September 2010
The National Energy Board (the NEB or "the Board") regulates more than 40,000 kilometers of pipelines throughout Canada under the authority provided to it within the National Energy Board Act. These pipelines operate continuously and safely delivering energy to satisfy the needs of Canadians and export markets.
Pipelines are often invisible. After their initial construction, all that may be left to indicate their presence are signs at fence lines and road crossings or clearings along the pipeline right of way. The NEV believes that the safety and integrity of Canada's pipelines depend on public awareness and industry involvement. Activities which occur near pipelines and which have the potential to damage pipelines regulated by the Board in the public interest. Currently, these activities are governed by the National Energy Board Pipeline Crossing Regulations.
The National Energy Board Damage Prevention Regulations were released in the Canada Gazette in mid-August with a 30 day comment period which ended on September 13, 2010. These regulations are goal-based and are a significant departure from the existing and prescriptive Pipeline Crossing Regulations, Part l and Part ll which have been in place since 1988.
The change in regulation will affect all stakeholders of buried utilities in Canada from owners and operatirs of federally-regulated pipeline systems to the digging community and landowners. If you fall into one of these NEB websites at http://www.neb-one.gc.ca.
Source: Damage Prevention PROfessional Fall 2010
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