TC Energy
At TC Energy, the safety of the public and our employees is a top priority. To ensure our pipeline system continues to meet the highest safety standards, we periodically perform routine maintenance as part of our Pipeline Integrity Maintenance Program. As part of this work, you may hear a sustained loud noise known as a “blowdown”.
A blowdown is the act of releasing natural gas from the pipeline system so work can be done safely on the depressurized facilities. TC Energy employees will close the required values to isolate the facilities and then open a blowdown valve to safely depressurize in a controlled manner. A loud roaring sound may occur when the natural gas is released, although TC Energy may employ tools to minimize this noise whenever possible.
The sound during a blowdown can be as loud as an airplane engine and may last anywhere from a few minutes to multiple hours, depending on the amount of pipe being depressurized. As the flow of gas gradually slows down, the noise also lessens.
After the natural gas is released, a funnel-shaped air expeller is placed on top of the blowdown valve opening, which draws any remaining gas out and makes it safe for activities such as welding.
Once maintenance is complete, work begins to safely bring the line back into service. Natural gas is sent back into the pipeline and, once it reaches pressure, the blowdown valve is opened once again to vent the atmospheric air. Once all the air is removed, the blowdown valve is closed. The line is then pressurized to its normal operating pressure.
Blowdowns of different types occur regularly along our pipeline system, from long sections of large-diameter pipeline to above ground compressor station maintenance. The are part of the safe maintenance and operation of our facilities. We recognize they can be an inconvenience for our neighbours and we do everything we can to minimize the effects. Residents living in close proximity to the planned blowdown location will receive notification of the blowdown prior to the work beginning.
Blowdown notification
Blowdown details
Date: March 14 – April 2, 2021
Time: 16:00 – 19:00
Land location ; SE 02-049-13 W4M
TC Energy land agent: Don Torgerson
Phone number: 403-807-9793
Onsite technician (blowdown co-ordinator): David Jacobs
Cell number: 780-721-1304
Estimated duration of blowdown: Approximately 20 min
If you have questions or concerns, please contact TC Energy first.
General inquiries
450 – 1 Street S.W. Calgary, AB
Canada, T2P 5H1
1-866-372-1601
(weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST)
cdn_landowner_help@tcenergy.com
In case of a pipeline emergency, call:
1-888-982-7222
TCEnergy.com