Alberta Regulation 125/2023

Pipeline Act

PIPELINE RULES

Filed: October 31, 2023

For information only: Made by the Alberta Energy Regulator on October 30, 2023

pursuant to sections 3(1)(a)-(e), (g)-(i), (k), (l), (n)-(s), (u), (w), (w.1), (x)-(

z) and

(bb)-(ff) of the Pipeline Act.

Table of Contents

Interpretation

Part 1

Administration

2 Exemption from application of Act and Rules

3 Exemption - agents

4 Compliance with directives

5 Notification

6 Eligibility to hold a licence

7 Application for licence

8 Survey of right of way boundaries

9 Notice of construction commencement

10 Notice or application in case of delay or failure to complete

construction

11 Emergency response plan

12 Pipeline records and documents

13 Transfer of records

14 Safety and Loss Management System

15 Integrity Management Program

16 Financial information

Part 2

Materials and Design

17 Materials to be provided to Regulator

18 CSA standards

19 Approval of non-standard materials or methods

20 Limits on polymeric or composite pipe

21 Design for maintenance, inspection and purging

22 Pipeline maintenance pigs

23 Emergency shutdown devices and check valves

24 Control systems in blended gas streams

25 Equipment pressure ratings

26 Stress level limitations

27 Maximum noise levels

28 Pipeline crossing highway or road

29 Minimum earth cover

30 Installing surface pipelines

31 Operating pressure

Part 3

Pressure Testing

32 Placing pipeline into operation

33 Notice to Regulator

34 Conditions for pressure testing

35 Regulator's direction on pressure testing

36 Recording pressure test results

37 Unsatisfactory pressure test

38 Minimum test pressure

39 Pressure testing using liquid test media other than fresh water

40 Pressure testing using gaseous test media

41 Duration of pressure test

Part 4

Ground Disturbance

42 No fees for ground disturbance

43 Ground disturbance approval

44 Damage prevention service

45 Preparing for ground disturbance

46 Locating and marking of pipelines

47 Supervision of ground disturbance

48 Control of access over right of way

49 Vehicles crossing pipeline

50 Safety of adjacent pipeline

51 Exposing pipeline

52 Inspection prior to backfilling

Part 5

Warning Signs

53 Location of pipeline warning signs

54 Installation of pipeline warning signs

55 Maintenance of pipeline warning signs

56 Alternate signage

57 Temporary pipeline warning signs

58 HVP product

59 Group pipeline signs

60 Identification of pipeline installations

Part 6

Changes to Pipeline

61 Liner and internal protection installation

62 Liner and internal protection installation in sour service

63 Change in substance or pressure

64 Testing requirements for change in substance or pressure

Part 7

Relocation or Alteration of Pipeline or Other

Regulator Direction

65 Application for direction under

section 33 of Act

66 Notice to Regulator

Part 8

Release of Product and Contact Damage

67 Report of leak, break or contact damage

68 Containment of leak or break

69 Repair of leak, break or contact damage

70 Intentional release of gas

Part 9

Discontinuance, Abandonment, Removal

and Resumption

71 General

72 Duty to maintain and manage as operating

73 Application in case of discontinuance, abandonment or removal

74 Discontinuance or abandonment of entire pipeline system

75 Conducting discontinuance

76 Conducting abandonment

77 Closure quotas

78 Closure plans

79 Mandatory abandonment

80 Responsibility for discontinued or abandoned pipeline

81 Conducting removal

82 Resumption of pipeline operation

Part 10

Transitional Provisions, Repeal, Expiry and Coming into

Force

83 Transitional

84 Repeal

85 Expiry

86 Coming into force

Schedules

Interpretation

1(1) In these Rules,

(a) "Act" means the Pipeline Act;

(b) "active flowing service" means a pipeline conveying

substances in

(

i) continuous service,

(ii) intermittent service if the pipeline is used regularly at

predictable intervals, or

(iii) periodic service that occurs irregularly but based on the

pipeline's established actual operational need,

but does not include temporarily conveying substances for

short periods that are not part of regular operations of a

pipeline;

(c) "break" means the escape of substance from a pipeline in a

manner that immediately impairs the operation of the

pipeline;

(d) "closure" means the phase of the energy resource

development life cycle that involves the permanent end of the

operation of a pipeline, and includes abandonment and

reclamation of a pipeline;

(e) "composite" means consisting of a matrix of reinforcing

fibres, strands, wires or strips, encased within a polymeric

resin or structure, but does not include composite repair

wraps used to externally reinforce existing pipe;

(f) "contact damage" means damage occurring to an installed

pipeline during a ground disturbance and that results in

(

i) a puncture or crack in the pipeline,

(ii) a scratch, gouge, flattening or dent on the pipeline

surface, or

(iii) damage to the pipeline's protective coating that

compromises the functionality of the coating, with the

exception of minor damages that may occur during final

hand excavation and external cleaning;

(g) "CSA" means the Canadian Standards Association;

(h) "dead leg" means a pipeline

section open to an operating

pipeline on one end and closed at the other end that

consequently has no flow;

(i) "Directive 038" means Directive 038: Noise Control;

(j) "Directive 050" means Directive 050: Drilling Waste

Management;

(k) "Directive 056" means Directive 056: Energy Development

Applications and Schedules;

(l) "Directive 058" means Directive 058: Oilfield Waste

Management Requirements for the Upstream Petroleum

Industry;

(m) "Directive 060" means Directive 060: Upstream Petroleum

Industry Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting;

(n) "Directive 067" means Directive 067: Eligibility

Requirements for Acquiring and Holding Energy Licences

and Approvals;

(o) "Directive 071" means Directive 071: Emergency

Preparedness and Response;

(p) "Directive 077" means Directive 077: Pipelines -

Requirements and Reference Tools;

(q) "Directive 088" means Directive 088: Licensee Life-Cycle

Management;

(r) "distribution specification gas" means natural gas that does

not contain more than an average of 7 milligrams of

hydrogen sulphide gas per cubic metre of natural gas at an

absolute pressure of 101.325 kilopascals at a temperature of

15 degrees Celsius, equivalent to 5 parts per million;

(s) "drilling waste" means the mud and cuttings generated while

directional drilling for the purpose of pipeline construction;

(t) "emergency" means a present or imminent event, outside the

scope of normal operations, that requires prompt

coordination of resources to protect the health, safety or

welfare of people or to limit damage to property and the

environment;

(u) "engineering assessment" means an engineering assessment

conducted in accordance with CSA Z662;

(v) "expanded liner" means either a tight-fitting or expanded

thermoplastic corrosion barrier installed within, and in direct

contact with, the metallic pipeline that constitutes the

load-bearing member;

(w) "facility surface lease" means the area leased by a licensee

for a well, installation or facility connected to a pipeline, but

does not include an access road to the well, installation or

facility or a pipeline installation lease;

