHOTOGRAPHy.
Ind Scaffold Services.indd 1 13-05-22 9:17 AM
66 B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013
Many Canadians seeking adven-
ture in Northern b.C. point
their compasses to mile 47 of
the Alaskan highway—only to find that
the bustling town of Fort St. John might
make for a perfect home base.
touted as “the Energetic City”, Fort St.
John has become synonymous with com-
munity spirit and opportunity. As the
province’s oldest interior community, the
city has established a solid communal
foundation that has become increasingly
attractive to industry in recent years.
Since 2011, Mayor Lori Ackerman has
provided leadership that’s committed to
Fort St. John. her active pursuit of eco-
nomic development and financial stabil-
ity for her city, as well as airport viability,
is a plight that well-resonates with the
community she serves. Recently, Mayor
Ackerman was kind enough to sit down
with the B.c. oil and gas report to share
insight into the city’s ongoing popula-
tion surge. Read on for the official scoop.
Fort st. John is known as the energetic city.
in what ways does this title best fit Fort st.
John?
the energy is the heartbeat of Fort St.
John—and that is its people. We work
hard and play hard. Residents recognize
the need to be a neighbour and a citizen.
Fort St. John is filled with stories of those
who have come north to kick-start or re-
in the huB withMayor lori aCkerManof fort st. John
By Jillian Mitchell
Fort st. John city Hall.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 67
start their careers for a couple of years
and have stayed for decades.
since its founding in 1794, Fort st. John has
grown exponentially. What factors have at-
tributed to this growth?
our growth can be directly attributed
to strong industries that spin off busi-
ness opportunities.
What type of growth is anticipated in five
years? 10 years?
All things remaining the same, we
could see a further 13 per cent growth,
and in 10 years, 27 per cent. this pre-
cludes projects that require Environmen-
tal Assessment office (EAo) approval.
So should these be approved, the num-
bers will increase even more. the Site C
Environmental Impact Statement states
that this project alone would push up
the anticipated community population
growth by two years. We believe that is a
very conservative number.
referring to the above question, how does
the oil and gas industry play into these num-
bers? is the town actively trying to draw in
the oil and gas industry?
these numbers are directly attached to
industry. the city is the regional service
centre in northeast b.C. and b.C.’s en-
ergy capital. With strong infrastructure,
a strong financial position, good ameni-
ties, expanding air service and a competi-
tive business environment, investors and
site selectors recognize our community
as a good location for long-term invest-
ment.
What sort of opportunities are there in the
town for working professionals, particularly
in the oil and gas industry?
the need for skilled labour has been
an issue for many years. Professionals in
all areas can find opportunities, health,
social, environmental technologies, en-
gineering, trades and hospitality.
What kind of infrastructure has been put in
place to accommodate families?
Fort St. John has paved over 75 ki-
lometres of roads, built over five kilo-
metres of sidewalks, and created over
27 kilometres of trails since 2000. We
continue to add to these each year. the
Pomeroy Sport Centre is home to two
NhL-sized rinks, a world-class speed
skating oval, and a walking/running
track. this facility is also home to the Pa-
cific Sport Centre, a program to enhance
our residents’ sport competency, and the
Energetic Learning Campus, a partner-
ship with School District 60 (Peace River
North).
Mayor ackerman, what was your motivation
to run for mayor back in 2011? to date, what
do you think has been your most notable ac-
complishment as mayor? and finally, are
there any future plans for the city that you
might share with our readers?
My motivation to run began in 2004.
At that time, my plan was for two terms
on council then run for mayor. My three
areas of focus were the same then as they
are now:
1. Economic development: Council has
resolved to move forward with an econom-
ic strategy that has a strong community fo-
cus with collaborative regional efforts.
2. Financial sustainability: We have cre-
ated a benefit-based approach to dealing
with city facilities and the fees and charg-
es for use. unless there is a referendum
for special borrowing needs, we only bor-
row for water and sewer. Development
Cost Charges have been implemented
for future water and sewer infrastructure.
Council continues to support the policy
that 97 to 97.5 per cent of the Fair Share
dollars received are invested into infra-
structure.
3. Viability of the airport: Recent chang-
es to policy allow for renewed invest-
ment in capital programs to install and
complete much-needed capital projects.
the community response to the “It Just
Makes Sense” campaign was overwhelm-
ingly successful and was a key factor in
showing WestJet Encore that the North
Peace Regional Airport (YXJ) should be
a location for their regional airline. this
announcement is without a doubt an in-
dication that we are investment ready. S
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201368
More than $70 billion worth of resource, utility, and trans-
portation projects are currently underway and planned in
the northern part of british Columbia over the next 10 to
15 years. Central to this immense growth and opportunity is Prince
George, a thriving city with a population of almost 80,000 that is the
supply, service, transportation, health, education, and culture centre
for the northern b.C. region in which 335,000 people live.
the energy sector is of increasing importance to the city’s econ-
omy, which is well diversified across a variety of sectors, including
forestry, mining, manufacturing, construction, transportation, edu-
cation, and healthcare. the b.C. government has committed to the
development of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector and intends
for the first LNG plant to be operational by 2015, with three LNG
facilities up and running by 2020. the pipelines that are proposed
to transport LNG to the ports of Kitimat will likely route through the
Prince George region, which creates considerable opportunities for
Prince George firms engaged in professional services, manufacturing
and fabrication, construction, and transportation. In addition to the
significant pipeline development opportunities, also possible is the
transportation of LNG via rail from facilities in and around Prince
George, creating opportunities for industrial land development, per-
manent job creation, and service and supply work in a variety of
sectors.
the increased activity and revenue from the northern land base is
leading to increased productivity in the design, construction, manu-
facturing, transportation, retail, health, education, and professional
services sectors in Northern b.C. As Prince George is the supply and
service hub for this economic activity, local firms are already sup-
porting forestry and mining operations and are prepared to service
the growing oil and gas sector.
the city is well connected to domestic and international markets
through an international airport (YXS), the transcontinental CN Rail
line, provincial highways 16 and 97, and its proximity to the major
west coast ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert. In addition, the city
also offers well planned and affordable light and heavy industrial
lands, as well as a highly competitive tax climate. the increased activ-
ity in Northern b.C., as well as the superior transportation connectiv-
ity, skilled workforce, and health and education amenities in Prince
George makes the city the preferred location for companies looking
to establish or expand their operations.
opportunity is in Prince George – we look forward to doing busi-
ness with you.
For more information about investment opportunities, contact:
Initiatives Prince George Economic Development Corporation
[email protected] | www.investprincegeorge.ca S
By Heather oland, ceo of initiatives Prince george
PHOTO CREDIT: COLLEGE OF NEW CALEDONIA.
eMerging energy seCtor to enhanCe growth of PrinCe george eConoMy
PHOTO CREDIT: INITIATIVES PRINCE GEORGE.
PHOTO CREDIT: INITIATIVES PRINCE GEORGE.
PRINCE GEORGE. bRItIsh COlumbIa. CaNadaGROWTH. OppORTuniTy. inVESTMEnT.
For business inquiries, site selection services and additional information, contact:Initiatives Prince George Economic Development Corporation Tel: 250.564.0282 I [email protected] I www.initiativespg.com
Prince George Youth Soccer – TourismPG
PG Farmers Market – TourismPG
Home in Malaspina Ridge – InitiativesPG
Skijoring at Otway Nordic Ski – TourismPG
Cougars WHL Hockey – TourismPG
Downtown Prince George– Capture PG
Container Loading at CN – InitiativesPG
Rainbow Dancers – Multicultural Heritage Society
River View at Fort George Park – City of PG University of Northern British Columbia
Tech Stop at PG Airport – InitiativesPG
Welding – CapturePG
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Leading the Way for British ColumbiaPrince George, British Columbia has a growing economy that offers a diverse range of opportunities for new business investment. The energy sector is an increasingly important component of the city’s economy, enhancing Prince George’s role as the service and supply hub for one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada and making the city the preferred location for companies looking to invest or expand their operations.
Growth:
• Prince George has a population of almost 80,000 and is the service and supply hub for a growing region of about 335,000 people.
• The city’s superior transportation connectivity makes it the preferred location for companies looking to be a part of the $70 billion in resource projects underway and proposed in northern BC.
Opportunity:
• Prince George is the northern centre for business, health, education, culture and shopping for BC.
• The city is well-connected to domestic and international markets through an international airport (YXS), the transcontinental CN Rail line, provincial Highways 16 and 97 and its proximity to major west coast ports.
• The Prince George economy is well-diversified across a variety of sectors, including energy, supplying goods and services throughout northern BC, Canada and the globe.
Investment:
• A broad selection of competitively-priced commercial space is available in all areas of Prince George, with options to suit all types of business ventures.
• Development cost charges in Prince George are among the lowest in BC and the City offers competitive tax rates for business and industry (starting at 16.28 per $1,000 of assessed value).
• Prince George is home to the University of Northern British Columbia and the College of New Caledonia, which provide a wide range of programming to facilitate the continuous development of the Prince George labour force to support business expansion across all industries.
www.investprincegeorge.ca
/InitiativesPG@InitiativesPG/InitiativesPG
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201370
If I had a dollar for every time I was asked “how are things in
tumbler Ridge these days,” I’d be a wealthy person. It seems
wherever we go, people know about us. this is good! We are
on the radar!
tumbler Ridge is a master-planned community that was cre-
ated to house and retain a stable workforce for the Northeast b.C.
Coal Project in the 1980s. the original mines are now reclaimed,
but the northeast coal slopes are buzzing once again with two
new operating mines under expansion, plus additional mines
undergoing feasibility and permitting. the natural gas industry
in the area has grown year after year. talks continue for two large
pipeline projects very near to tumbler Ridge. With investigative-
use permits issued for virtually every mountaintop, tumbler
Ridge’s clean, renewable wind resources have proven to be a lu-
crative prospect for energy projects. It’s an investor and business
owner’s dream! the services required to support these industries
and the residents of the community are immense in numbers and
opportunities to get in on the action are limitless.
Aside from the business and employment opportunities avail-
able in tumbler Ridge, we are also known as the “waterfall capital
of the north”. our famous Kinuseo Falls are a must-see on any-
one’s list. River-boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming,
and waterfall bagging—wherever there’s water, we’ve found a
way to enjoy it. Forty-seven designated trails for hiking lead to
caves, fascinating geological formations, hidden waterfalls, and
world-class dinosaur trackways. Add to that a network of over 300
kilometres of off-road vehicle routes and the most challenging
and scenic nine-hole golf course in northern b.C., and we have a
lifestyle to be envious of.
Winter doesn’t keep us indoors either, we take advantage of the
crisp mountain air, sunny skies and pristine landscape to get out
and enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice
climbing, ice fishing, and more.
the town site itself is reminiscent of a wilderness village resort
equipped with all possible recreational amenities, some of which
include a multi-million dollar community centre complete with
aquatic centre, gym, public library, full-size arena, and curling
rink. With accessible year-round recreational options for people
of all ages, interests and abilities; the possibilities are as diverse as
the landscapes in which they appear.
tumbler Ridge is thriving and aspires to be seen as a diverse
and sustainable community where life is as spectacular as its nat-
ural surroundings. the community has proven that it is not going
anywhere; now is the time to make your move to tumbler Ridge!
For more information, please contact the community develop-
ment department at town hall at 250.242.4242, [email protected] or
visit www.InvesttumblerRidge.ca. S
Make your Moveto tuMBler ridgeBy lindsey Wozniak, district of tumbler ridge
PHOTO By BRANDON BRAAM.
Box 6339, Fort St. John, BC V1J 4H8
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72 B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013
eduCation PrograM Builds energy awareness aMong students and teaCherssociety of Petroleum engineers
by the age of 17, many teenagers
have made their most important
decision to date. A choice that
more than likely will affect the rest of
their lives: they have selected a career.
Science, technology, engineering,
and math (StEM) are among teenagers’
most popular career choices, according
to a recent survey conducted by Junior
Achievement, the world’s largest organi-
zation dedicated to educating students
about workforce readiness.
this is encouraging news for the oil
and gas industry, which is undergoing
the “Great Crew Change”. however, if
the industry is to reap the benefits of this
trend, it must engage and educate to-
morrow’s university students and future
workforce about energy careers.
the Society of Petroleum Engineers
(SPE) developed its Energy4me global
energy education outreach program with
that in mind. the program educates stu-
dents, teachers, and the general public
about how energy positively impacts
everyday life, career opportunities, and
factual resources.
“Many people in the public perceive
the energy industry as complex,” says
Sujata bhatia, chairperson of the SPE
Energy Information Committee. “Ener-
gy4me simplifies the learning curve, of-
fering a way for the public to learn about
energy sources, industry challenges, the
technology used to develop resources,
and ways we manage the safety, health,
and environmental risks that goes with
our business.”
Energy4me uses a three-pronged ap-
proach: the Energy4me website, teacher
development, and speaker programs to
spread its message. the website (www.
energy4me.org) offers information on
energy sources, challenges, technology,
73B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013
conservation and sustainability, as well
as environmental protection. there
is also career information and a list of
available scholarships.
