NEB Requested to Conduct a Study for the Minister of Natural Resources on Best Available Technologies Used in Federally-Regulated Pipelines – 24 April 2015

NEB Requested to Conduct a Study for the Minister of Natural Resources on Best Available Technologies Used in Federally-Regulated Pipelines [PDF 92 KB]

File ADV-PE-BAT 01
24 April 2015

To: Stakeholders, including Industry, Associations and Academia
With Relevant Technical Expertise and Knowledge

NEB Requested to Conduct a Study for the Minister of Natural Resources on
Best Available Technologies Used in Federally-Regulated Pipelines

On 5 February 2015, the Chair of the National Energy Board (NEB) received a request from the Minister of Natural Resources to undertake a study and provide a report on the use of best available technologies in federally-regulated pipelines. This includes construction methods, materials, and emergency response techniques. The Board has expertise in energy safety practices and is well equipped to conduct a study related to the use of best available technologies on the pipelines we regulate.

Pursuant to subsection 26(2) of the National Energy Board Act (NEB Act):

  • 26(2) The Board shall, with respect to energy matters, sources of energy and the safety and security of pipelines and international power lines, …
    • (b) prepare such studies and reports as the Minister may request; ...

The NEB is actively engaged in collecting information around pipeline technologies and acts as a convenor of expert fora. For example, NEB staff assist in the organization of, and participation in, discussions around pipeline technologies and regulatory best practices at a number of conferences, to further our position as a world class regulator. Examples of fora convened by the NEB are the NEB’s 2013 Pipeline Safety Forum, and upcoming 2015 Safety Forum. The goals of this year’s forum will be an open exchange of information on technical pipeline issues; increasing understanding of stakeholder concerns; and identifying opportunities that both industry and regulators can take to improve safety outcomes to better protect people, property and the environment.

Over the next year, the NEB will engage with stakeholders, which include academia, industry and associations with relevant expertise. We will gather information on best available technologies and will prepare a report no later than 31 March 2016.

For more information please contact Andrew Strople or Carly Milne by phone at 403-292-4800 / 1-800-899-1265 (toll-free), or by email: bat-mtd@cer-rec.gc.ca. Further information can also be found on our Information Page.

Yours truly,

Original signed by

Sheri Young
Secretary of the Board

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