(x) "freestanding liner" means a loose-fitting or stand-alone

polymeric or composite pipeline having its own

pressure-retaining capability installed within a pipeline where

the latter serves only as a hollow conduit for the freestanding

liner;

(y) "group 1 water" means water meeting the criteria for group 1

water in Directive 077;

(z) "group 2 water" means water meeting the criteria for group 2

water in Directive 077;

(aa) "group 3 water" means water meeting the criteria for group 3

water in Directive 077;

(bb) "hand excavation" means excavation of a pipeline or part of a

pipeline by

(

i) manual labour using hand tools,

(ii) water or air jets and vacuum extraction equipment, or

(iii) any other method authorized by the Regulator;

(cc) "HVP product" means a high vapour pressure product,

including hydrocarbons or a hydrocarbon mixture, as defined

in CSA Z662;

(dd) "installed pipeline" means

(

i) the portion of pipeline that has been

(

A) backfilled, or

(

B) mounted to any necessary above-ground support

structures or pipe racks,

(ii) in the case of pipelines laid on the ground, the point at

which the pipeline is ready for pressure testing;

(ee) "Integrity Management Program" means an Integrity

Management Program developed under

section 15;

(ff) "landowner" means

(

i) the person in whose name a certificate of title has been

issued pursuant to the Land Titles Act,

(ii) if no certificate of title has been issued, the Crown or

other body administering the land, or

(iii) in the case of Metis land, the person registered in the

Metis Settlements Land Registry as owner of the Metis

title pursuant to the Metis Settlements Land Registry

Regulation (AR 361/91);

(gg) "leak" means the escape of substance from a pipeline in a

manner that does not immediately impair the operation of the

pipeline;

(hh) "occupant" means

(

i) a person, other than the owner, who is in actual

possession of land,

(ii) a person who is shown on a certificate of title or by

contract as having an interest in land that confers a right

to occupy the land,

(iii) an operator granted a right of entry in respect of land

pursuant to a right of entry order under the Surface

Rights Act,

(iv) in the case of Crown land, a person shown on the

records of the department or other body administering

the land as having an interest in the land,

(

v) the holder of a permit for a coal mine, or

(vi) in the case of Metis land, a person having a right or

interest in land recorded on the Metis title register

pursuant to the Metis Settlements Land Registry

Regulation (AR 361/91);

(ii) "% SMYS" means the hoop stress level expressed as a

percentage of the specified minimum yield strength of the

pipe based on nominal wall thickness;

(jj) "polymeric" means consisting of either thermoplastic or

thermoset polymer engineering materials;

(kk) "regulatory authority" means an entity having lawful

authority respecting the regulation of pipelines in a

jurisdiction other than Alberta;

(ll) "Safety and Loss Management System" means a Safety and

Loss Management System developed under

section 14;

(mm) "temporary surface pipeline" means a pipeline installed

primarily on the ground and not to be operated for more than

12 months unless otherwise authorized;

(nn) "temporary surface pipeline for water conveyance" means a

temporary surface pipeline used only for water conveyance

and not operating at a pressure greater than 3500 kilopascals;

(oo) "temporary surface pipeline for well testing or bypass"

means a temporary surface pipeline used only for well testing

or bypass purposes and that is in continuous use for no more

than 21 days;

(pp) "Uniform Color Code" means the Uniform Color Code for

marking underground utilities established and published by

the American Public Works Association;

(qq) "Utility Safety Partners" means the non-profit corporation

called Utility Safety Partners referred to in

Part 4, formerly

called Alberta One Call, and includes any successor

organization to Utility Safety Partners.

(2) Words and expressions used but not defined in these Rules have

the meanings assigned to them in the Act and in the standards referred

to in subsection (3).

(3) A reference in these Rules to CSA Z662 or any other CSA

standard refers to the standard with the equivalent identification

number issued by CSA, as updated from time to time.

(4) For the purposes of

section 1(1)(

e) of the Act, the controlled area

(

a) a strip of land 30 metres wide on each side of the pipeline,

measured from the pipe centreline, or

(

b) the distance from the pipe centreline to the edge of the right

of way,

whichever is wider.

(5) For the purposes of

section 19 of the Act and these Rules,

(

a) a licensee who is an individual is resident in a jurisdiction if

the individual makes his or her home in and is ordinarily

present in that jurisdiction, and

(

b) a licensee that is a corporation is resident in a jurisdiction if a

director or officer of the corporation or a person employed or

retained to provide services to the corporation makes his or

her home in that jurisdiction, is ordinarily present in that

jurisdiction and is authorized to

(

i) make decisions respecting a licence for a pipeline issued

(

A) the regulatory authority in that jurisdiction, or

(

B) in the case of Alberta, the Regulator,

(ii) operate the pipeline, and

(iii) implement directions from the regulatory authority, or

in the case of Alberta, the Regulator, relating to the

pipeline.

(6) Where these Rules refer to a directive by its number or title or

both, the reference is to be considered as a reference to that directive as

published by the Regulator and amended from time to time.

Part 1

Administration

Exemption from application of Act and Rules

2(1) A pipeline, regardless of length, that is contained wholly within

the boundary of a facility surface lease or of an adjacent and abutting

facility surface lease is exempt from the application of the Act and

these Rules.

(2) A natural gas pipeline that conveys distribution specification gas at

pressures of 700 kilopascals or less and that supplies fuel or gas to a

facility, scheme or other matter authorized under the Oil and Gas

Conservation Act or the Oil Sands Conservation Act from a gas

distribution company or a gas utility is exempt from the application of

the Act and these Rules.

(3) A natural gas pipeline that

(

a) conveys, on an alternating basis, distribution specification

gas at pressures of 700 kilopascals or less to a facility,

scheme or other matter authorized under the Oil and Gas

Conservation Act or the Oil Sands Conservation Act from a

gas distribution company or a gas utility, or

(

b) supplies distribution specification gas at pressures of 700

kilopascals or less to a gas distribution company or gas utility

from a facility, scheme or other matter authorized under the

Oil and Gas Conservation Act or the Oil Sands Conservation

Act,

is exempt from the application of the Act and these Rules.

(4) A temporary surface pipeline for water conveyance is exempt from

the application of these Rules except for sections 1, 4, 7(3)(

b) and (4),

14, 15, 27 and 30(2) and (4).

(5) A temporary surface pipeline for well testing or bypass is exempt

from the application of these Rules except for sections 1, 4, 7(3)(

c) and

(4), 14, 15, 20, 23, 26(2), 27 and 30(2) and (4).

(6) Section 35 of the Act does not apply to a temporary surface

pipeline for water conveyance.