Recognizing the role teachers play in
educating young people about the im-
portance of energy, the site’s classroom
resources section provides educators
with materials and activities, lesson
plans, educational videos, and other re-
sources. the printed materials are avail-
able in six languages.
SPE holds teacher workshops to pro-
vide educators with comprehensive, ob-
jective information about the scientific
concepts of energy and its importance.
After reviewing his school’s curriculum
for the first time, tim Gordon, a Grade
9 math and science teacher in Calgary,
learned he was tasked with teaching his
students the truth about the oil and gas
industry and energy alternatives.
“I feared I didn’t know enough about
the topic to give an honest and thor-
ough explanation to my students,” said
Gordon, who teaches at Ernest Morrow
School.
he then received an email about an
Energy4me teacher Workshop held in
conjunction with last year’s SPE Cana-
dian unconventional Resources Confer-
ence in Calgary.
“It was obvious the workshop was
what I was looking for – a professional
program run by industry experts and di-
rected toward helping teachers maneu-
ver through the nuances of the energy
industry and what that means to our stu-
dents and the world as a whole,” he said.
Gordon, who was among 35 educa-
tors who attended the workshop, says
the Energy4me resources directly im-
pacted his teaching practice.
“Without Energy4me, teachers would
only see what is happening in the pe-
troleum industry from the periphery –
never truly understanding what diverse
energy sources are,” he said. Another
teacher workshop will be held at the SPE
unconventional Resources Conference
Canada in Calgary in November.
In addition to the Energy4me kit, SPE
members volunteer their time to give
classroom presentations to pre-univer-
sity students. these presentations are an
excellent way to provide students with
facts about energy and inspire students
to pursue energy sector careers. Ener-
gy4me offers ready-to-go PowerPoint
presentations and fun activities that can
be customized to give a local and per-
sonal perspective.
SPE also published oil and natural
gas, a colourful, hardcover book that
tells the story of petroleum and how it
shapes the world. Distributed to more
than 3,000 teachers globally, the Ener-
gy4me materials and teacher workshops
were developed in partnership with the
National Energy Education Develop-
ment Project.
to learn more about Energy4me or to
volunteer, visit www.energy4me.org or
call 403-237-5112. S
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201374
oil sands mining presents unique chal-
lenges when it comes to lubrication. With
intense working conditions, severe tem-
peratures, unpredictable weather, and unfavourable
terrain, there is a constant need for the industry to go
beyond today’s standards to protect the equipment
that keeps operations alive. one company leading
the charge in evolving protection is Petro-Canada
Lubricants.
Facing expensive equipment wear In early 2010, Petro-Canada Lubricants, a division
of Suncor Energy, was made aware of a mechanical
issue with the hoist gear and pinions on electric-
powered mining shovels operating in Western Can-
ada. the gearing on these shovels was wearing out
prematurely, requiring the early replacement of the
hoist bull gears. this resulted in expensive replace-
ment part costs and downtime for the shovel opera-
tor. After several visits to mining customers by Petro-Canada
Lubricants technical services and R&D personnel, as well as con-
sultation with an independent gear expert, it was decided that a
new high-viscosity/high-performance lubricant for this applica-
tion could address this issue.
Mining new solutions the grease development team at the Petro-Canada Lubricants
Research and Development facility in Mississauga, ontario was
assigned to develop this new product. Work first concentrated
on developing a new, partially synthetic high-viscosity base fluid
to meet the requirements of AGMA 9005-E02, calling for a mini-
mum viscosity of 6120 centistokes at 40° C and 219 centistokes
at 100° C. this base fluid was combined with a suitable grease
thickener and fortified with a unique combination of specialized
additives to achieve the desired level of performance. In light of
the issues realized in the field, special emphasis was placed on
improving extreme pressure and anti-wear properties. Various
formulations were produced and tested in the laboratory to con-
firm that the necessary level of performance was attained.
After development was complete and the new product had
been manufactured for the first time, the Petro-Canada Lubri-
cants Research and Development group worked together with
technical services and sales representatives in the field to over-
see the initial trial of the new product (Petro-Canada VuLtREX™
oGL heavy 6200) at a mining customer. Modifications were
made to the shovel’s grease delivery system as directed by Petro-
Canada’s shovel technical expert, and then the new product was
applied for the first time.
Advanced performance results
the results of the initial trial were excellent, with the new
product demonstrating the necessary performance on the hoist
gear and pinions over the long term. Compared to the previous
product that was used in this application, Petro-Canada VuL-
tREX oGL heavy 6200 showed improved adhesion to the gear
face, resulting in less lubricant fling off from the gear and pin-
ions. this resulted in a thicker, tenacious, plated lubricant film
across the entire loaded side of the hoist gear. Another benefit
of the conversion was reduced lubricant consumption, and less
lubricant buildup under the hoist gear cavity. based on the per-
formance at the initial trial site, Petro-Canada VuLtREX oGL
heavy 6200 was rolled out to similar equipment at many mine
sites in Canada, where it has worked effectively under a wide
range of operating conditions.
As a result of this co-operative development effort between
Petro-Canada Lubricants and a mine in Western Canada, Petro-
Canada Lubricants now has a superior open gear lubricant for
the hoist gear and pinions on electric mining shovels. It is also
suitable for use as an open gear lubricant for all requirements on
mining shovels in warmer climates.
Martin Keenan is a product specialist on Petro-canada lubricant’s
research & development team. S
ProduCt enhanCeMents in ogls lead to inCreased ProteCtion for hoist gearsBy Martin Keenan
Premature wear in Hoist gear teeth surfaces.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201376
With conventional gas devel-
opment on the decline or
uncertain based upon cur-
rent economic conditions, LNG devel-
opment represents a very positive oppor-
tunity for industry producers to estab-
lish solid long-term capital investment
plans. While some of the comparatives
to the development of oil sands in Fort
McMurray are positive in nature, risks as-
sociated with cost escalation and project
overruns are not characteristics LNG in-
vestors are eager to experience.
NoV Wilson plays an integral role in
production development plans by sup-
porting new construction and long-term
maintenance of new pipelines and facili-
ties. NoV Wilson has expanded on the
typical definition of material supply/
supplier and has built a reputation as a
solution provider with respect to project
planning, sourcing, expediting, delivery,
surplus distribution, and relationship
management.
suPPorting lng develoPMentBy nov Wilson Business development group
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 77
LNG projects involve a large number
of EPCM firms, fabrication contrac-
tors, and end-user stakeholders who all
influence decisions on when, where,
and how much material is required to
meet development plans. NoV Wilson
has established experienced, dedicated
teams to work on these projects with
our customers. Knowledge, experience,
and relationships are critical to inte-
grate communication and expectations
for all of the stakeholders from plan-
ning through project execution.
once build-out is completed, cus-
tomer relationship management and
service support is provided through the
NoV Wilson network of branch loca-
tions. While most oilfield service com-
panies have focused upon the gathering
systems in the Peace Region of british
Columbia, in addition to this impor-
tant region, NoV Wilson has a long-
established network of locations to
support existing pipeline, mining, and
industrial markets.
NoV Wilson branch locations pro-
vide frontline support to manage prod-
uct requirements where and when
materials and service are required. Em-
ployees enjoy a learning atmosphere to
support continuous improvement and
a safe work environment. these traits
are essential elements to sustain service
and supply commitments throughout
all field operations for the long term.
Given the anticipated rapid pace of
development, companies like NoV
Wilson must engender a strong culture
to support these operating values and
maintain safe growth.
Service of gas facilities and midstream
markets remain a core competency for
NoV Wilson operations in b.C. Supe-
rior products, project execution experi-
ence, and a strong branch network help
our customers reduce the many risks
associated with their new development
plans and ongoing maintenance.
through NoV Wilson history, the
company has grown by operating where
our customers operate and by servicing
what we sell. As LNG continues to so-
lidify a path for future development in
b.C., NoV Wilson is committed to sup-
port plans with additional infrastruc-
ture, jobs and solutions for this impor-
tant resource.
to learn more about NoV Wilson
service capabilities in british Columbia,
please call 403-531-5600, or visit our
website at: www.nov.com.
For more information about NoV
Wilson’s LNG development, please con-
tact Dave Wallace at 250-785-5622. S
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201378
Specialized tech Inc.’s exclusive
focus is on providing engineered
solutions for the removal of sand
and particulate matter from produced
well fluids. With hallmarks of simplicity
and reliability, industry acceptance of its
multi-phase desanding equipment has
fuelled rapid expansion of the compa-
ny’s fleet of patented equipment, with
pressure ratings ranging from 9,930 kPa
(1,440 psig) to 41,370 kPa (6,000 psig).
Effective at removing sand, without a
pressure drop, is just one of the benefits
that alternative methods cannot deliver.
by temporarily separating the multi-
phase flow into a stratified, laminar
flow regime, gravity is able to effectively
separate the sand from the fluid flow
of gas, condensate (or oil), and water.
Separated sand collects in the desander,
leaving a fluid discharge stream that can
pass through chokes, valves, and pro-
cess equipment with lower risks of ero-
sion and equipment damage.
StI’s desanding equipment has
evolved continuously since its introduc-
tion to the Western Canadian market
in 2001. Larger units, with larger sand
capacities and higher pressure ratings
are now available to meet the increas-
ing needs of the market. StI’s fleet of
desanders has doubled over the past
few years, primarily in response to the
popularity of drilling horizontal, multi-
stage stimulated, liquids-rich gas wells.
this trend is expected to continue and
will support further growth of the com-
pany.
Installed at the well site, StI de-
sanders remove fracturing proppants
and produced sands from the produced
fluids to prevent erosional damage to
downstream assets, ultimately prevent-
ing uncontrolled or accidental releases
of hydrocarbons. the typical criteria for
sizing of the desander is to achieve 95
to 98 per cent removal of all particulate
matter greater than or equal to 150 mi-
crons in diameter. With lower velocities,
particles as small as 60 microns may be
removed without requiring any filter
media. StI engineers design each instal-
lation to ensure the chosen desander
model provides optimum performance.
With particulates removed from the
multi-phase fluid stream, recombined
fluids leaving the desander are ready to
feed into the gathering infrastructure
under pressure. the gas component of
production does not need to be flared
in order to remove sand, yielding high-
er revenues for the producer, as well as
avoiding regulatory compliance issues.
Wells can be put on production sooner,
immediately following testing, without
concerns about equipment damage, dis-
turbance to the environment or nearby
landowners, especially at sites where
production contains hydrogen sulphide
(h2S) gas.
unlike cyclonic sand separators, the
physics that allow StI’s desanders to
work is not dependent upon constant
flowrates. this means that a desander is
sized to work initially with high initial
potential flows and remains effective as
the formation pressure drops. Impor-
tantly, a decrease in flowing pressure in
gas wells actually results in higher gas
phase velocities as production contin-
ues, and this is taken into account when
sizing the desander. For wells with con-
tinuing sand production, it is not un-
common for the desander to be on the
well for years as opposed to the initial
three to four months of production
when flow rates are at their highest.
Now Specialized tech Inc. introduces
its new, patented tILt desander, with
increased sand removal efficiency. the
tILt desander features a modified ge-
ometry that, as the name suggests, in-
corporates an angled vessel. Computer
modeling has determined that the tILt
models offer increased operating effi-
new “tilt” desandersdeliver iMProved effiCienCyBy craig Mcdonald P.eng., manager of technical services for specialized tech inc.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 79
ciency. Supported by more than 15,000
unit-months of desanding service expe-
rience, the proprietary engineering de-
sign software used to model desander
performance has been validated and
calibrated, ensuring that the StI-recom-
mended desander employed will per-
form reliably throughout the expected
range of operating conditions.
the first tILt desander to enter ser-
vice is an ANSI 1500 class unit, fully
NACE-compliant for use in sour service,
and completely compatible with StI’s
web-based Sand Sentry monitoring sys-
tem. Designs for ANSI 600 and 2500
class units, with diameters of 20 and 24
inches, are complete, and several larger,
higher-pressure units are scheduled to
enter service by yearend.
“With their improved performance,
StI anticipates that its future fleet will
predominantly be tILt desanders,” says
Chris hemstock, president of StI tech-
nologies, Inc.
Every unit is built to strict quality
and engineering specifications, in ac-
cordance with ASME Section VIII, Div.
1 code. Several units are National board
certified for use internationally. StI is
an AbSA-registered owner-operator with
its own, proprietary pressure equipment
integrity management system.
“becoming a registered owner-opera-
tor was an important strategic step for
StI,” says hemstock, adding, “as a ser-
vice provider, we manage field and ad-
ministrative tasks to ensure regulatory
compliance for all of the company’s
temporarily-installed, pressure-con-
taining equipment. We are committed
to providing these services to facilitate
safe, effective and reliable operations to
our customers.”
FEATURES• Pressureratings:9,930to41,370kPa
• Temperatureratings:–29°C&-45°C
• ASMESectionVIII,div.1ABSAregis-
tered
• NACEMR0175forsourservice
• Nopressuredrop
• Noemissions
• Minimalservice/clean-outtime
• Eliminatesflaring
• Removessandandotherparticulates,
such as asphalts and free precipitants
• Earlyproduction
• Fracsandcleanup
• Nofreezingissues
• ABSA Pressure Equipment Integrity
Management System (PEIMS)
For more information, please contact:
Specialized tech Inc.
