Alliance Pipeline is federally regulated in Canada by the National Energy Board (NEB). The National Energy Board Act and its regulations, National Energy Board Pipeline Damage Prevention Regulations, Authorization and Obligations, make a crossing agreement mandatory for anyone proposing to cause a ground disturbance in the prescribed area, which extends 30 metres perpendicularly on either side from the centerline of the pipe; construct a facility across, on, along, or under a pipeline; or cross a pipeline with a vehicle or mobile equipment. A crossing agreement can be obtained from the pipeline’s operator.
Crossing agreements help ensure that pipeline operators know about upcoming crossings or excavation work so they can help prevent accidents. Unauthorized crossing or digging activities pose serious threats to workers and pipeline safety, and the safety of others nearby.
Not complying with this NEB regulatory requirement can now result in fines of up to $100,000 per day per violation through the NEB’s Administrative Monetary Penalties authority.
Alliance is required to report all violations of the NEB Pipeline Crossing Regulations to the NEB.
OBTAIN A CROSSINGS AGREEMENT
The granted crossing agreement will contain information and direction on how to safely cross a transmission pipeline or work within its right-of-way. An Alliance representative will mark your work area and oversee the encroaching activity to ensure compliance with the granted crossing agreement.