Exemption - agents

3(1) In this section, "mutual recognition agreement" means a valid

and subsisting agreement made between the Minister and a regulatory

authority of another jurisdiction for the purpose of recognizing

substantial regulatory equivalency and enabling reciprocity between

Alberta and that jurisdiction.

(2) The Regulator may, on application, grant an exemption from the

requirement under

section 19 of the Act to appoint an agent if the

licensee applying for the exemption

(

a) is resident in a jurisdiction outside Alberta that is a party to a

mutual recognition agreement and is subject to the authority

of the regulatory authority in that jurisdiction,

(

b) is in compliance with all applicable legislation in Alberta and

in the jurisdiction in which the licensee is resident and all

applicable directives, orders, decisions, directions and other

instruments of the regulatory authority referred to in clause

(

a) and of the Regulator,

(

c) provides evidence satisfactory to the Regulator that the

licensee meets, and during the time the licence is in effect

will continue to meet, the requirements under subsection (3),

and

(

d) agrees to attorn to the jurisdiction of Alberta with respect to

all matters, obligations and liabilities pertaining to licences

issued by the Regulator.

(3) An exemption under subsection (2) is subject to the condition that,

in substitution for the requirements under

section 19(2)(a), (

b) and (

c) of the Act, the licensee must have

(

a) sufficient numbers of individuals who are trained and

competent to

(

i) carry out work relating to the pipelines for which the

licensee has been granted a licence in compliance with

the requirements of all applicable legislation and all

applicable directives, orders, decisions, directions and

other instruments of the Regulator, and

(ii) respond sufficiently to incidents and emergencies,

including, without limitation, leaks and breaks,

and

(

b) representatives at a pipeline site during any construction,

testing, maintenance, repair, ground disturbance and

abandonment activities at the pipeline site who are authorized

to make decisions respecting all aspects of those activities.

(4) An exemption under subsection (2) ceases to have effect

immediately on

(

a) the licensee ceasing to meet a requirement referred to in

subsection (2)(a), (

b) or (d), or

(

b) the Regulator determining that it is no longer satisfied that

the licensee meets or will continue to meet the requirements

set out in subsection (3).

Compliance with directives

4(1) A licensee must comply with the requirements of

(

a) Directive 060, subject to

section 70(3),

(

b) Directive 077, and

(

c) Directive 088.

(2) A person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(

b) or (

c) must comply

with the requirements of Directive 077.

(3) A person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(

c) must comply with

the requirements of Directive 060.

(4) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, a licensee, or a

person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(

b) or (c), must manage

drilling waste in accordance with Directive 050 and Directive 058.

Notification

5(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, a licensee who is

required to notify the Regulator under these Rules must send the notice

electronically through the Regulator's applicable electronic submission

system.

(2) Despite subsection (1), a licensee who is required to notify the

Regulator of a pipeline leak, break or contact damage must

immediately do so by telephoning the Energy and Environmental

Emergency 24-Hour Response Line or applicable contact as amended

from time to time.

Eligibility to hold a licence

6(1) An applicant must meet the licence eligibility requirements set

out in Directive 067 in order to be eligible to hold a licence under the

Act.

(2) If an applicant meets the licence eligibility requirements of

Directive 067 to the satisfaction of the Regulator, the Regulator may

grant licence eligibility subject to any restrictions, terms or conditions

the Regulator considers appropriate.

(3) If an applicant does not meet the licence eligibility requirements of

Directive 067 to the satisfaction of the Regulator, the Regulator may

refuse to grant licence eligibility.

(4) The Regulator may revoke or restrict the licence eligibility of an

applicant if the applicant fails to acquire licences under the Act within

a year of the day of the licence eligibility being granted by the

Regulator.

(5) A licensee must continue to meet the licence eligibility

requirements of Directive 067.

(6) The Regulator may restrict a licensee's eligibility to hold a licence

if a licensee does not continue to meet the licence eligibility

requirements of Directive 067.

Application for licence

7(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, an application

under

Part 4 of the Act for a licence to construct and operate a pipeline,

including any applicable installation, must be in accordance with the

requirements of Directive 056.

(2) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, and in addition to

the requirements of subsection (1), for a steam distribution pipeline

having an internal aggregate capacity greater than 0.5 cubic metres or a

pipeline having a design temperature greater than 230 degrees Celsius,

the licensee must

(

a) confirm in its application to the Regulator that the licensee

has received design registration of the pipeline and associated

fittings in accordance with the Pressure Equipment Safety

Regulation (AR 49/2006), and

(

b) obtain all required approvals from the Alberta Boilers Safety

Association (ABSA) prior to putting the pipeline into

operation.

(3) No application for a licence is required

(

a) for the replacement of parts of a pipeline or parts of an

expanded liner or freestanding liner if

(

i) the length of each individual replacement

section is less

than 100 metres, or longer in exceptional circumstances,

as the Regulator may allow,

(ii) the replacement sections are equivalent to the original

material or exceed the requirements and suitability for

the purpose of the original material,

(iii) the replaced sections of pipeline or pipeline liner are

removed, and

(iv) the replacement work is carried out wholly within the

existing right of way,

(

b) for a temporary surface pipeline for water conveyance that

conveys only group 1 water, group 2 water or group 3 water

if the pipeline meets all applicable requirements of Directive

077, and

(

c) for a temporary surface pipeline for well testing or bypass if

the pipeline meets all applicable requirements of Directive

(4) An approval is required in accordance with Directive 077 before

deploying and operating a temporary surface pipeline for water

conveyance that conveys group 2 water or group 3 water or a

temporary surface pipeline for well testing or bypass.

Survey of right of way boundaries

8(1) The applicant for a licence must ensure that right of way

boundaries for the pipeline are surveyed in accordance with the

Surveys Act.

(2) An applicant or licensee is exempt from the requirements of

subsection (1) with respect to repairs or modifications to a pipeline

within the existing right of way unless the repairs or modifications

require an additional right of way.

(3) The Regulator may exempt an applicant or licensee from the

requirements of subsection (1) or (2) in exceptional circumstances.

Notice of construction commencement

9(1) Licensees must provide notice of the commencement of

construction to the Regulator at least 24 hours but not more than 14

days before the commencement of any construction of a pipeline.

(2) The commencement of construction in subsection (1) includes

(

a) the fabrication, assembly or installation of a permitted or

licensed pipeline,

(

b) the fabrication, assembly, installation or modification of a

pipeline or part of a pipeline as approved in a licence

amendment,

(

c) the installation of a freestanding liner or expanded liner, or

the in-situ application of thin-film internal coating, as

approved in a licence amendment, and

(

d) the resumption of delayed construction following a licence

expiry and reapplication.

Notice or application in case of delay or

failure to complete construction

10(1) A licensee must notify the Regulator if the pipeline construction

has commenced but there is a delay of 3 months or more in the

construction of the pipeline.