Gas Well Desanding Services
www.specializedtech.ca
SPECIALIZED TECH INC. has provided an engineered
solution associated with sand production in High
pressure gas wells since 2001. With STI’s equipment
gas well operators save money and keep their wells
producing no matter how challenging the conditions.
Head Office in Calgary, Alberta ....................................(403) 233-2040Field Offices in Three Hills, Alberta ..............................(403) 443-5453Grande Prairie, Alberta ................................................(780) 897-8140Fort St. John, B.C. ........................................................(250) 793-5140
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201380
Gas Field Innovators Inc. (GFI) of Linden, Alberta,
Canada, started building booster natural gas com-
pressors in 1997 to take advantage of the opportu-
nity for increasing the economics of the large and aging devel-
oped oil and gas reserves in Western Canada.
“Cost-effective production from low-productivity oil and
gas wells has always been challenging,” says Fred Majocha,
owner of GFI. “Accepting this challenge, GFI developed the
Gas hog as a booster for pressure-depleted oil and gas wells.
Acceptance of the product in Canada has been very high, now
with more than 120 units in service.”
Intensive design analysis based on field information carried
out at GFI’s Linden fabrication shop has resulted in a slow-
speed, reliable, very quiet reciprocating compressor and surface
liquid pump. It also has a hydraulic drive and subsurface lift as-
sist combination option. the objective was to economically re-
duce formation-flowing pressures by reducing surface-flowing
pressure and minimizing liquid buildup in the wellbore.
the Gas hog compresses sweet or slightly sour natural gas
and reliably pumps surface liquids against pipeline pressure.
this reduces liquid-related multi-well header or other flow-line
back pressures that restrict gas and oil production from the
wells. the Gas hog units have been designed to operate under
very adverse inlet gas quality conditions while still requiring
minimal maintenance and operator attention. they are also
well suited to cold climates, with the engine and compressor
capable of starting without pre-heating. Routine maintenance
for the Gas hog consists of once-a-month greasing of a few
bearings and replacing the engine oil filter. No oil changes are
required.
the Gas hog can be configured to act as its own complete
separation and measurement facility and also be capable of
supplying hydraulic or jet pump power for artificial lift. Dis-
charged high-pressure gas can also be recycled to optimize well
flow velocity. the Gas hog is designed to work with a variety of
gas field innovators Bringslife to tired oil and gas wells
By Mike downey
“Locally Owned Company Specializing in Contaminated Soil Transfer”
• 6, 7, 8 axle sealed end dumps • COR certified • Large stockpiles of sawdust and peat moss
located in Fort Nelson, B.C.
Ph: (250) 500-3478 www.muskwavalleyventures.caFax: (250) 774-3777 [email protected]
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 81
GFIInnovatorsGas Field
High pipeline pressure at your multi-well header an issue?Slightly sour production handling cost prohibitive in your tired wells?Down hole liquid loading or causing back pressure a problem in your oil wells?
We put the run on high operating cost and down time with GAS HOG!
GFI’s 30,000 sq ft fabrication shop is ready to assist with your specialized needs
Give those tired old wells a snort with the Hog!GAS HOG!
• Reliable under the worst Canadian conditions
• Extremely quiet and Landowner Friendly
• Low Maintenance and Operator Friendly
• Ideal for long life reserves applications
• Reliably pump surface liquids with the gas
• Power subsurface artificial lift
• Operates as a complete production facility.
Check us out at www.GasFieldinnovators.caContact us at [email protected]
817 Central Avenue West, Linden, AlbertaPh: 403-546-0011 | Fax: 403-546-0012
well optimization subsurface lift systems. Packages come fully
enclosed and include secondary containment.
the Gas hog’s “pump jack” analogous long stroke/slow
speed compressor is GFI’s own design with all manufacture and
assembly done at the company’s fabrication facility in Alberta.
the Gas hog can operate up to a discharge pressure of 17.2 bar
with a volume throughput of 45,300-square-metres a day and
down to a suction pressure near zero with liquid pump rates up
to 60 litres per minute.
A battery-powered PLC panel provides industry standard
controls for the package. battery charging is provided by the
gas-fuelled driver. Standard units are self-sufficient and require
no external electrical power.
A recent study showed that the cost to operate a Gas hog
was about 50 per cent less than that of an equivalent screw
compressor and with much less operator attention. operating
availability time was in the 95 per cent range.
the low-operating cost, SCADA readiness, and high reliabil-
ity are qualities the Gas hog offers that make it suitable for
long-life reserve applications, such as coalbed methane (CbM),
multi-oil/gas well headers, and long reserve life wellhead pres-
sure boosters.
Each compressor meets all Canadian government regula-
tions and is fully tested before shipment. GFI services what it
sells or rents. Compliance with other international standards
is also possible.
GFI’s service technicians and engineers have many years of
experience with well surface and down hole problem analysis
and are ready to assist with any production challenges. GFI’s
manufacturing facility can often provide previously tested so-
lutions, as well as having the capability to design solutions
for specific needs. GFI will work with clients to find a way to
optimize production and maximize return from troublesome
oil and gas wells.
to meet the next challenge of expanding the market for the
Gas hog, GFI is very pleased to announce the appointment
of bSS (beijing) Petro-Chemical Equipment Co. Ltd. as the
exclusive representative for Gas hog compressors in Asia and
Australia. bSS is a company well known for manufacturing a
wide range of quality equipment for the oil and gas industry,
and is well placed to take the Gas hog to these new markets.
Mike downey is the general manager at gas Field innovators. S
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201382
As a Canadian owned and operated company, Green
Patch Environmental Consulting Ltd. (GPEC) prides
itself on supplying the energy, mining, erosion control,
construction, and reclamation industries with a variety of prod-
ucts, ideas, and solutions. our goal is to provide peace of mind
for all your needs when you need it, with the right products for
the job every time.
GPEC’s knowledge and history speaks for itself. We work re-
lentlessly with our manufacturers to bring you the newest and
innovative solutions that help you get the job done right. What-
ever the job may be, or whatever the industry may be, GPEC has
a solution for you.
Oil and gas projects
Pipeline and right-of-way projects are some of the most dif-
ficult projects to complete. Regulations regarding construction,
storm water compliance, and final approval are changing rap-
idly. Projects are intensely scrutinized.
GPEC has solutions to ensure the ability to:
•Surpassregulatorycompliance
•Quicklyestablishvegetation
•Achievesuperioron-siteerosioncontrolmanagement
•Reduceriskofremotefiresfromstrawmulching
•Utilizeenvironmentallyfriendlyproductsandpractices
•Driveefficiencybecause“timeismoney”andyoumustgetit
right the first time
our products and technologies lessen the environmental impact of any
construction project by protecting surface and ground water, and by minimizing the need to mine, process, and handle natural
aggregate and fill materials.
gPeC – suPPlying today’s environMent for toMorrow
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 83
GPEC supplies:
• Geotextiles
• Geogrids
• Geomembranes
• Nativegrassseedsandsoilamendments
• Erosioncontrolproducts
• Sedimentcontrolproducts
• Drainageproducts
• Pavingproducts
• Landscapingproducts
• Wallandslopeproducts
Since GPEC’s inception, we have added additional loca-
tions. our products and services fall into five key industries:
energy, mining, erosion and sediment control, construction,
reclamation and containment. GPEC has a long-standing
commitment to the environment, with our highly qualified
staff. GPEC delivers the products, technologies and support
that give clients a key advantage with an added environmental
benefit.S
riverbank restore.
Visit us online at gpec.ca. Or give us a call at 1-888-550-9188.
GREEN PATCH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING LTD.
OFFICES IN EDMONTON & CALGARY
TOLL FREE: 888-550-9188FAX: 866-394-8145
EMAIL: [email protected]@GPEC.CA
ENERGY CONSTRUCTION EROSION CONTROL MINING RECLAMATION CONTAINMENT
SUPPLYING TODAYS ENVIRONMENT FOR TOMORROW
www.GPEC.ca
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201384
times are changing and collabo-
ration is one of the latest, most
powerful action strategies. Col-
laboration produces a special energy
commonly known as synergy. It is where
a group of non-competitors pool their
resources towards a collective vision to
produce a desired outcome or goal.
one such company that facilitates
this type of relationship is the Alliance
Group of Companies, headquartered
out of Prince George. they, in essence
are a group of non-competing industri-
al-related businesses providing resource
services for the primary Apex Industrial
Solutions Inc. the Alliance group origi-
nated with a basic machine shop many
years ago where the owners recognized
that it was a commonality to most in-
dustrial resource sectors. this idea spear-
headed further growth, and company
owners Dan Schreiner and Peter Dawley
have not looked back.
Scott Everall, manager of business de-
velopment services explains Apex Indus-
trial Solutions as the primary overseer of
“designing, building and maintaining”
your industrial projects. he stresses the
importance of being sure that the entire
quote is being accommodated, right on
through to the earplugs and other inci-
dentals. With emphasis on corporate
open-mindedness and possibility think-
ing, Everall encourages further corporate
relationship building and invites CEos
and management to give him, or one of
the owners a call to explore corporate
possibilities and investment options.
In the Peace area of Western Canada,
administered from the Prince George
base are two such companies from the
Alliance group. the first is blackridge In-
dustrial Services located in taylor, b.C.,
which has access to fabrication and me-
chanical resources pertinent to industry
in the area. the other company, Apex
Industrial Solutions now located in both
Grand Prairie and Prince George, is ac-
tively designing, building, and maintain-
ing industrial projects for all resource in-
dustries.
to date, the Alliance Group of Com-
panies includes a variety of industrial
services and is not limited to oil, gas,
mining, pulp and paper sectors, to name
a few. the corporate administration of-
fice is located in Prince George, b.C.,
and contact information can be found
at www.niraresources.com, or by calling
the central office at 1-800-539-3492. S
PrinCe george CoMPanyexPanding into the PeaCe areaBy rita Wiebe, alliance group of companies
AlAnA TurcoTTe, VP Business Development and Sales | Direct: (403) 268-9637
OTHER DISTRICT OFFICES: Red Earth Creek, AB | High Level, AB | Shaunavon, SK | Norman Wells, NT
CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE 9606C 100th St Peace River, AB T8S 1M6 Phone: 780-624-5217 Fax: 780-624-5962
CORPORATE SERVICE/ SALES OFFICE 1205, 736 6th Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 3T7 Phone: 403-232-8200
FORT NELSON Box 58, 4803-48th Avenue Fort Nelson, BC V0C 1R0 Phone: 250-774-9951 Fax: 250-774-9954
} } }
Serving The Oil And Gas Industry For More Than 20 Years
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201386
Caliber oilfield and Production
Services Inc. is a locally owned
and operated company based
in Fort St. John, the heart of Northeast
b.C.’s oil and gas industry. Caliber of-
fers hot oiling and pressure truck servic-
es, backed with 35 years of experience.
owner and CEo Murray McClelland
is no stranger to the trials, tribulations,
and eventual success associated with
this type of business. After 15 years as
an owner-operator, McClelland saw an
opportunity and seized it. Starting Cali-
ber with just one tandem hot oiler, he
would grow the fleet to open up shop
at the current location in the summer of
2008. today Caliber operates with three
hot oiler units, two 10K pressure trucks,
and new to the fleet this past June, a
twin heating unit. Also coming in the
fall will be their first 20K low-rate high-
pressure unit and 1,000-horsepower
pumping unit. Complementary to the
fleet, Caliber also maintains a six-man
shower unit for companies to ensure
safety precautions are in place.
Caliber sets the industry benchmark
with continued innovation. their in-
house designs are application-specific
incorporating the latest developments
in technology and build materials. In
2010, Caliber achieved recognition on
a provincial level, with Sci-tech North
nominating the company for a techno-
logical innovation award. In conjunc-
tion with this nomination, the then-
minister of Small business, technology,
and Economic Development, Ian black
toured the facilities and equipment,
commending Caliber on their progress
within the industry. Caliber is commu-
nity minded and focused on creating
opportunity in business, for itself and
local entrepreneurs. the majority of
equipment development and construc-
tion is completed locally, contributing
to local job markets and economy.
When it comes to employee loyalty,
Caliber is second to none in their in-
dustry. this is reflected during day-to-
day operations, whether in the field,
shop or office. Mentoring has always
been a must, right from McClelland’s
first hire, which has led to a strong
program of operators having the right
combination of practical and theoreti-
cal knowledge. this has resulted in a
team that can expertly and efficiently
meet client expectations, develop strat-
egy in a new environment, as well as
PerforManCe under PressureBy lacey Beaumont
caliber Hot oiler.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 87
caliber six-man shower unit.adapt to and master a less than ideal
situation. In today’s strained job mar-
ket, Caliber has chosen to recruit and
develop employees organically. Due to
this process, all operators are highly
qualified and consistently expanding
their knowledge with the developing
industry. Caliber ensures that their cli-
ents receive the best personnel for the
job, while supporting the local labour
pool.
the Caliber team is proud of the
products and services they offer to an
ever-changing and fast-paced indus-
try, as well as their contribution to the
growth and prosperity of the commu-
nity within which they live.
to visit Caliber online, check out www.
caliberoilfield.com. Email inquiries may
be directed to [email protected],
and telephone inquiries can be made to
1-855-785-3772. S
9312 - 111 St., Fort St. John, BC V1J [email protected]
Hot Oiling | Volume Fluid Heating | High Pressure PumpingChemical-Acid Pumping
“The best quality equipment
performed by the best professionals in the industry”
Performance Under PressurePh: 250.785.3772 | Fax: 250.785.3776 | wwwcaliberoilfield.com
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201388
With one box truck and one
pickup in which to provide
pilot car and light hotshot
services, Jesse Forrester embarked on
his dream of being self-employed. the
result was locally owned and operated
Swift Specialty Services Ltd., founded in
2010.
