Cold Lake & Polaris Expansion Direct Pipe

Michels used the Direct Pipe® methodology to install about 341.99m of a 42-inch oil pipeline under the Beaver River as part of the Cold Lake and Polaris Expansion Program. Michels’ scope of work included trenchless installation, support and disposal of excavated material. Michels worked closely with its partner on the preliminary design.

Direct Pipe® installation was selected for the project to mitigate geotechnical and routing challenges and specific environmental and cultural sensitivities associated with the watershed. The area’s geology included sand, clay, clay shale, boulders, shells and wood. This project was the first time Direct Pipe ® installation in Canada.