(2) A licensee must apply to the Regulator for approval in accordance

with Directive 056 if

(

a) the licence has expired or will expire without the pipeline

construction having been commenced, or

(

b) the construction of the pipeline will not be completed.

Emergency response plan

11(1) In this section, "emergency response plan" means a

comprehensive plan to protect the public that includes criteria for

assessing an emergency and procedures for mobilizing response

personnel and agencies, establishing communications and ensuring

coordination of the emergency response.

(2) A licensee of a pipeline must prepare and maintain an emergency

response plan in accordance with the requirements of Directive 071.

Pipeline records and documents

12(1) A licensee must maintain records and documents pertaining to

the design, materials, construction, commissioning, operation,

maintenance, repair, engineering assessments and decommissioning of

pipelines in accordance with CSA Z662.

(2) All pipeline records and documents required under subsection

(1) must be provided to the Regulator on request in a manner and form

acceptable to the Regulator.

Transfer of records

13(1) On transfer of ownership of a pipeline, a licensee must transfer

to the successor licensee all available and existing records and

documents referred to in

section 12(1) applicable to the pipeline.

(2) The successor licensee must incorporate all records and documents

transferred under subsection (1) into its Safety and Loss Management

System and Integrity Management Program and determine if there is

additional work or information required to effectively manage the

pipeline.

(3) If relevant records or documents referred to in

section 12(1) are

lost, damaged, destroyed or incomplete, the successor licensee must

conduct an engineering assessment and be able to demonstrate that the

pipeline is fit for service.

Safety and Loss Management System

14(1) A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(

b) or

(c), must develop and implement a documented Safety and Loss

Management System for its pipeline as described in Annex A of CSA

Z662.

(2) The Safety and Loss Management System must include

(

a) abandoned pipelines identified under

section 25 of the Act

and these Rules,

(

b) temporary surface pipelines, and

(

c) pipelines that are not in active flowing service.

(3) The Regulator may, on request, allow a licensee, or a person using

a pipeline under

section 7(3)(

b) or (c), to use a Safety and Loss

Management System that is structured differently than described in

Annex A of CSA Z662 if the Safety and Loss Management System is

already developed and the licensee or the person using the pipeline

under

section 7(3)(

b) or (

c) can demonstrate to the Regulator that the

system achieves an equivalent level of protection as described in

Annex A of CSA Z662.

(4) On request from the Regulator, a licensee, or a person using a

pipeline under

section 7(3)(

b) or (c), must be able to demonstrate to the

Regulator that the Safety and Loss Management System of the licensee

or the person using the pipeline under

section 7(3)(

b) or (c), as the case

may be, provides for the protection of people, the environment and

property and includes a continuous improvement process as required in

CSA Z662.

(5) A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(

b) or

(c), must provide any records and documents related to the Safety and

Loss Management System developed under this

section to the

Regulator on request in a manner and form acceptable to the

Regulator.

Integrity Management Program

15(1) A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(

b) or

(c), must develop and implement a documented Integrity Management

Program for its pipeline as described in Annex N of CSA Z662.

(2) The Integrity Management Program must include programs for

(

a) abandoned pipelines according to

section 25 of the Act and

these Rules,

(

b) temporary surface pipelines, and

(

c) pipelines that are not in active flowing service.

(3) On request from the Regulator, a licensee, or a person using a

pipeline under

section 7(3)(

b) or (c), must be able to demonstrate to the

Regulator that its Integrity Management Program provides safe,

environmentally responsible and reliable pipeline service and is being

evaluated at appropriate set intervals.

(4) A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(

b) or

(c), must provide any records and documents related to the Integrity

Management Program to the Regulator on request in a manner and

form acceptable to the Regulator.

Financial information

16(1) A licensee must provide financial information to the Regulator,

as and when directed by the Regulator, for the purposes of

(

a) assessing the licensee's eligibility for holding a licence,

(

b) administering the liability management programs set out in

directives by the Regulator, and

(

c) ensuring the development of safe, orderly and

environmentally responsible energy resources and their

closure in Alberta.

(2) Any information provided under this

section must be kept

confidential by the Regulator for a period of 5 years.

Part 2

Materials and Design

Materials to be provided to Regulator

17(1) A licensee who is required to

(

a) take and analyze a representative sample of a substance being

conveyed by a pipeline under

section 34(1) of the Act, or

(

b) make inspections, investigations or tests of a pipeline under

section 34(2) of the Act

must, on request, submit to the Regulator the analysis, inspections,

investigations or tests in a manner and form acceptable to the

Regulator.

(2) The inspections, investigations or tests referred to in subsection

(1)(

b) may include

(

a) representative physical samples of materials used in the

construction or repair of a pipeline,

(

b) cut-outs from a pipeline, or

(

c) representative physical samples of defective materials.

CSA standards

18(1) Except as otherwise specified by these Rules, the minimum

requirements for the design, materials, construction, commissioning,

operation, maintenance, repair, engineering assessments and

decommissioning of pipelines are set out in CSA Z662.

(2) A licensee wishing to incorporate materials manufactured in

accordance with a previous edition of a CSA Z245 series standard

other than those referred to in the current CSA Z662 may use those

materials if an engineering assessment demonstrates equivalency with

the current CSA Z245 series standard.

Approval of non-standard materials or methods

19(1) Despite

section 18, if an applicant or licensee proposes to use a

polymeric or composite material for pipeline construction or repair,

other than those that are included in CSA Z662 or previously reviewed

and authorized for use by the Regulator, the applicant or licensee must

provide to the Regulator an engineering assessment concerning the

material and its potential application to allow the Regulator to

determine whether the material is acceptable for the proposed use.

(2) Despite

section 18, if an applicant or licensee proposes to use

pipeline materials, pipeline components, joining methods, construction

methods, repair methods or maintenance methods, other than those that

are included in CSA Z662 or previously reviewed and authorized for

use by the Regulator, the applicant or licensee must provide to the

Regulator an engineering assessment concerning the pipeline material,

pipeline components, joining methods, construction methods, repair

methods or maintenance methods and their potential application to

allow the Regulator to determine whether they are acceptable for the

proposed use.

(3) If the Regulator is satisfied that the materials, components or

methods referred to in either subsection (1) or (2) are acceptable for

the proposed use, the Regulator may approve the use of the materials,

components or methods, subject to such restrictions on or conditions

regarding their use as the Regulator considers necessary.

Limits on polymeric or composite pipe

20(1) Unless authorized by the Regulator, a licensee, or a person

using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(c), must not install polymeric or

composite pipe as either freestanding liner inside another pipeline or as

a freestanding pipe for the purpose of conveying natural gas containing

more than 10 moles of hydrogen sulphide gas per kilomole of natural

gas.