Forrester’s entrepreneurial drive was
instilled throughout his childhood as he
watched his parents persevere and thrive
as small business owners in the then-
developing boundary Lake oilfield,
located 60 kilometres northeast of Fort
St. John, b.C., around the small town of
Goodlow.
“I saw how much work it was for
them, as well as the daily dedication
that was involved,” recalls Forrester of
his parents’ vocation. “I also recognized
that the rewards for the unfaltering ef-
fort were great.”
a dreaM BeCoMing a reality
Braving the elements en route to Milepost 16.1. spectra Mainline, stewart lake area, B.c.
Two is stronger than one.
Experience, Quality & Service.
CompassBending.com
7320 30 Street S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2C 1W2 • Phone: (403) 279-6615 • Fax: (403) 236-4249 • Toll free: (800) 708-7453
Compass Bending has doubled in size to serve you better
Additional Services: • Insulation, taping and coating, including YJ bends • 3D and 5D bends
• 10” and 12” bends • Structural Bending
We have doubled in size to provide our customers the highest possible level of quality and service.
Praxair, your Welding & Gas Supplier offers more than just gases, equipment, consumables, safety products or accessories – Praxair offers ideas and innovation. Our broad range of solutions aim to save our customers time and money.
Praxair has the presence, products and industry leading expertise to be your prime supplier along with e-commerce capabilities that make it easy for you to do business. Finding our customers the best solutions to their problems; saving customers time; thereby making our customers more profitable.
Toll Free: 1.800.225.82471601 Central Street, Prince George | 250.563.3641
527A South Mackenzie Avenue, Williams Lake | 250.392.31124751 Highway 16 West, Terrace | 250.635.1277
139 George Hills Way, Prince Rupert | 250.624.43011500 Alaska Avenue, Dawson Creek | 250.782.8280
101-10331 Alaska Road, Fort St. John | 250.262.0047
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 89
As Swift’s customer base increased,
so too did the need for additional
equipment. As the owner-operator
reiterates, positive, yet sustainable
growth, had to be achieved. With that,
a Ford F-550 deck truck with a 60 se-
ries hiab was bought so as to be more
versatile as a pilot and hotshot service
provider.
At this time, the need for oilfield
fencing contractors in the north be-
came apparent. operating on the be-
lief that proficient diversity is key,
Swift’s fencing division was formed.
With a pilot and hotshot division,
box truck services, and fencing divi-
sion now operating daily, there was an
immediate need for more trucks—two
more pickups and another Ford F-550
again with a 60 series hiab were soon
added to the roster.
With a proven track record and a
steadily growing customer base, For-
rester’s focus became attracting and
acquiring employees with the training,
knowledge, skills, and will to provide
the highest quality of service each and
every day.
“Providing skilled workers to cus-
tomers everyday may very well be the
biggest obstacle to overcome for busi-
ness owners in the north and all of
b.C.,” says the business owner. “In an
effort to be proactive, I asked—and re-
ally listened—to what employees and
prospective employees wanted and
needed to make long-term commit-
ment decisions to the Swift team. What
I consistently heard was competitive
wages, benefits, employer respect for
scheduled time off, and short notice
family commitments. hearing this, I
decided that I wasn’t going to provide
only a paycheque for employees, but
a rewarding way of life for them and
their families.”
heading into the winter, Swift Spe-
cialty Services Ltd. is very excited to
provide pilot and hotshot services, box
truck services, as well as all oilfield fenc-
ing services to the oil and gas producers
of british Columbia.
“We promise to continue our hard
work and highest quality of service,” For-
rester concludes, “as well as to keep an
open, diverse mind to the ever-changing
needs and services of our local produc-
ers in order to remain world-leading in
this industry as we are today.”
For more information, please
contact Swift Specialty Services Ltd. at:
250-264-8960 (c); 250-785-2785 (w);
Site 5 Comp 56 RR1 | Stn. Main | Fort St. John, BC V1J 4M6
Email: [email protected] Cell: 250-264-8960 | Office: 250-785-2785
Jesse Forrester - Owner/Operator
Specializing In: Pilot & Hotshot Chainlink Fencing (Installation & Repair)Supervision Security
Equipment: Pilot Cars/ Pickups PickersBox Trucks
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201390
With over 20 years in the fab-
ric-building industry, the
Calhoun family utilizes their
time-tested experience and knowledge
in the industry to provide innovative
structural solutions and expand their
Calhoun Super Structures into many
different markets. Confidence in their
product, engineering, and dealer net-
work has been the driving force behind
this family-owned company, which is
now into its second generation.
What started as a small tarp business
on their family farm in ontario, Leon-
ard Calhoun, along with his sons Jeremy
and Sean, began selling and installing
fabric structures to the agriculture in-
dustry. Seeing a need for their structures
in other markets, the company expand-
ed to include three different building
profiles, a manufacturing plant, and
a strong dealer network to sell and in-
stall their structures. With its roots in
the agriculture industry, the company
has moved into more commercial and
industrial markets, from commodity
storage to warehousing. the demand for
their Canadian-made fully engineered
structures in the Canadian oil and gas
industry has seen a large growth in the
last few years, and with the expansion
of their dealer network, Calhoun Super
Structures has the ability to provide local
service to these industries.
Engineered for the Canadian climate,
the hot dip galvanized steel framework
of a Calhoun Super Structure provides
superior protection and durability in
any environment. With the natural light
of a fabric cover and a free-span truss sys-
tem, a Calhoun Super Structure can help
to lower your energy consumption and
increase your storage capacity. For a mul-
titude of applications, a Calhoun Super
Structure can provide a customized and
cost-effective solution for all your stor-
age needs.
taking pride in ownership and know-
ing that their family name is on every
building that they manufacture and sell,
Calhoun have made it their personal
mission to ensure that each building is
engineered to be the strongest, most re-
liable product on the market. Calhoun
like their struCtures,faMily-owned Calhoun suPer struCture Continues to grow and exPand
Progress Energy Canada Ltd., a leader in Canadian natural gas development for North America, is pioneering new infrastructure for delivering liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pacific Rim markets. Progress is owned by PETRONAS of Malaysia, which is planning a world-scale LNG export facility – Pacific NorthWest LNG, on Canada’s West Coast, near Prince Rupert, British Columbia. Progress and Pacific NorthWest LNG are helping craft a bright new future for Canada’s energy exports.
Canadian EnErgy. global rEaCh.ProgressEnergy.com
Progress ad may 6.indd 1 2013-05-06 12:30 PM
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 91
www.calhoun.ca 1.800.265.3994 [email protected]
See the Calhoun Difference!
• Hot Dip Galvanized • Naturally Bright, Free Span Interior• Proven Site Specifi c Engineering• Lower Operational Costs• Quick Installation• Storage Solutions Customized For Your Industry and Location
Let a Calhoun Dealer assist you throughout your entire project!
Call or � nd us Online!
uses cutting-edge technology to engineer
your fabric tension building to your ex-
act site loads, use and application. being
one of the only names in the industry
to utilize 3D Finite Element Non-Linear
Analysis on each and every building,
Calhoun can ensure the integrity of
your structure right down to the size of
a pinhead. Knowing that each building
is engineered and manufactured using
the most precise technology allows the
Calhoun family to pursue new and in-
novative markets for their structures.
Aware of how important it is to have
someone beside you every step of the
way, from the initial concept and design
to installation and completion, Calhoun
Super Structure has enlisted a dedi-
cated dealer network to provide service
throughout your entire project. From the
very beginning, the Calhoun family has
focused on providing exceptional cus-
tomer service to each and every client,
and expects nothing less from their deal-
ers. having a local dealer assist in all as-
pects of the project and provide personal
service to the customer is important to
the Calhoun family and has been the
backbone of the company since the very
beginning. their dealer network is an ex-
tension of the family business, and like a
family, Calhoun provide assistance and
support to each and every one of their
dealers.
As the Calhoun family continues to
expand, so does their company. their
strength is in their structure, not just the
structure of their engineered buildings,
but the structure of their company, their
employees and their dealers. Confidence
in their products and their company al-
lows the Calhoun family peace of mind
knowing that they can provide the most
reliable structure on the market, after all,
their family name is on each and every
one of their buildings they manufacture
and sell!
to find a local Calhoun dealer near
you, go to www.calhoun.ca. S
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201392
there’s no such thing as nine-to-five
in the oil and gas industry, and no
service company knows that better
than toG Systems. In its 11th year of op-
eration, toG provides remote commu-
nications solutions and products to the
oil and gas industry throughout british
Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
Companies in this sector have grown to
trust and rely on toG when it comes to
getting a remote site or rig connected in a
timely and safe manner.
Taking remote communicationsto new heights toG supplies and services the latest in
communications equipment including
satellite, cellular and Internet services,
portable towers, rig phones, radios, and
computer or camp packages. If there
is a communications need the current
equipment doesn’t solve, toG partners
with manufacturers or suppliers to de-
velop and build a custom solution en-
suring that their customers get the right
solution for their unique needs…and
this is really where toG stands apart
from their competitors. this focus on re-
search and development keeps toG on
the front line and drives them to create
new industry standards.
“We take the time to innovate and we
are committed to investing in the future
of this industry. All of our clients have
unique needs and when presented with
a new challenge, we go out and search
the globe for products – and if doesn’t
exist, well, then we create it,” says Diane
Nordhagen, CEo of toG Systems.
Service you can count on Employees are considered toG’s big-
gest assets, and over the years manage-
ment has built up a team of specialists in
all fields from health and safety to field
technicians. Each person brings a unique
skill set that contributes to the success of
the company and helps position them as
one of the top remote communications
companies in Western Canada.
“We really nurture long-term relation-
ships both within our company and
with our customers,” Nordhagen says,
noting this is a key part of toG’s philos-
ophy. “We invest in people and when we
receive feedback from customers about
our exceptional staff and service – we
consider the job well done.”
TOG’s network management one of the key foundations in remote
communications is to have solid, reli-
able equipment that will operate under
challenging conditions and to keep that
equipment operating smoothly despite
the many complications that may be
caused by both man and nature. toG
delivers a level of service and through-
put that gives remote sites the ability
to function like an office in any city.
by investing in building systems that
provide premium services and utiliz-
ing industry-leading hardware and soft-
ware, toG can remotely manage and
maintain a site. this degree of control
gives toG complete network visibility
with diagnostic tools to flag and resolve
potential issues before they become a
problem. their latest systems with dual
sources of Internet are networked seam-
lessly on sites allowing a level of redun-
dancy and assurance that critical sites
require.
For more information on tog systems, or
to sign up for their email newsletter, go to
togsystems.ca. call 780-356-3965 for a
quote or immediate service. S
western Canada’s oil + gas CoMMuniCations exPertstog systems
At Williams Scotsman of Canada, we’re proud of the work we do. Our talented team of experts understands the specific challenges of each unique region of our country because our knowledge and expertise is homegrown. From the harshest, most remote locations, to the heart of major cities and everywhere in between, our design professionals have the local experience necessary to work with you to combine functionality, innovative technology, and intelligent design to satisfy your every need.
Whether your project requires a temporary or permanent facility, for a few workers to several thousand, we can design and customize a modular solution that supports your company goals. Fast, functional, flexible solutions that are as hard working as the country they serve.
• Administrative offices • Washcars and water storage units• Bunkhouses • VIP staff quarters• Kitchen and dining facilities • Conference rooms• Recreation complexes • Command and security centers
Homegrown
800.782.1500www.willscot.ca
Modular Solutions
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201394
the use of modular construction has never been more
prevalent in the construction industry because it ad-
dresses many of the major issues that are faced while
implementing large projects, such as those proposed in british
Columbia. these issues can include limited access to remote
areas, aggressive construction schedules, severe site weather
conditions, limited local availability of labour, and adherence
to high quality and safety standards.
Sarens, a global leader in heavy lift and specialized trans-
port services, has recently entered the british Columbia market
and is currently working at Rio tinto’s Kitimat Modernization
Project. this project, as with many large projects, involves the
transportation and installation of large prefabricated modules
through the use of large cranes and hydraulically-driven trailers,
known as Self-Propelled Modular transporters (SPMt).
the benefits of modular construction were particularly evi-
dent at the Koniambo Project, a nickel mine in New Caledonia,
off the coast of east Australia. the 400-kilometre-long French
territory includes only one large city, the southern capital
Noumea, and one power station that supplies the island with
electricity. Most infrastructure in New Caledonia is rudimen-
tary, making it a daunting challenge to build a vast plant, de-
signed to produce 60,000 metric tons of nickel annually. the
heart of the plant consisted of 17 modules totaling 40,000 tons.
