Construction to Abandonment: Framework for Pipeline Management

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Alberta Regulation 125/2023, established under the Pipeline Act, outlines rules for the management, construction, operation, and maintenance of pipelines in Alberta. This regulation aims to improve safety, environmental protection, and compliance within the pipeline industry. It includes key sections that define essential terms, such as “active flowing service,” “break,” and “closure,” which are crucial for understanding the subsequent rules.

The regulation’s administration section details the operational framework, including exemptions from the Act, eligibility criteria for holding a license, and processes for applying for licenses. It mandates notifications for construction commencement and establishes requirements for emergency response plans, pipeline records, and safety management systems. In terms of materials and design, the regulation emphasizes adherence to Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards, incorporating provisions for non-standard materials, maintenance requirements, and design specifications to ensure operational integrity and safety, such as the use of emergency shutdown devices and specific pressure ratings.

The pressure testing section outlines the conditions for placing pipelines into operation, detailing the protocols for pressure testing, notification requirements to the Regulator, and establishing minimum test pressures and acceptable media for testing. Regarding ground disturbances near pipelines, the rules emphasize safety and damage prevention, specifying the need for approval before any ground disturbance, procedures for locating and marking pipelines, and guidelines for supervision and access control during these activities.

The regulation also requires proper placement and maintenance of pipeline warning signs to ensure public safety, including specific requirements for high vapor pressure (HVP) product signs and temporary warning signs during construction. Additionally, it specifies procedures for altering pipeline operations, including changes in substance or pressure, while outlining the associated testing requirements. Operators are mandated to report any leaks, breaks, or contact damage, with regulations requiring immediate containment and repair procedures, along with guidelines for managing intentional gas releases.

For discontinuance, abandonment, and resumption of pipeline operations, the rules outline responsibilities and procedures, emphasizing the need to maintain safety and environmental standards throughout these processes. They also address the resumption of operations and the development of closure plans. Transitional provisions provide details on the repeal of previous regulations and the conditions under which the new rules will come into force.

By setting high standards for safety, environmental protection, and operational integrity, the regulation aims to foster a safer and more efficient pipeline industry while ensuring accountability among operators and safeguarding public and environmental health.

Alberta (125/2023) November 17, 2023