(2) A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(c),

installing polymeric or composite pipe or changing the service

conditions of such installed pipe must ensure the pipe employed is

suitable for the intended service conditions and intended service

according to the pipe manufacturer or its representative or, in the

absence of an available pipe manufacturer or representative, must

verify the suitability for use by conducting an engineering assessment.

Design for maintenance, inspection and purging

21(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, all new pipelines

must be constructed in a manner that can accommodate the passage of

maintenance, inspection and purging pigs if pigging is

(

a) determined to be necessary by the licensee's Integrity

Management Program, or

(

b) required by CSA Z662.

(2) A new pipeline that may require pigging as determined by the

licensee's Integrity Management Program must either be initially

constructed with pigging equipment included or be constructed in a

manner that can readily accept the addition of pigging equipment.

(3) Where a change in operating conditions or an addition or

modification is being made to an existing pipeline, the licensee must

reassess whether it is necessary for the pipeline to accommodate the

passage of maintenance, inspection and purging pigs, either in

accordance with the licensee's Integrity Management Program or

under CSA Z662, and must implement the passage of maintenance,

inspection and purging pigs accordingly prior to operation under the

new operating conditions.

Pipeline maintenance pigs

22 Where a licensee determines that pigging is required under its

Integrity Management Program, the licensee must ensure that pigs

used for pipeline cleaning, corrosion control and purging are

appropriate for the intended purpose, properly sized and replaced if

worn beyond limits specified in the Integrity Management Program.

Emergency shutdown devices and check valves

23(1) A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(c),

must ensure that a pipeline conveying a substance that under operating

conditions contains a separate gas phase having gas containing more

than 10 moles of hydrogen sulphide gas per kilomole of natural gas, or

any lesser hydrogen sulphide content that the Regulator may stipulate,

is equipped with automatically actuated emergency shutdown devices

or check valves.

(2) A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(c), must

conduct an engineering assessment to define the pipeline operating

conditions and the closure parameters of the automatically actuated

emergency shutdown devices or check valves referred to in subsection

(1) to ensure the release volume used in calculating the emergency

planning zone in the event of a pipeline leak or break is as low as

reasonably practicable.

(3) A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(c), must

ensure that the automatically actuated emergency shutdown devices or

check valves referred to in subsection (1)

(

a) isolate the pipeline into segments whose volumes are in

accordance with the emergency response plan prepared under

section 11, and

(

b) automatically close as defined by the engineering assessment

required in subsection (2) if a pipeline leak or break occurs.

(4) A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(c), must

ensure that the automatically actuated emergency shutdown devices

referred to in subsection (1)

(

a) close on the failure of any control or operating component,

(

b) remain closed once the devices have closed due to actuation

or failure, and

(

c) require on-site human intervention to reopen once they have

closed unless they were closed due to a planned pipeline

shutdown.

(5) A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(c), must

not allow the pipeline or the automatically actuated emergency

shutdown devices to operate outside of the conditions defined within

the engineering assessment conducted under subsection (2).

(6) If the licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(c),

determines that the pipeline or the automatically actuated emergency

shutdown devices could be operating outside of the conditions defined

by the engineering assessment conducted under subsection (2), the

licensee, or the person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(c), must shut

down the pipeline until

(

a) the pipeline and the automatically actuated emergency

shutdown devices can be operated within the defined

conditions, or

(

b) the licensee, or the person using a pipeline under

section

7(3)(c), completes an engineering assessment, as specified in

subsection (2), and revises the emergency planning zone, as

required by Directive 071.

(7) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, a licensee, or a

person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(c), must maintain a record

of the current engineering assessment conducted under subsection

(2) and the actions taken under subsection (6) until the pipeline is

abandoned.

(8) A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(c), must

conduct all preventative maintenance required to ensure operability of

the automatically actuated emergency shutdown devices and check

valves referred to in subsection (1) and maintain a record of all

preventive maintenance.

(9) A licensee must conduct an annual inspection, assessment and test,

with a maximum interval of 18 months between such activities, of the

automatically actuated emergency shutdown devices and check valves

referred to in subsection (1) to ensure that the devices are operating as

required and maintain a record of the inspection, assessment and test.

Control systems in blended gas streams

24(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, where gas

streams are blended for the purpose of maintaining a lower hydrogen

sulphide content in the final blended gas stream, and any inlet stream

conveys gas containing hydrogen sulphide, the licensee must ensure

that there are 2 independent safety systems to prevent a greater

hydrogen sulphide content in the blended gas stream than permitted in

the licence.

(2) A licensee must ensure that one of the 2 independent safety

systems referred to in subsection (1) provides, as a minimum, the

process control to achieve the blend ratio and that the other system

provides, as a minimum, monitoring and automatic shutdown.

(3) A licensee must

(

a) conduct an annual inspection, assessment and test, with a

maximum interval of 18 months between such activities, of

the 2 independent safety systems referred to in subsection

(1) to ensure that the safety systems are operating as required,

and

(

b) maintain a record of the inspection, assessment and test

referred to in clause (a).

Equipment pressure ratings

25 A licensee must ensure that any new construction or modification

of a pipeline complies with the following:

(

a) all components have pressure ratings equal to or greater than

the licensed maximum operating pressure and account for the

maximum design temperature of the pipeline;

(

b) the licensed maximum operating pressure for any pipeline

components, if manufactured using other non-CSA standards

as allowed by CSA Z662, must not exceed the values

expressed for the corresponding pressure nominal (PN) class

designations as expressed in the CSA Z245 series standards,

unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator.

Stress level limitations

26(1) For pipelines designed to convey gas with a content of more

than 10 moles of hydrogen sulphide gas per kilomole of natural gas,

the design stress levels may not be greater than 60% SMYS for all

underground and above-ground piping.

(2) For temporary surface pipelines, including temporary surface

pipelines for well testing or bypass that are used under

section 7(3)(c),

designed to convey gas with a content of more than 10 moles of

hydrogen sulphide gas per kilomole of natural gas, the design stress

levels may not be greater than 50% SMYS.

Maximum noise levels

27 A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(

b) or

(c), must operate pipeline facilities and conduct pipeline construction

and operations in accordance with the maximum noise level limitations

specified in Directive 038.

Pipeline crossing highway or road

28(1) When constructing a pipeline across a road, highway right of

way or road allowance, the licensee must apply the CSA Z662 pipeline

design requirements applicable to the crossing for the full width of the

road, highway right of way or road allowance.

(2) Prior to the initiation of any construction related to the building,

improving or widening of a road or highway over an existing pipeline,

or extending a road or highway right of way over an existing pipeline,

the pipeline at such locations must either be upgraded or otherwise

meet the requirements of CSA Z662 respecting crossings of existing

pipelines.