Altogether, there were 450 modular constructions to be trans-
ported and installed, the heaviest weighing 3,750 tons.
the load-in from the assembly yard was completed by Sa-
rens using SPMts. Modules then travelled to site in four marine
shipments to a wharf near the mine site, from which they were
transported to site on more than 120 axles of SPMts and erect-
ed to a height of 60 metres using tower and skidding systems.
operation of the above-mentioned equipment, along with
Modular ConstruCtion a key solution in overCoMing ProJeCt issues
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 95
Sarens understands today’s high standards in the oil and gas industry. Our specialists focus on providing tailor-made solutions for all your heavy lifting and heavy transport needs.
A focus on safety and quality underliesevery decision. All of our processes meet ISO / OHSAS standards and are continuously monitored by our professional QEHS representatives.
Contact us to learn more: Sarens Canada1901 5th StreetNisku, AB T9E 7V7Tel: +1 (780) 955 [email protected]
www.sarens.com - [email protected]
over 25 cranes larger than 100 tons capacity, required over 120
employees working onsite. Safety and quality throughout con-
struction were ensured through comprehensive planning at the
company’s engineering office in belgium and implementation
of a rigorous management program onsite.
the Sarens Group has been providing heavy lift services and
specialized transport for over 55 years, building a thriving en-
terprise that now touches every continent. With offices in more
than 50 countries, Sarens’ 4,000 dedicated employees embody
the spirit of the company’s motto – nothing too heavy, nothing
too high.
the success of the Sarens Group as a specialist of the extraor-
dinary is built around an unwavering commitment to safety,
engineering creativity, and operational excellence. Add state-of-
the-art design tools to one of the world’s largest inventory of
cranes, transporters and specialty rigging equipment, along with
a team of highly skilled professionals, and it becomes clear why
Sarens has evolved into an international market leader in heavy
lift services and specialized transport.
For more information about the Sarens Group please visit
www.sarens.com. S
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201396
Remote locations and the un-
predictable weather in Canada
create unique challenges for
the resource industry. Namely, getting
equipment and crews into remote areas
while minimizing damage to terrain,
protecting vegetation and wildlife. Like
any challenge, this creates opportuni-
ties for solutions and, in 2007, terrapro
Group Inc. was founded by Richard Kul-
hawe (president and CEo) and Colin
Schmidt (VP, sales and business devel-
opment) to offer just such solutions.
terraPro provides remote-access mat-
ting products across Western Canada
and beyond. Since being founded in
2007, terraPro has seized the opportu-
nity presented to it and grown rapidly,
becoming one of the leading provid-
ers of remote-access matting products
in Western Canada. this growth has
not gone without notice. In fact, ter-
raPro has been recognized as one of
“Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies”
by ProFit magazine (award winner in
2011, and member of the “hot 50” start-
ups, 2012 and 2013). In 2013, ProFit
recognized terraPro as the fourth fast-
est-growing company in Canada, the
fastest-growing company in Alberta, the
fastest-growing natural resources com-
pany, and the fastest-growing private
company in Canada.
terraPro’s success belies the simplic-
ity of its product offering. there may be
nothing simpler than a piece of wood
on the ground for equipment to drive
or set up on. terraPro’s core business
utilizes this traditional approach to ad-
dressing its client’s access challenges
with an inventory that includes a vari-
ety of traditional wood mat products.
As this inventory continues to grow, the
company has been able to entrench it-
self amongst the leading players in ac-
cess matting.
terraPro is also highly focused on
providing innovative solutions as envi-
ronmental standards and logistics issues
in the resource sector continue to evolve.
this includes investing in new tech-
nologies that address concerns around
soil cross-contamination by mats (a
well-known and documented industry
challenge), as well as new products that
provide particularly helpful solutions in
more environmentally sensitive areas
while addressing concerns over the cost
of transporting mats as well.
terraPro has recognized that different
clients have different needs and, as a re-
sult, provides mats for either rent or sale
to clients. In addition, terraPro offers
experienced crews to mobilize inven-
tory on an ongoing basis, whether the
client is renting or buying the mats from
terraPro or not. It has also developed a
real-time “mat-tracking” technology,
which allows the client to know where
their mats are, who moved them, how
many they have, and how long they’ve
been at that location.
As the company moves into the fu-
ture, there remains significant opportu-
nities to continue its growth trajectory
both in its traditional wooden matting
business, as well as in the innovative so-
lutions it provides.
“our focus is to provide the highest-
quality products, delivered by the best
people in the industry at a fair and pre-
dictable price,” says Richard Kulhawe,
CEo of terraPro Group. “our success
is based on the hard work and loyalty
of our dedicated employees, customers
and vendors, and the trust placed in us
by investors in the company. We look
forward to continuing to grow our busi-
ness while serving the needs of all of
our stakeholders.” S
terraPro – tradition and innovationBy Blain davis, public relations at terraPro group of companies
855.255.MATS (6287) toll free www.terraprogroup.com
Temporary Roadways and Work Surfaces for the Resource Industry
INNOVATION
2012
200
PRODUCTWe source the highest quality product for sale and rent with several staging yards all over
western Canada.
PEOPLEWe work to clearly understand
your needs, confirm our understanding with you and then go about our business
delivering the solution.
PRICINGWe strive to offer you the
greatest value for your matting dollar.
MAT TRACKINGWe can help you know where
your mats are anytimeand anywhere.
• Oak• Hybrid• Fir• CLT• Rig mats• Composite• Tanks
• Experienced crews• Safe• Professional• Courteous
• Fair• Competitive• Predictable
• Online• Real time• Customized reporting
Corporate Office#200 Brentwood Professional Place48 Brentwood BoulevardSherwood Park, AB T8A 2H5
855.255.MATS (6287) toll freeEmail: [email protected]
A portion of Mat Rental revenue goes to support Breast Cancer research.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 201398
A few beers, a conversation, and a
boat – that is all it took. the de-
cision for twin Anchors to diver-
sify from manufacturing houseboats to
building well-site accommodation struc-
tures for the oil and gas industry was
that simple. however, it was with time,
effort, and dedication that tA Structures
grew into the company it is today.
tA Structures’ roots are with twin
Anchors houseboat Vacations, a rental
company the family has operated on
Mara and Shuswap lakes in Sicamous,
b.C. since 1977. It was here on the twin
Anchors dock that a conversation be-
tween friends launched into a new busi-
ness venture.
“A close friend of my husband’s was
visiting from out of town during the
summer,” said Georgina Kyllo, tA presi-
dent. “he was working in the oilfield
industry at the time and was staying
on one of our boats to unwind dur-
ing his vacation. the two were sharing
stories and a few beers on the top deck
one night, when he mentioned that
he wouldn’t mind staying in camps as
much if they were built like our house-
boats. that was all it took,” she laughed.
Confident in their ability to effi-
ciently manufacture well-site structures
of equal quality to the luxury house-
boats built by twin Anchors Manufac-
turing, they made the transition from
building from the hull up to building
from the skid up in 2005. For a time
during those early years, tA, the rookie
in the industry, was widely known as
“those houseboat guys”. It was during
the global economic downturn of 2008
that the significance of this transition
was felt, with houseboat manufactur-
ing coming to a standstill. tA Struc-
tures is what kept twin Anchors and its
employees afloat.
today, tA Structures is the largest
private-sector employer in Sicamous,
building rugged, durable and mod-
ern units at its 60,000-square-foot
CSA-certified manufacturing plant in
Sicamous. Each tA project is unique,
with careful consideration of the cli-
ent’s specific needs to offer affordable
and flexible solutions. built with su-
perior materials and skilfully crafted,
tA manufactures a range of products,
including worksite accommodation
units, rig managers, command centres,
camps and dorms, offices, as well as
steel and aluminum fabrication.
their units have been called “a home
away from home”. In the past, work-
site accommodation has been noto-
rious for being considered cramped
and uncomfortable. tA Structures has
heightened the industry standard with
a long-time history of hand-built qual-
ity products, exceptional services, and
credible customer satisfaction. It is no
longer feasible for companies, serious
about employee retention, to accept
less than satisfactory living conditions
for their workers.
ISo-approved, each component of
manufacturing is built to precise speci-
fication in a construction environment
made for success. tA Structures works
to build lasting working relationships
with a commitment to exceptional ser-
vices and customer satisfaction.
to learn more about tA Structures,
visit www.tastructures.com, or call
toll-free 1-800-558-0881. to check out
tA’s parent company, twin Anchors
houseboat Vacations, please visit
www.twinanchors.com. S
By sarah Kyllo
worksite solutions CraftedfroM houseBoat Beginningsta structures
1.800.558.0881tastructures.com
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013100
Peregrine Pressure testing Ltd. was
incorporated in August 2006 and
currently operates a fleet of 14
pressure-testing units. We operate a va-
riety of units with operating pressures
to 105,000 KPA (15,000 PSI) and pump
rates to 400 litres per minute (LPM). All
our units are equipped with our state-of-
the-art digital computerized charting and
recording system, and have a secondary
backup charting system.
Peregrine does a variety of pressure
testing, from blow-out prevention sys-
tems, plant and facility testing, pipelines,
formation integrity tests, formation leak-
off tests, micro fracs and hydrology tests.
We introduced our first 105,000 KPA
high-rate unit in 2011. this unit is capable
of 90 litres per minute at 105,000 KPA
and is equipped with an 8,000-litre tank,
centrifugal pump for line filling, and fluid
transfer at up to 1,200 LPM.
In 2012, we put our newest high-pres-
sure high-volume unit into service. this
unit is capable of 275 LPM at 69,000 KPA
and 400 LPM at 42,000 KPA. this unit is
also equipped with a centrifigal pump ca-
pable of 1,500 LPM for line filling or fluid
transfer, bowie pump, 12,000-litre fluid
tank, 1.5 figure 1502 integral iron and fittings, and 100 feet of
105,000 KPA working-pressure hose.
We now offer high-volume low-pressure diesel-powered
pumps for pipeline filling or fluid transfer, the smaller units
are capable of pumping 4,000 litres per minute with lift ca-
pabilities of 360 feet and are self-priming from 30 below the
pump. our larger unit is capable of 16,000 litres per minute,
and up to 700 feet of lift. We are also able to chart and record
fill rate and volume pumped.
We currently have units stationed in Fort St. John and Fort
Nelson, b.C., as well as service Northwest Alberta. All units
are equipped with a full range of test subs, crossover subs and
cup testers, flow metre, digital deadweight, standard gauges,
and barton chart recorder for back up. With our digital com-
puterized charting and recording system we are able to record
all data in one-second intervals. All data can be exported in an
Excel format with pressure, volume pumped, pumping rate,
temperature and remote pressure if required. by simply click-
ing on the exported chart it will give you any information you
require.
Peregrine Pressure testing Ltd. is CoR certified, registered
with ISNetworld, Complyworks, and PICS. We are also regis-
tered with Worksafe bC and Alberta Workers’ Compensation
board, and carry full liability insurance.
All our operators go through an intensive training and
mentoring program so we can have the most capable people
doing fieldwork.
At Peregrine, safety is our number-one priority. our mot-
to is “under Pressure, under Control”, and with our digital
charting and recording system, if there are well control issues,
you have digital back up to show the tests were done to the
correct pressures and timelines.
If you have any questions or require more information,
please feel free to contact us at 250-787-8662, or email
under Pressure, under ControlPeregrine Pressure testing ltd.
all units are equipped with a full range of test subs, crossover subs and cup testers, flow metre,
digital deadweight, standard gauges, and Barton chart recorder for back up.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 101
Edge Electric & Controls is a Dawson Creek, b.C.-based
company servicing the oil and gas industry in Northern
b.C. and Northern Alberta. We opened our doors in Sep-
tember 2008 with four partners and an office manager. We have
had continual growth, and to date we have a team of 24 that
consists of employees and contractors. We have highly skilled
journeyman electricians, journeymen instruments technicians,
as well as apprentices in various stages. We carefully hand select
our team in order to maintain excellent service to our valued
customers. our services include maintenance for the oil and
gas industry, construction for the oil and gas industry, as well
as electrical services ranging from industrial to residential. We
pride ourselves in maintaining a safe, fun work environment, as
well as having safe, happy, satisfied customers.
the safety of our workers and those around us is important
to our team. to date we have not had any reportable incidents.
We are CoR-certified (Certificate of Recognition) and we com-
ply with ISNetworld, as well as Comply Works and browz.
Protection of the environment is also important to us here at
Edge, as well as Edge’s customers. this is maintained by proper
housekeeping and proper training of our workers.
training for our team is ongoing. Proper safety tickets are up
to date, such as h2S and First Aid. As well, our team of journey-
men provide proper training to our apprentices to practice and
follow policies and procedures set out by Edge Controls.
Due to our growth, Edge is undertaking the building of a
16,000-square-foot building in Dawson Creek’s newest indus-
trial park near the airport. this will be our new home and we
will have office and shop space available to lease.
