Alaska Pipeline Project, Geotechnical and Engineering Services, Canadian Pipeline Section
The Alaska Pipeline project is a partnership between TransCanada and ExxonMobil. The large-scale project was designed to connect Alaska's North Slope natural gas resources to new markets in Alaska and Canada.
In 2011 Tetra Tech conducted a winter field investigation program in the Yukon Territory (YT), Canada. Tetra Tech completed geotechnical, hydrotechnical, and geophysical services.
The scope of services included pre-field mobilization work; developing detailed field program execution plans; developing health, safety, and environmental protection plans; executing subcontracts; and site reconnaissance of investigation areas. Geotechnical investigations included laboratory index testing and collecting soil samples. Hydrotechnical and geophysical surveys were completed to determine ice thickness, complete flow surveys upstream and downstream of the proposed crossing, and collect EM31 and Ground Penetrating Radar subsurface data between the drill locations. Tetra Tech completed geotechnical drilling at 35 sites investigated along the approximately 600-kilometer alignment between the international border with Alaska near Beaver Creek, YT, and about 30 kilometers east of Teslin, YT. The ambitious drilling program commenced March 22, 2011, and was completed on April 23, 2011, with the objective of characterizing the subsurface stratigraphy and thermal conditions at select sites and collecting samples of suitable soil for subsequent testing. Tetra Tech was responsible for drilling 114 boreholes, investigating a river crossing, and collecting ground temperature data at select sites using thermistor cables.
Tetra Tech brought unique technical benefits and value to the project, including:
- A history of successfully managing schedules, costs, and deliverables for large-scale projects through established project controls and protocols
- Skilled in-house resources to meet project demands
- Local resident staff well versed in First Nations and community issues
- Understanding of the complex challenges associated with large pipeline projects, including northern environments, difficult terrain, and winter conditions