Minimum earth cover

29(1) Unless otherwise required by the Regulator, and subject to

subsection (2), the minimum earth cover for any operating or

discontinued pipeline must be the greater of

(

a) the earth cover specified in CSA Z662,

(

b) the applicable specified minimum of

(i) 1.4 metres within the entire right of way of a highway,

(ii) 1.2 metres within the entire right of way of a road, and

(iii) 0.8 metres in any other place,

and

(

c) the earth cover necessary to sufficiently protect the pipeline,

as demonstrated by an engineering assessment.

(2) Unless otherwise required by the Regulator, if the earth cover

permitted by the construction standards and regulatory requirements in

place at the time of a pipeline's construction was lesser than the one

referred to in subsection (1), and an engineering assessment

demonstrates the existing cover sufficiently protects the pipeline in its

present situation, that earth cover is acceptable.

(3) In addition to subsections (1) and (2), for pipelines constructed

after the Code of Practice for Pipelines and Telecommunication Lines

Crossing a Water Body came into force, the minimum earth cover for

any pipeline must comply with the applicable requirements of the

Code of Practice for Pipelines and Telecommunication Lines Crossing

a Water Body for ensuring scour protection of pipelines at pipeline

crossings of a water body.

(4) Where the earth cover for a pipeline does not meet the minimum

requirements under this section, a licensee must address any deficiency

by lowering the pipeline, adding the required earth cover or

implementing additional protective actions as may be allowed by the

applicable legislation.

(5) A licensee must ensure that any abandoned pipeline has adequate

earth cover so that

(

a) the pipeline does not interfere with the intended usage of any

land or water body it crosses, and

(

b) the earth cover complies with any applicable requirements

under the Water Act.

(6) Where a licensee becomes aware that any portion of a licensed

pipeline is exposed for any reason other than a planned ground

disturbance, the licensee must

(

a) immediately advise the appropriate regional field centre of

the Regulator, and

(

b) restore the earth cover as required under this

section or

remove the exposed pipeline.

Installing surface pipelines

30(1) A licensee who intends to install a surface pipeline must do so

in accordance with the requirements set out in this section,

section

26(2) and Directive 056.

(2) A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(

b) or

(c), must install

(

a) a form of pressure-relieving device if any possibility of a

pressure increase above the allowable maximum operating

pressure exists due to a rise in ambient air temperature or

solar heating,

(

b) a system to allow for adequate expansion or contraction due

to temperature change,

(

c) temperature monitoring equipment if the pipeline material

has temperature limitations,

(

d) suitable restraints to adequately control lateral or vertical

movement, and

(

e) any other safety or operational systems as the Regulator

considers appropriate.

(3) A licensee must bury the pipeline at all road and trail crossings and

must install pipeline warning signs at the point of pipeline entry and

exit of each crossing.

(4) A licensee, or a person using a pipeline under

section 7(3)(

b) or

(c), must take additional precautions, including adding extra pipeline

warning signs or providing other warnings to indicate the presence of a

surface line when

(

a) equipment may be operating in the vicinity of the pipeline,

(

b) off-road vehicular traffic may endanger the pipeline, or

(

c) any conditions may obscure or endanger the pipeline.

Operating pressure

31(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, a licensee must

design and maintain each pipeline segment in a manner suitable for the

maximum operating pressure permitted in the licence.

(2) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, the operating

pressure of a pipeline at all points must not exceed the licensed

maximum operating pressure except as allowed by CSA Z662.

(3) Where 2 or more pipelines or pipeline segments having different

licensed maximum operating pressures are connected and the

difference between the licensed maximum operating pressures is

greater than 5% of the lowest licensed maximum operating pressure,

the licensee must either

(

a) amend the licensed maximum operating pressure as

necessary to not exceed a difference of 5% of the lowest

licensed maximum operating pressure, or

(

b) install a pressure control system and overpressure protection

system in accordance with CSA Z662 to ensure that the

lower licensed maximum operating pressure pipeline is

operated in accordance with the maximum operating pressure

permitted in its licence.

(4) The requirements in subsection (3) do not apply

(

a) if the pipeline incorporates point-specific pressure design due

to varying elevation,

(

b) where the pressure source or sources, with or without

pumping or compression, cannot exceed the lowest licensed

maximum operating pressure of any of the connected

pipelines, or

(

c) where the pressure source or sources, with or without

pumping or compression, can exceed the lowest licensed

maximum operating pressure of any of the connected

pipelines, but each pressure source is equipped with

individual pressure control and overpressure protection in

accordance with CSA Z662 that prevents exceeding the

lowest licensed maximum operating pressure of any of the

connected pipelines.

(5) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, the maximum

operating pressure of a

section of a pipeline must be determined using

the test pressure recorded or calculated at the highest point in the

section.

Part 3

Pressure Testing

Placing pipeline into operation

32(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, a licensee must

not place a newly constructed or modified pipeline into operation until

a satisfactory pressure test has been completed in accordance with

CSA Z662, as applicable, and these Rules.

(2) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, a licensee resuming

the operation of a pipeline from licensed discontinuance, abandonment

or a period of non-use must confirm pipeline integrity by conducting

an engineering assessment, inspection or a pressure test in accordance

with CSA Z662 and these Rules.

(3) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, a licensee returning

a pipeline to service following repair must confirm pipeline integrity

by conducting an engineering assessment, inspection or a pressure test

in accordance with CSA Z662 and these Rules.

Notice to Regulator

33(1) A licensee must notify the Regulator at least 48 hours before

the commencement of any pressure test.

(2) Despite subsection (1), no notice is required to conduct a pressure

test that does not exceed the licensed maximum operating pressure of

the pipeline.

(3) A licensee must immediately notify the Regulator of any leak or

break that occurs in a pipeline during any pressure test.

Conditions for pressure testing

34(1) A licensee must pressure test a pipeline that will be buried

during operation with the full depth of earth cover applied other than at

the bell-holes where joints are intended to be visually inspected or the

test heads.

(2) A licensee is exempted from the requirements in subsection (1) if

the pipeline is a pull

section being pre-tested on the surface of the land,

prior to trenchless or open cut installation techniques and is to be

followed by a pressure test after final installation.

Regulator's direction on pressure testing

35(1) The Regulator may specify the maximum length of pipe to be

pressure tested in any pressure test.

(2) The Regulator may prohibit a pressure test if the Regulator

believes it to be unsafe or unsuitable.

(3) The Regulator may require a pipeline to be retested if in the

opinion of the Regulator it may be unsafe for the pipeline to continue

to operate.

Recording pressure test results

36(1) A licensee must record the data during a pressure test and retain

the record or chart of the results in accordance with the licensee's

Integrity Management Program and Safety and Loss Management

System.