We see the growth in the area as an opportunity to grow our
company to better serve the needs of our existing customers,
and are poised to serve our new customers.
We look forward to this challenge, and as a hometown,
homegrown company, we are here to stay!
Visit us at 34 Vic turner Road in Dawson Creek, b.C. S
a teaM that works
INSTALLATION & COMMISSIONING | CONSTRUCTION | POWER DISTRIBUTION & MOTOR CONTROL
PROGRAMMING & SUPPORT | CONTROL PANEL FABRICATION | WELLSITE & RTU INSTALLATIONS
CALIBRATION & TESTING | ZEDI INSTALLS & SERVICING | COMMISSIONING & START-UP ASSISTANCE
ADMINISTERING MEASUREMENT PROGRAMS | PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Edge Electric & Controls613 - 104th Avenue | Dawson Creek, British Columbia | V1G 2H1
P: (250) 784-0555 | F: (250) 784-0556 | E: [email protected]
www.edgecontrols.ca
“Local People Providing Cutting EDGE Products and Services”
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013102
At the start of the winter season
of 1996-97, David Phibbs head-
ed for Fort St. John to look for
first aid work in the oil patch with his
son Mark, two mobile first aid vehicles,
and a first aid trailer. After approaching
companies for work for many days with
no success, they had finally taken a day
off to do some ice fishing on Charlie
Lake and consider their options. they
did not catch any fish that day, but they
did receive a phone call from Surerus
Pipeline. Surerus hired them to cover
first aid on a major pipeline they were
doing north of Fort St. John, and so
began the venture that became Alpha
Safety Ltd. Later, in the summer of ‘97,
Phibbs’ whole family moved up to Fort
St. John. As the doors of opportunity
opened for Alpha Safety, the company
began to grow steadily.
today Alpha Safety, co-owned by Da-
vid Phibbs and his wife Judy, consists
of two divisions – training and field op-
erations. Each year, literally thousands
of workers get their required safety cer-
tificates through Alpha training Solu-
tions, located in a 9,000-square-foot
training facility in downtown Fort St.
John. training is also available on-site
in any location convenient for the cli-
ent. Alpha training Solutions, a divi-
sion of Alpha Safety Ltd., is known as
the premier safety training school in
Northeast b.C.
the field division consists of a fleet of
mobile treatment centres and h2S air
trailers, with medic and h2S safety su-
pervisors. Field operations are housed
in a large shop in a separate location in
Fort St. John.
Little did they realize 16 years ago
that Alpha would be where it is today.
over the years, they have seen many
safety companies come and go, and it
seems a lot of them came to ride the
wave, cash in, and leave. Alpha has nev-
er thought that way; instead they are a
company that has put its roots down
to provide stable employment over the
long haul. Does this mean they don’t
have their ups and downs? of course
not! the oil patch has its cycles after all,
but it’s the challenge of balancing those
seasons of boom and bust that separate
those who are committed to the indus-
try from those who are not.
A long-term outlook, with proper
planning and key employee trust are es-
sential. their mission statement: “to be
a positive influence in the marketplace
locally, nationally and internationally,
demonstrated by both our words and
actions” is what the heart of their com-
pany is about. their core values of trust,
service, stewardship, and long-term car-
ing relationships are the foundation it
is built on. to put these into practice
takes focus, discipline, and encourage-
ment. Yes, it took a lot of hard work,
long hours and sacrifice, but it has been
worth it all.
David and Judy feel that it is Alpha’s
destiny to fulfill its calling to be a posi-
tive influence in the marketplace. S
the Callingalpha safety ltd.
Why Climb a Ladder?
“The Team You Can Trust”1.888.868.2658 www.marmitplastics.com
Marmit Plastics’ Revolutionary TOPFILL Tank Adaptor
the field division consists of a fleet of mobile
treatment centres and H2s air trailers, with medic and
H2s safety supervisors.
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B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013104
halo Environmental Ltd.
has introduced spray-ap-
plied polyurethane mem-
branes to the Northern b.C. area for
secondary containment. Several local
oil and gas operators are now switch-
ing from the traditional polyethylene
lining systems to the more advanced
and reliable polyurethane spray liners.
Spray-applied polyurethane mem-
branes have an excellent resistance to
very cold temperatures (down to -50
degrees Celsius) and very hot liquids
(up to 150 degrees Celsius), excellent
chemical tolerance, acid resistance,
and an incredible surface abrasion/
wear and tear durability unmatched by
LDPE and hDPE membranes.
halo has been using this technology
for the past 10 years in Western Cana-
da, and has developed a product spe-
cifically engineered for the harsh and
ever-changing climate in Canada that
we have become accustomed to.
the polyurethane membrane picks
up where traditional polyethylene lin-
ers leave off. the polyurethane liners’
ability to attach to any surface removes
the requirement for pipe boots that are
wrapped around protrusions, resulting
in weak points in the containment area.
the metal clamps that are used to se-
cure the boots to the piles often come
loose and allow fluids to pass between
the boot and the pile. this also elimi-
nates the need to use any type of tape or
calking when sealing around gaps, and
since it is all spray applied in a multi-
pass coating system, it is one complete
membrane. LDPE and hDPE liners
are welded together, which causes in-
creased stress points on the seams and
increases the potential for leaks and
separation to occur over time.
sPray-aPPlied Polyurethane liners rePlaCe traditional lining systeMs in northern B.C.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 105
1st in Secondary Containment
Spray Applied Polyurethane Liners For Secondary Containment for:New and Existing Tank Farms | Compressors | Concrete Sumps & Trenches | Leaking Facility Roofs
Repair Existing LDPE & HDPE Liners | Protects and Preserves Concrete | Corrugated Zero Ground Disturbance Metal Containment
Walls | Spray Foam Insulation for Tanks, Well Heads, and Skids | Smoke Test Existing Liners For Confirmed Integrity
• Stays Flexible Down To -50C• Fire Resistant & Can Handle Fluids Up to 150C• Abrasion Resistant• Chemical Resistant• Does Not Require Ground Cover
Benefits:• Fast Curing – Will attach to Any Surface• No Boots or Clamps Required to Attach to Pipes, Piles, or Walls• Can be installed all Winter Long• Several Mobile Spray Units to Handle Any Sized Project
Fort St. John: 250 787 7077 | Grande Prairie: 780 830 0177 | Edmonton: 780 265 4256 | Calgary: 403 945 0177 | Toll Free: 888 945 0177www.halo1.ca
Many of the tank farms and fluid stor-
age areas around the province have ag-
gregate placed over top to protect them
from uV damage and surface wear and
tear. this inhibits proper liner inspec-
tions and leaves an open door for po-
tential contaminants to leak out of the
area without the operator’s knowledge.
this problem is overcome with the
use of the polyurethane spray liner, as
it is uV resistant. It does not require
the aggregate to cover the liner, will
elongate up to 100 per cent of its origi-
nal size, and will stay flexible down to
-50 degrees Celsius. this makes halo’s
polyurethane spray liner a far superior
choice for a long-term secondary con-
tainment application.
halo also has pioneered the ability
to test the integrity of the liner with its
unique smoke machine. A thick pres-
surize fogging smoke is blown under
the liner, and if any holes exist, the
smoke will billow out of these holes,
easily identifying any trouble spots
that can then be fixed with the poly-
urethane spray.
halo’s spray-applied polyurethane
liner is truly the next generation when
it comes to secondary containment,
saving operators time and money from
repairing faulty liners, and dealing
clean ups from potential spills.
halo Environmental Ltd. is all you
need for your secondary containment
needs. S
Halo has been using this technology for the past 10 years in Western canada,
and has developed a product specifically engineered for the harsh and ever-
changing climate in canada that we have become accustomed to.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013106
through innovation and ingenuity, Safety boss has been a
worldwide leader in the business of well control and hydro-
carbon firefighting for 57 years. With the same approach,
Safety boss offers a complete line of safety services. It’s in the pre-
planning stages that Safety boss can be of the most help.
As frac operations get bigger, so does the demand for firefight-
ing equipment and personnel. Frac equipment has already been
lost on several smaller frac operations due to inadequate supply
and delivery of firefighting foam and water. Multi-truck fire sys-
tems do not mean better fire knockdown rates. Smokey fire trucks
are the only custom fire trucks specifically designed for the largest
possible demands in the oil and gas industry. one Smokey Fire
truck is adequate for the largest frac operation with a minimum of
400 bbl (48 kL) of on-site water, as well as additional firefighters
depending on the operation.
FAQ’s - What makes Smokey Fire Trucks different? are smokey Fire trucks ul rated? Yes, a plate is mounted on every
Smokey Fire truck with these ratings. the underwriters Laborato-
ries Rating is a third-party rating ensuring our fire trucks do what
we say they can do.
Why is the pump rate so important? All NFPA (National Fire Pro-
tection Association) specifications are based on the pump rate ver-
sus the area to be covered. Simply put, the higher the pump rate,
the larger the area that can be covered. Smokey Fire trucks have
the largest fire pump available. they’re all uL Performance Rated
at 3,500 GPM (13 m3/min) from a 10-foot draft; however being a
Centrifugal type Pump as the suction pressure increases, so does
the discharge rate. For example, taking suction from a hydrant-
type system, this same fire truck will deliver discharge rates over
5,000 GPM (19 m3/min). the obvious benefit is that the Smokey
Fire trucks are capable of covering much larger areas than com-
petitors’ trucks, some of which are rated as low as 500 GPM (1.9
m3/min) and none have the larger pumps.
What type of Foam injection system is used? the Smokey Fire
trucks use a balanced pressure system that allows for an accurate
foam consistency regardless of changes in rates or pressures. the
balanced pressure system allows for foaming any outlet stream.
For example, the firefighters may want a straight water stream for
cooling in one area and another foamed stream for a fire knock-
down.
What type of foam is used? Safety boss recently upgraded to
FireAde®2000 which has six times the Fire Knockdown Rate of
uL162, while using one-sixth of the volume. FireAde® 2000 is
biodegradable and environmentally safe.
What is the coverage range of the water/foam stream? From any
single point, the coverage range is 100 metres, which is enough for
the largest frac operations.
are smokey Fire trucks winterized? Yes, they have a completely
independent heating system to keep the enclosed pump compart-
ment, water tank, and foam concentrate at a controlled tempera-
ture. Smokey Fire trucks have proven performance at -50°C, a very
important reliability feature for typical Canadian sub-arctic oper-
ating conditions.
What type of shower system is on board the smokey Fire trucks? Are
they ANSI/ohSA/WCb compliant? three independent decon-
tamination/shower stations complete with showerhead, eyewash
basin, and deluge hose are included. the whole system is fully
compliant with ANSI/ohSA/WCb specifics. Also, each unit is ca-
pable of full containment of contaminated fluids.
Call Safety boss for a quote on all your safety services to ensure
that you have the right capability on site to protect your invest-
ment, as well as your crew’s safety. S
the right fire truCk for the JoBsmokey series Fire trucks
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013108
Rosenau transport Ltd. started in 1957 with a sin-
gle pickup truck and has grown to over 350 power
units and approximately 1,000 trailers. As a result,
Rosenau transport continues to infiltrate more and more
communities in Western Canada. With 32 terminal and
agency locations, Rosenau continues to grow in communi-
ties from as far away as brandon, Man. to our most north-
ern community of Fort Nelson, b.C. Rosenau currently em-
ploys over 500 people and continues to grow every day.
Rosenau transport started out as the typical mom and
pop operation, and has grown into one of the largest pri-
vately held transport companies in Western Canada. With
becoming a leader in the industry, our company strives to
be a leader in the community as well. When Rosenau trans-
port sets up shop in a town, we set up with a long-term
commitment in mind. With that long-term commitment,
we want to invest in the community that supports our busi-
ness.
Rosenau has been involved in numerous events, charities,
and sponsorship programs since inception. We want to be
involved, whether it is donating to a local baseball team
giving BaCk to the CoMMunityrosenau transport ltd.By Ken rosenau
Fort nelson facility.
rosenau has been involved in numerous charities, functions, and various events to give back to the community that has helped us prosper, including
the Fort nelson Hospital Foundation hockey tournaments and curling bonspiels, Fort nelson seniors society, Fort nelson Petroleum association,
and the childcare resources & referral.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 109
• Brandon • Brooks • Calgary • Chetwynd• Cranbrook • Dawson Creek • Drayton Valley• Edmonton • Fort McMurray • Fort Nelson• Fort St. John • Fox Creek • Grande Prairie• Lethbridge • Lloydminster • Manning• Medicine Hat • Peace River • Prince George• Red Deer • Regina • Saskatoon • Sparwood• Red Deer • Regina • Saskatoon • Sparwood• Swift Current • Tumbler Ridge • Wainwright• Whitecourt
DAILY SERVICE BETWEEN
WWW.ROSENAU.ORGFor more information please go to our website.
• LTL • Full Load • Bulk • Hot Shots/Express• Scheduled Delivery • Overnight Service• Decks • Container Chassis • Heated Vans• Consolidation • Yard Storage• Heated Warehouse Storage
SERVING WESTERN CANADA
or various provincial charities, like
the Alberta heart and Stroke Founda-
tion. Some of which are near and dear
to our hearts, including the StARS Air
Ambulance.
