Residents living near Ile des Chenes can expect to hear some loud noises coming from the pipeline beginning today.

Jennifer Link with TransCanada PipeLines says they are conducting routine maintenance along their Canadian main line. The work starts in Ile des Chenes and heads east to Kenora. Link explains the process involves using a specialized device that travels through the pipeline, collecting data.

In order for the work to be done safely, Link says they need to isolate sections of the pipeline. The noise associated with this isolation is called a blowdown.

"Some people say it can sound as loud as a plane engine and it will last approximately twenty minutes," she says.

According to Link, the blowdown noise is created as pressurized gas is safely released from the section of pipeline. This needs to be done for the equipment to be loaded into the pipeline.

Link says as the gas is released, it will extend upwards in a plume, which may range from 30 to 60 metres in height. The natural gas that runs through the pipeline is odourless and so Link says there should be no smell associated with the work.

The maintenance begins April 25th and ends May 6th. Link says the work will take place during daylight hours and the noisy portions will only last for short periods of time.

This maintenance is just one way they monitor the pipelines. Link says they also use aerial patrols and integrity digs to assess the condition of the pipelines. They also have an operations control centre, staffed by trained personnel who remotely monitor the system 24 hours a day and seven days per week.