(2) A licensee's record or chart of a pressure test must be continuous

and legible over the full test period, regardless of the type of recording

equipment used, and include start and end dates and times, a

continuous pipeline temperature trace, a legal land description of to

and from locations, the licence number, the segment number and any

additional information required by CSA Z662 and the Regulator.

(3) A licensee may use electronic pressure-recording and charting

instruments if

(

a) a permanent copy of the pressure test data is retained by the

licensee in a manner accessible to the Regulator on request,

and

(

b) the sampling rate, resolution and instrument range are

sufficient to properly record the expected data.

(4) Each pressure-recording instrument must be periodically calibrated

in accordance with CSA Z662, and the Regulator may require

verification of such calibration.

Unsatisfactory pressure test

37 If evidence of a satisfactory pressure test is not provided to the

Regulator on request, or the Regulator does not find the test

satisfactory, the Regulator may order that the pipeline be

(

a) depressurized,

(

b) purged, if necessary, and

(

c) pressure tested as directed by the Regulator.

Minimum test pressure

38 For a pressure test, a licensee must use a minimum test pressure of

(

a) not less than 700 kilopascals for any pipeline, unless the

Regulator approves a lower test pressure, and

(

b) not less than 1.4 times the maximum operating pressure for

gas pipelines conveying gas containing more than 10 moles

of hydrogen sulphide gas per kilomole of natural gas.

Pressure testing using liquid test media other than fresh water

39 A licensee intending to pressure test a pipeline using a liquid test

media other than fresh water must comply with the liquid test media

pressure testing requirements of Directive 077.

Pressure testing using gaseous test media

40 A licensee intending to pressure test a pipeline using air or other

gaseous test media must comply with the gaseous media pressure

testing requirements of Directive 077.

Duration of pressure test

41 A licensee, in exceptional circumstances, may apply to the

Regulator to pressure test a pipeline or

section of a pipeline for a

shorter period than the minimum specified in CSA Z662.

Part 4

Ground Disturbance

No fees for ground disturbance

42 A licensee must locate and mark its pipeline, execute consents and

approvals required for ground disturbance and perform supervision and

inspections of ground disturbance as required by this Part without

charging any fee or requiring the party undertaking the ground

disturbance to pay for expenses.

Ground disturbance approval

43(1) No ground disturbance may be undertaken in the right of way of a

pipeline until an approval specified in

section 42 of the Act is obtained.

(2) No person shall undertake a ground disturbance within 5 metres of

the centreline of a pipeline where there is no pipeline right of way until

an approval is obtained

(

a) from the licensee of the pipeline, or

(

b) from the Regulator, if approval cannot reasonably be

obtained from the licensee.

(3) A request for an approval under this

section is to be made

(

a) to the licensee, who must respond in writing within 21 days

from the date of the request, or

(

b) to the Regulator, if the licensee is unable to respond to the

request, who may grant approval on such terms and

conditions as the Regulator considers appropriate in the

circumstances.

Damage prevention service

44 Every licensee must register with the Utility Safety Partners'

damage prevention service and must

(

a) register all of its licensed pipeline with Utility Safety

Partners regardless of the operational status of the pipeline,

(

b) for new construction, register the pipeline prior to putting it

into operation, and

(

c) update the registered inventory as often as necessary to

ensure the licensee's pipeline data is accurate.

Preparing for ground disturbance

45(1) For the purposes of

section 32(1)(a)(i)(

B) of the Act, the

distance from the perimeter of the area in which a person proposes to

undertake a ground disturbance within which the person must take all

precautions reasonably necessary to ascertain whether a pipeline exists

before commencing any work, operation or activity is 30 metres.

(2) A person proposing to undertake a ground disturbance within

either the controlled area of a pipeline or within the right of way of a

pipeline must notify Utility Safety Partners at least 3 days and not

more than 10 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, before

commencing the ground disturbance to allow Utility Safety Partners to

notify the licensee of any buried pipeline of the intent to disturb the

ground and request that the licensee identify and mark the location of

the pipeline.

(3) Should Utility Safety Partners be unable to notify the licensee of

any buried pipeline, the person proposing to undertake the ground

disturbance must make reasonable efforts to directly notify the licensee

of the pipeline to request that the licensee identify and mark the

location of the pipeline.

Locating and marking of pipelines

46(1) A licensee who has been given notice of a proposed ground

disturbance in the controlled area or right of way of its pipeline must,

before the commencement of the ground disturbance, accurately locate

and mark on the surface of the ground the horizontal position and

alignment of the pipeline with clearly distinguishable warning signs

and markers at adequate intervals in accordance with the Uniform

Color Code, and provide documentation of the markings to the person

conducting the ground disturbance.

(2) The locating and marking referred to in subsection (1) must be

provided no later than 3 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and

holidays, after the licensee is notified of the proposed ground

disturbance, unless a longer period is necessary due to locator

availability constraints, or as the licensee and the person conducting

the ground disturbance agree otherwise.

(3) If the person proposing to undertake the ground disturbance wishes

to carry out the locating and marking of the pipeline in accordance

with the requirements under subsection (1) and obtains the prior

agreement of the licensee to do so, the licensee may delegate its

responsibility and associated expenses under subsection (1) and the

supervision of the ground disturbance in the absence of the licensee to

that person.

(4) If the person conducting the ground disturbance requests the

locating and marking of the pipeline by contacting Utility Safety

Partners and also by attempting to contact the licensee directly, and

neither effort succeeds, the person conducting the ground disturbance

is responsible for arranging for the accurate locating and marking of

the pipeline in accordance with subsection (1) and for the supervision

of the ground disturbance in the absence of the licensee.

(5) The person conducting the ground disturbance must

(

a) keep all pipeline warning signs or markers referred to in

subsection (1) visible and legible and in their original

position for the duration of the ground disturbance, and

(

b) in the event that any warning sign, marking or marker is

moved or becomes illegible,

(

i) restore or re-mark it if the original position is exactly

known, or

(ii) request for new locating and marking if the original

position is uncertain.

(6) Despite subsection (1), alternative methods of locating and

marking a pipeline may be used if the licensee and the person

conducting the ground disturbance agree.

(7) The locating and marking referred to in subsection (1) is not

required if

(

a) the ground disturbance is proposed to be undertaken in the

controlled area outside the right of way of an existing

pipeline,

(

b) the right of way or pipeline is clearly separated from the

proposed ground disturbance by a highway, road or other

visible improvement, and

(

c) the licensee of any affected pipeline agrees to the exemption

from the requirements under subsection (1).

(8) The requirements under subsections (1) and (2) do not apply if the

Regulator is satisfied that

(

a) a ground disturbance is undertaken in connection with the

restoration of essential public services in an emergency or

containment of an environmental emergency, and

(

b) the licensee of any affected pipeline agreed to alternative

notification, location and excavation procedures to ensure the

safe excavation of the pipeline.