Carl Rosenau, president of Rosenau
transport says, “God forbid one of our
drivers will ever need this service, but
if we ever do need it, we want to sup-
port a charity that will bring one of our
own safely home.”
one of our northern british Colum-
bia terminals is situated in Fort Nel-
son, b.C. Fort Nelson is home to ap-
proximately 4,500 residents. Rosenau
transport started serving this small
community back in late 2007. At the
start, we were a company trying to
make inroads and selling our service
and on-time performance. Some days
were a struggle, but no matter the size
of the shipment, we proved that we
were going to make it in Fort Nelson.
As time went by, the freight started to
increase and we were quickly up to a
truckload of freight a day. As a result,
we quickly recognized that we need-
ed a bigger facility. the old adage of
“build it and they will come” came to
mind. In December 2009 we moved
into a new eight-door facility. With the
addition of this new space, it quickly
became evident in the community that
Rosenau was here for the long haul.
In the past four years, Rosenau has
been involved in numerous chari-
ties, functions, and various events to
give back to the community that has
helped us prosper, including the Fort
Nelson hospital Foundation hockey
tournaments and curling bonspiels
that have raised in excess of $200,000
over the past three years. the Fort Nel-
son Seniors Society, Fort Nelson Petro-
leum Association, and the Childcare
Resources & Referral are just a few of
the various groups and charities that
we try to support on a daily basis. As
a result of some of this hard work,
Rosenau transport was recognized as
business of the Year the past two out of
three years.
Rosenau transport Limited is a
leader in the transportation world and
strives to be the leader in the commu-
nities that have continued to help us
become best in class. Giving back to
the various communities that help us
become a better company makes me
feel proud to be part of this organiza-
tion.
Ken rosenau is the director of opera-
tions at rosenau transport limited. S
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013110
Skybase Geomatic Solutions Inc.
(dba: Skybase Solutions) has
been around the oil and gas
industry since 2001. Distilled from a
few decades of field surveying in the
patch prior to that, company CEo Rob
Coutts says “when people realize what
we can do for them, they embrace our
tools immediately, as we help them
keep money in their pockets; RoIs
are typically calculated in a few short
days.”
Skybase has set the bar high in oil-
field navigation.
“We have had a consultant call back
the very next day to thank us and let
us know that it had already paid for
itself!”
the product that he was referring to
is the premier navigational map sys-
tem in the Canadian oil and gas indus-
try, appropriately called the PatchMap.
PatchMap has a few flavours, but
the main usage is in combination with
Garmin GPS units for in-vehicle navi-
gation and in office-based PC software
for job bidding and crew dispatching,
and map and turn printing. Some Au-
tomated Vehicle Location (AVL) com-
panies utilize a web-based version of
the product, and soon it will appear as
an Android cellphone app.
In addition to top sellers PatchMap,
bushMap and AgMap, Skybase has also
pioneered several software solutions
for situations that no sane software
company would consider (as there are
too few potential customers). FireSpot
is a PC-based product that enables a
helicopter pilot to perform as a GIS
tech while locating and tagging fire
hotspots for ground crews. GPSbuddy
never lost – save tiMe and fundswith the right navigation systeM
search lsd for Wellsite info on PatchMap Pc.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 111
garmin gPs.
is a free GPS to PC (and back) transfer
tool that utilizes Google Maps satellite
view for instant situational awareness.
After deciding to be more than a
map and navigation expert, Skybase
Solutions have developed 360-degree
photo viewing software and the sys-
tems for deploying them on both ve-
hicles and helicopters.
“Now we are entering into custom-
ized hardware/software solutions that
can be leveraged for regulatory com-
pliance purposes, but then used by
others in the same company (the ‘hey,
I could use that’ moment) for environ-
mental and strategic development, a
side benefit not initially considered,”
says Coutts.
he adds, “We also have something
quite revolutionary coming out soon;
it’s really going to be a game changer
in the GIS sector that we inhabit –
we’re calling it hyperMap. If you like
the features of PatchMap and GPSbud-
dy, but want a ‘real’ GIS system, you’ll
feel right at home using hyperMap.”
to get a sneak peak of this new pro-
gram, head to Skybase.ca.
For more information, contact:
Robert Coutts CSt
[email protected] / Cell: 780-518-2666
President / CEo & founder
Skybase Geomatic Solutions Inc. S
“if you like the features of PatchMap and gPsbuddy, but want a ‘real’ gis system, you’ll
feel right at home using HyperMap.”
All roads lead to SkyBase!
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013112
V.E. brandl Ltd. is a family-owned
business based in Fort St. John,
b.C. that has been delivering
quality service, equipment and earth
moving expertise to the oilfield con-
struction industry in Northeastern b.C.,
Northwestern Alberta, and the Yukon
since 1961. A respected name in the in-
dustry, V.E. brandl has built an outstand-
ing reputation over the years, priding
itself not only on the quality of its work,
but also on its integrity and concern for
employee safety and the environment.
originally founded by Vic brandl, his
sons barry, Ron, and Kevin are now run-
ning the company.
V.E. brandl has approximately 80 em-
ployees, many of them long term, and its
supervisors and operators bring a wealth
of experience to the job.
“our biggest asset is our employees.
Whenever we work with new clients,
they seem pretty impressed with the
quality of our work,” barry says.
In addition to its people, V.E. brandl’s
large fleet of modern equipment gives
them the ability to handle a wide range
of projects. V.E. brandl maintains its
fleet of equipment according to one of
the most thorough maintenance pro-
grams in the industry in order to prevent
downtime on job sites. When mainte-
nance or repairs need to be done in the
field, they have five fully rigged service
trucks, which are able to be mobilized
quickly to deal with the issue.
V.E. brandl also prides itself on its
commitment to safety. In its recent an-
nual Certificate of Recognition (CoR)
audit, the company scored 99.27 per
cent, and has had over two years without
a lost-time accident. V.E. brandl has been
innovative in modifying it’s equipment
so that it’s easier for operators to get on
and off their crew trucks and equipment,
because over the years that’s been one
of the major causes of LtAs. one of the
problems, particularly with high drive
Caterpillars, is that there is nowhere
to stand while fueling. V.E. brandl has
modified its service truck decks with a
flip-out platform that workers can stand
on so they don’t have to balance them-
selves on the tracks to fuel up. the com-
pany has also installed guardrails at the
back of its trucks to ensure that opera-
tors use the proper steps when climbing
in and out of their service trucks, along
with adding steps and handholds to all
of its equipment, in addition to the ones
provided by the manufacturer.
V.E. brandl also seeks to ensure em-
ployee safety inside its vehicles. In re-
sponse to concerns and documented
cases of people being injured by being
struck by objects inside a vehicle, V.E.
brandl had a local plastics company
build containers which are attached to
the back seat of its crewcabs using the
existing seatbelts along with bolts on the
floor, which allow for objects, such as
lunchboxes and thermoses, to be secured
during travel. All trucks are equipped
with in-vehicle monitoring systems,
which helps track where employees are
at all times in addition to ensuring that
they drive within the speed limits.
With shale gas development, the en-
ergy industry has changed the way it op-
erates, and V.E. brandl has changed with
it. With many multi-well pads measur-
ing 250 metres by 200 metres or larger, it
is no longer efficient to move the mate-
rial with dozers as was the norm in the
past. As a result, V.E. brandl has added
15 Caterpillar 627 motor scrapers to its
fleet, including two of the latest mod-
els, 627h’s, as the company has found
these to be the most cost-effective way to
move material these distances. In order
to further increase the efficiency of their
crews, they are now able to offer topcon
GPS control for our motor scrapers, doz-
ers, excavators and graders, which allow
them to finish projects to precise toler-
ances with greater speed than would
otherwise be possible.
Looking forward, V.E. brandl sees a
long-term future for shale gas in North-
eastern b.C. And the company is looking
forward to serving the energy industry
for many years to come.
Please contact for more information:
V.E. brandl
t: (250) 785.2916
t: (403) 835.2916
www.vebrandl.com S
Making the earth Move for over 50 years
Based in Fort St. John since 1961 V.E. Brandl has been serving the Canadian Oil and Gas Industry for over 50 years. With a fleet of 90 pieces of earthmoving equipment we have the right machine for any job whether it is building roads, wellsites, plansites or wherever you need material moved quickly and cost effectively. We have recently increased our fleet of 627 motor scrapers to a total of 15 including two 2013 627Hs in response to the industry’s move to large, multi-well pads which require material to be moved distances beyond what crawler tractors can do efficiently. We have outfitted multiple pieces of equipment with Topcon 3D GPS control to maximize the efficiency and accuracy that jobs can be done with. With innovative equipment modifications and guarding, a 99.2% score in our most recent COR audit and a WCB claims cost that is one-third of the industry average V.E. Brandl truly puts safety into action.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013114
Radar Road transport Ltd. has
been serving Fort Nelson and
the surrounding area for more
than 20 years. owner Rick Seidel has
been working in the transportation, con-
struction, and maintenance business for
more than 30 years.
With more than just trucks, Radar
Road transport’s construction division
provides: road maintenance, road and
lease construction, reclamation, right of
ways, and winter access. they also have
tow tractors complete with front-plow
push blades, winches or use the con-
struction disc or the sheepsfoot packer
attachments for your needs. Also avail-
able are the smooth drum packers, vari-
ous dozers, excavators, backhoes, graders
with front-push blades and wings for the
winter, and various picks for any surface
preparation, loaders, skidsteers, water
tanker or water trucks. Plow trucks com-
plete with underbodies and front-push
blades are also available. You need it,
Radar’s got it.
Radar Road transport’s transportation
division continues to offer heavy haul
of all your big loads with up to 10 axle
configurations. We can haul it all even
when road bans are on so we can get
your load where you need it to go. hav-
ing their own pilot cars ensures the safe
transport of your loads. the fleet of trail-
ers include highboys, scissornecks, low-
beds, stepdecks various boosters, and
jeeps. As well, they have tandem and
tridem winch tractors among the fleet
of trucks. having their own end dumps,
gravel trailers, and box trucks with ac-
cess to material (sand, gravel, shale, etc.)
not only can they haul all your mate-
rial needs, the construction division can
place it, spread it, and pack it…. one call
does it all.
Some of their recent successes include
the hauling and placement of 5,000
loads of gravel incident-free on a project
in northeast b.C.
Continuing to comply with industry-
driven safety compliances, they main-
tain a CoR certification with Enform,
are current members of ISN Networld,
ComplyWorks, PICS and Workers Com-
pensation board of b.C.
having a skilled, diverse team of
personnel who are safety orientated,
trained, knowledgeable, and who pride
themselves on providing reliable service,
Radar continues to be an industry service
provider.
You can find Radar Road transport
Ltd. at 4204 - 49th Avenue in Fort Nel-
son, or just look for their sign, which
can be seen from Main Street. Stop by
or look them up on the website at www.
radarroadtransport.com
Founded, owned, and operated by
Rick and Carol Seidel of Fort Nelson,
they are unique in that they are still
small enough to be considered a “mom
and pop” operation, but diversified
enough to meet their client’s needs.
offering reliable quality service with
competitive pricing, if Rick can’t help
you, he will know someone who can. S
one Call does it allradar road transport ltd.
scrapper with forest.
rock truck.
scrapper with forest.
1 1 7 4 7 – 2 3 1 S T R E E T, E D M O N T O N , A B T 5 S 2 C 5
T: 7 8 0 - 4 5 1 - 8 0 8 8 • F : 7 8 0 - 4 5 1 - 8 0 9 0
WONOWON LODGEOPEN CAMP FACILITY
www.gnstrailers.com
Based out of Edmonton, Alberta, GNS has been building and supplying workforce accommodations and building solutions
throughout (Western) Canada for over fourteen years. Backed by our team of experienced professionals, we work quickly but
efficiently to provide you with top quality turnkey solutions to maximize workforce comfort and productivity.
SERVICES OFFERED:
Site design and layout Manufacturing | Retrofitting and complete camp renovation servicesEquipment leasing and sales | Complete camp installation, turnarounds and tear outs | Camp Mobilization (Transportation)
Camp Maintenance: 24/7 on-call service maintenance, field support and onsite troubleshooting,full time maintenance
personnel if required, network of on call Service Trucks throughout Alberta and British Colombia
Complete Camp Operation & Management: Supplies and equipment transportation, communication systems-internet,
telephone, cable/satellite, water storage, sewage containment / treatment, other related utilities.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013116
As with all industry-related safety equipment, the ser-
vicing of breathing apparatus is essential in ensuring
they function as required, especially in IDLh envi-
ronments. Self Contained breathing Apparatus (SCbA) and
Supplied Air breathing Apparatus (SAbA) are widely used
throughout the oil and gas industry. Recently there has been
some discussion regarding the requirements of servicing the
equipment.
What do the regulations say? Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and CSA Standard
Z94.4-11 for care and maintenance of SCbA/SAbA; this in-
cludes a multitude of tests, including a complete visual/ func-
tional inspection, as well as the function test (flow test) of the
first and second stage regulators. All discrepancies are recorded
on the flow test report.
A flow test is a comprehensive test of the SCbA or SAbA to
ensure it is working within the parameters of the manufacturer,
as well as NIoSh or NFPA. the flow test includes, but is Not
limited to:
• Maskleak-check,aswellasathroughvisualinspection
• Firstbreathonregulatoractivationpressure
• Exhalationcheck-valveopeningpressure
• Statusmaskpressure
Breathe rightBy darryl Bodnar
Manufacturer Flow test requirement Mandatory overhaul
Drager Annually None (*Annually part replacement requirement)
MSA Annually Yes
Scott Every two years (*annually in high-use applications or
NFPA units)
None
Survivair Annually Yes
Specializing inHeavy Industrial, Infrastructure and Institutional.
With Plants In: PRINCE GEORGE • DAWSON CREEK • CASTLEGAR • TERRACEToll Free: 877-561-5025 [email protected] www.canasteel.com
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013118
• Bypassflowrate
• Pressuregaugeaccuracy
• Low-pressurealarmactivationPSIaccuracy
• High-pressureleaks
• Breathingresistanceatstandardworkrate
• Breathingresistanceatmaximumworkrate
• Manufacturer-specific testpassingcriteria– thisvarieswith
each manufacturer
Specific manufactures require the test at different intervals,
as well as some mandatory regulator or part specific overhauls.
overhaul and/or maintenance requirements are listed in each
manufacture’s operation and maintenance instructions.
How do I tell if my flow test was performed by an authorized service centre? Questions have been asked by many end users as to how
they can tell if their SCbA or SAbA has been certified by an
authorized and recognized service centre. there are a couple
simple, yet tell-tale ways:
1. Check the flow report
a. You MuSt receive a flow sheet indicating the flow test re-
sults from the certifying party with specific information
pertaining to the unit. this MuSt include identifiable and
specific information relating to your apparatus.
i. the serial number of the first stage and/or second stage
regulator must be the same on the apparatus as on the
flow test report.
b. Look for the specific brand logo
i. If the flow check is performed by an authorized service
centre, using brand-specific software, the applicable
logo (SCott, SuRVIVAIR, DRAGER, MSA) will be pres-
ent on the flow sheet on the top left corner. If the “bio-
systems” or “honeywell” logo is present, the apparatus
has Not been flow tested using the required brand spe-
cific software.
c. the Flow Rate Chart
i. In looking at the flow rate chart on the flow sheet, you
should see the company name and address in a water-
mark. Although some resellers may third party this ser-
vice, it is a good indication whether or not the com-
pany you are working with are certified with the specific
manufacturer.
Considering a new project or majorredesign? BC Safety Authority can help.
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 119
APEX Technological Field Services Ltd.24 Hour Service | (403) 818.2739 (APEX) | [email protected]
www.apextech.ca
Gas Analysis Real Time• Gas Chromatography Analysis Onsite • Critical Sour & High-pressure Services • Trace Oxygen, Millipore Sampling, XRD - XES Analysis for Corrosion Monitoring
• Gas Plant & Well Sampling for Gas, Condensate & Water Analysis• Gas FindIR Camera for Fugitive Emissions Control• Production, Completions, SAGD & Special Projects
• Water & Hydrocarbon Dew Points • DEOS Sampling & Reporting
2. Ask to see specific certification
a. brand-specific training is comprehensive and intense. It is
only made available by the manufacturer a few times per
year and the training is performed over multiple days (four
to five at a minimum).
i. technicians that meet the requirements, including
hands-on observation and written tests, are presented
a certificate identifying them as a “certified technician”.
the certificate also identifies the authorized service cen-
tre the technician is employed by and is Not transfer-
able to any other company without the approval of the
manufacturer.
ii. the technician remains oNLY certified while employed
by an authorized service centre, otherwise the certificate
is VoID.
b. Manufacturers will at times allow large users to become
“in-house” certified to service the equipment. these users
have a large number of apparatus in their fleet for their own
company use. In-house service centre agreements are explic-
itly clear identifying the restriction to owned equipment
only. they are not authorized to perform any third-party
services or repairs.
c. As a commitment to customer service, the manufactures
will offer use and care training to all end users (there is even
a “specialist level” training course). Although the training
can be very informative, it is Not as comprehensive as the
technician level training, and hence does not qualify the
participant as a certified technician.
3. Check with the manufacturer
a. A call to the specific manufacturer will help determine if
your provider is authorized to perform the service on your
apparatus. Contact information can be obtained online, or
ask your provider for the specific regional sales representa-
tive.
Used/reconditioned equipment
Given the cost associated with new equipment, at times,
economics enter the equation and users entertain the notion
of purchasing used or reconditioned equipment. Although
manufactures do not necessarily denounce the sale or pur-
chase of used or reconditioned equipment, buyer beware
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013120
should be employed. Most manufacturers allow the equip-
ment to be re-certified for use, provided it is conducted by an
authorized service centre.
• There aremanyonlineandotherwise companiesoffering
used or reconditioned equipment (SCbA/SAbA) that are
Not certified nor authorized by the manufacture. by fol-
lowing the same guidelines as previously mentioned, the
buyer can be assured the equipment will perform as de-
signed, especially in IDLh atmospheres.
• Purchasingusedorreconditionedequipmentfromanun-
authorized provider can put the user at significant risk, as
well as void the intended approvals and warranties on the
unit.
Given the comprehensive warranty, training and support
offered by distribution partners, often the long-term cost of a
new versus reconditioned or used units demonstrates signifi-
cant benefit.
Cylinders As with the regulators, there are also specific requirement
regarding the mandatory hydrostatic testing of breathing air
cylinders; CSA b339, b340 outline these requirements. Given
the potential danger, it is unlawful for any service provider to
fill a cylinder that is past its hydrotest due date or life expec-
tancy date.
Cylinders approved for a specific brand are Not approved
to be used in another brand of apparatus. the use of cylin-
ders that do not specifically indicate the manufacturer, often
referred to as “jobber” cylinders are Not approved for use
in brand-specific apparatus. the use of these will void the
NIoSh approval on the equipments.
breathing apparatus is a vital piece of safety equipment
largely used in the oil and gas industry. It is imperative that
this equipment is certified according to the regulations to en-
sure worker safety. S
Type Hydrostatic Test Requirement Life Expectancy
Steel/aluminum Every five years Indefinite** (until they fair a hydrotest)
hoop-Wrapped Every three years 15 years
Fully wrapped fiberglass/Kevlar Every three years 15 years
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** aluminum cylinders older than 15 years require an annual internal neck inspection as per csa Z94
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013 121
Situated on Mile 101 of the Alaska
highway, Wonowon Lodge is a
home-away-from-home for many
who work in the oil and gas industry. the
modern open camp facility operated by
Camco Ventures Inc. and PRM Camps
and Catering is conveniently located only
an hour’s drive from Fort St. John, the oil
capital of b.C.
“It’s becoming more common now of
the industry’s movement to these open
camp facilities,” says Dwayne Cameron of
Camco Ventures Inc. “It’s the convenience
of having rooms readily available, without
getting involved in the coordination of lo-
gistics, permitting, site preparation, instal-
lation, reclamation, etc., that comes with
setting up their own private facility. We are
making every effort to provide a hotel feel,
allowing companies to utilize rooms as re-
quired for the duration of their projects.”
the needs of the oil and gas sector in
b.C.’s northeast corridor, as well as the
evident shortfall of accommodations,
sparked the mobilization of the existing
camp from a project north of Fort Nelson,
b.C. to Wonowon in 2011. Subsequently,
preparation for the lodge began immedi-
ately to clear, pack, and prepare a site large
enough to accommodate standard, private
and executive rooms, as well as a kitchen
and recreation facilities. As Cameron con-
firms, there was immediate interest in
Wonowon Lodge, which led to contract
bookings of rooms for companies work-
ing on various projects in the area.
With a newly upgraded and larger open-
concept kitchen and recreation complex,
this makes for a more pleasurable din-
ing experience and stay. other amenities
include a fitness room, on-site laundry
services and a games area featuring pool
tables, ping pong, and foosball. Along
with housekeeping, Camco Ventures Inc.
professionally prepares all meals daily,
including health-conscious menu options
to meet the needs of the camp’s array of
clientele.
“As the demand in the industry is shift-
ing toward executive suites as a minimum
standard, we continue to evolve and up-
grade our facility,” Cameron says. “We are
confident there will be five to 10 years of
future activity in the area. the long-term
plan is to continue evolving our prod-
uct and improving our services, making
Wonowon Lodge the open camp of choice
along the Alaska highway.”
For more information, please visit them
online at www.wonowonlodge.com. S
relax with unParalleled serviCe at northern B.C.’s wonowon lodge
Providing quality valve services to the North Peace since 1990
10415 Beaver Road | Fort St. John, BC | V1J 6H2
Servicing the Oil and Gas Industry for 20 Years
BC, SASKATCHEWAN, ONTARIO, ALBERTA
• Isolation Valves• Actuation• Emission Compliance
• Plants & Facilities• Pipeline & Well Head• ESD’s & Rigs
250-785-1900www.northernvalve.com
B.C. Oil & Gas Report • 2013122
index to advertisersAdair (Tom) Pilot Car Service .............................. 22
Akita Drilling Ltd. ................................................ 55
Alpha Safety Ltd. .............................................. 103
Aluma Systems ................................................... 35
Apex Technological Field Services..................... 119
Applus RTD ......................................................... 77
Aurora Park Inn & Suites ..................................... 59
BC Energy Conference ......................................... 63
BK Two-Way Radio Ltd. ....................................... 18
Black Gold Emergency Planners Inc. ................... 22
British Columbia Safety Authority ...................... 10
Brogan Safety ................................................... 117
Calfrac Well Services ........................................... 58
Calhoun Superstructure ...................................... 91
Caliber Oilfield & Production Services Inc. .......... 87
Cambridge House International Inc. ................... 61
Can-Am Geomatics ............................................. 13
Canada Crane Services / Sarens Group ............... 95
Canadian Society for Unconventional Resources .. 3
Canasteel Rebar ................................................ 116
Canruss Medical and Safety Services .................. 19
Chetwynd & Area Economic Development......... 31
Compass Bending Ltd. ........................................ 88
COR Solutions ..................................................... 84
D&D Insulators ...................................................... 9
DEL Equipment ................................................... 12
District of Tumbler Ridge ...................................... 7
Diversified Transportation Ltd. ........................... 54
Drive Products / DOCAP ...................................... 75
Edge Electric & Controls .................................... 101
Enform ................................................................ 59
EOS Pipeline & Facilities Inc. ............................... 84
FABCOR 2001 Inc. ................................................. 4
Focus Corporation ............................................... 16
G.N.S. Industrial Trailer Services Ltd. ................ 115
Gar-North Enterprises Inc. .................................. 48
Gas Field Innovators ........................................... 81
Gemini Helicopters ............................................. 39
Graham Construction .........................................IFC
Green Patch Environmantal Consulting .............. 83
Halo Environment ............................................. 105
Industrial Scaffold Services Limited ................... 65
Initiatives Prince George ..................................... 69
Kendra’s First Aid ................................................ 40
Kitimat LNG ........................................................ 18
KTIDS Northwest ................................................ 41
Livewire Automation Inc. ................................... 37
LN’s First Aid Services (2008) Inc. ....................... 70
Marmit Plastics Inc. .......................................... 102
MCI Solutions...................................................... 26
Micro-Watt Control Devices Ltd. ......................... 30
Muskwa Valley Ventures ..................................... 80
Nira Resources / Alliance .................................... 12
Nortech Business Solutions .................................. 8
North Peace Communications ............................ 32
Northern Rockies Regional ................................. 29
Northern Valve Services .................................... 121
Northlands Water & Sewer Supplies Ltd. ............ 43
Northwest Tank Lines Inc. ................................... 33
NOV Wilson Canada ............................................ 76
Peregrine Pressure Testing Ltd. ........................... 15
Petro Canada | c/o Jan Kelley Marketing ............ 27
Phoenix Rentals Ltd. ........................................... 11
Praxair ................................................................ 88
Progress Energy Resources Corp. ........................ 90
Quality Mat Company ......................................... 85
Radar Road Transport Ltd. .................................. 17
Rosenau Transport Ltd. ..................................... 109
Safety Boss Inc. ................................................. 107
Skybase Geomatics Solutins Inc........................ 111
Society of Petroleum Engineers .......................... 49
Specialized Tech Inc. ........................................... 79
STEP Energy Services .....................................21, 25
Streeper & Sons Trucking Ltd. ............................. 26
Summit Liability Solutions ................................. 40
Swift Specialty Services ...................................... 89
Synergy Land Services Ltd. ................................. 57
T3 Energy Services .............................................. 23
TA Structures ...................................................... 99
TBD Consultants Inc. ........................................... 82
Terrapro Group of Companies ............................. 97
Tervita ...............................................................OBC
Thru Tubing Solutions ......................................... 71
TOG Systems Telecom Oil + Gas ......................... IBC
Trans Peace Construction (1987) Ltd. ................... 5
V.E. Brandl Ltd................................................... 113
William Scotsman of Canada Inc. ....................... 93
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