Supervision of ground disturbance

47 A licensee of an existing pipeline who has been notified under

section 32(1)(

b) of the Act of a proposed ground disturbance must

(

a) have a representative inspect the pipeline before the

commencement of the ground disturbance to ensure that the

locating and marking referred to in

section 46(1) have been

properly carried out,

(

b) if the ground disturbance is within the right of way, ensure

that its representative on-site at the time of the ground

disturbance has a copy of the written approval for the ground

disturbance in the representative's possession,

(

c) ensure that its representative is certified in supervisory level

ground disturbance, and

(

d) carry out, document and retain any inspections of the ground

disturbance that are necessary to ensure the continued safety

of the pipeline.

Control of access over right of way

48(1) Before commencing a ground disturbance in the controlled

area of a pipeline where uncontrolled access over the pipeline by

equipment may cause damage to the pipeline, the person conducting

the ground disturbance must consult with the licensee and install any

access controls needed to protect existing pipelines.

(2) Before commencing a ground disturbance referred to in subsection

(1), the licensee and the person conducting the ground disturbance

must determine and agree on the location of crossings and the

precautions to be taken to protect pipelines from damage during

ground disturbance.

Vehicles crossing pipeline

49(1) Except where otherwise provided in this section, no person

shall operate a vehicle or equipment across a pipeline at a point that is

not within the upgraded and traveled portion of a highway or public

road without first obtaining consent from the licensee of the pipeline.

(2) A person seeking consent in subsection (1) must notify the

licensee at least 7 days, not including Saturday, Sunday or holidays,

before the proposed crossing.

(3) On receiving notification under subsection (2), a licensee must

respond to the person proposing the crossing within 7 days, not

including Saturday, Sunday or holidays, and the response must include

any precautionary measures that must be applied to safeguard the

pipeline from potential damage before the crossing is made.

(4) The consent of the licensee under subsection (1) is not required for

a vehicular crossing by

(

a) a vehicle or equipment designed to minimize ground

pressure,

(

b) a vehicle used for agricultural operations,

(

c) an off-highway vehicle as defined in

section 117(a)(iii) to

(viii) of the Traffic Safety Act, or

(

d) a commercial vehicle or a private passenger vehicle as

defined in the Traffic Safety Act, having a nominal chassis

rating of not greater than 2 tonnes.

Safety of adjacent pipeline

50 The Regulator may require that an existing pipeline located

adjacent to a ground disturbance in the controlled area of the pipeline

be depressurized, operated at a reduced pressure or otherwise protected

throughout the period of the ground disturbance.

Exposing pipeline

51(1) When a ground disturbance approaches within 5 metres of a

pipeline, the person conducting the ground disturbance must expose

the existing pipeline using hand excavation methods until positive

identification and orientation of the pipeline is achieved, and before

any further mechanical excavation may continue.

(2) If hand excavation of polymeric or composite pipelines is being

conducted by high-pressure water or air excavation methods, those

methods and procedures must be in accordance with the pipeline

manufacturer's recommendations or industry best practices, as

available, and must be acceptable to the licensee of the existing

pipeline.

(3) Under this section, at the time the pipeline is being exposed, either

a representative of the licensee of the existing pipeline or a designated

delegate the licensee agreed to accept, who meets the requirements of

section 47(c), must be present.

(4) Despite subsection (1) and subject to subsection (5), an existing

pipeline does not need to be fully exposed if

(

a) the existing pipeline is located, marked and inspected in

accordance with sections 46(1) and 47, and hand excavation

to a distance of 5 metres on each side of the centreline of the

marked position and to a depth at least 0.6 metres greater

than that required for the ground disturbance has not exposed

the pipeline,

(

b) the position of the existing pipeline has been verified to the

satisfaction of the licensee of the existing pipeline by

comparison with recorded measurements of the pipeline

taken during a previous exposure,

(

c) the proposed ground disturbance will be parallel to and

within 5 metres of an existing pipeline, in which case the

pipeline must be exposed at intervals along the pipeline, with

the length of the intervals being at the discretion of the

licensee of the existing pipeline, or

(

d) in the case of a trenchless excavation technique, the drill or

bore path is confirmed during the drilling process to be more

than 5 metres deeper than the confirmed depth of the existing

pipeline.

(5) After an existing pipeline has been exposed in accordance with

this section, no mechanical excavation equipment shall be used within

0.6 metres of the pipeline or within any distance beneath a pipeline,

except under the direct supervision of either a representative of the

licensee of the existing pipeline or a designated delegate the licensee

agreed to accept, who meets the requirements of

section 47(c).

(6) Where a ground disturbance is conducted using trenchless

excavation techniques and the intended tool path is expected to pass

within 5 metres of the existing pipeline, that pipeline must be first

exposed to allow for its identification and confirmation of direction

and depth, and to allow for confirmation that the trenchless tool path

does not encroach on and endanger the pipeline.

(7) For the purpose of subsection (6), for a trenchless excavation

crossing the path of the existing pipeline, the hand excavation must

(

a) be located within 5 metres of the existing pipeline,

(

b) extend to a depth of at least one metre deeper than the

existing pipeline,

(

c) run parallel to the existing pipeline for a distance of at least 2

metres on each side of the intended tool path, and

(

d) be of adequate width to allow for effective visual monitoring

of the tool path.

(8) For the purpose of subsection (6), for a trenchless excavation

running parallel to, or otherwise not crossing the path of the existing

pipeline, the hand excavation must

(

a) run parallel to and be offset from the existing pipeline,

(

b) extend to a depth of at least one metre deeper than the

existing pipeline,

(

c) be located between the intended tool path and the existing

pipeline,

(

d) be installed at intervals adequate to identify any critical

deviation of the tool from the intended tool path, and

(

e) be of adequate width and length to monitor for deviation of

the tool path.

(9) If a pipeline is to be exposed by the licensee of the pipeline, the

licensee may make a written request to the Regulator for approval to

use alternate pipeline exposure methods and procedures in exceptional

situations.

Inspection prior to backfilling

52 A person undertaking a ground disturbance who exposes any part

of a pipeline must notify the licensee at least 24 hours before

backfilling the pipeline, and on being so notified, a representative of

the licensee who meets the requirements of

section 47(

c) must inspect

without delay the exposed part of the pipeline before backfilling to

ensure that no damage has occurred.

Part 5

Warning Signs

Location of pipeline warning signs

53 A licensee must install pipeline warning signs as follows:

(

a) at each side of the crossing where a pipeline crosses

(

i) a highway, road, railway, irrigation canal, or

(ii) a creek, stream or river where water is present

year-round;

(

b) where a pipeline right of way meets the right of way of a

highway, road or railway, on the common boundary of the

rights of way but not within the right of way of the highway,

road or railway;

(

c) where a pipeline is located in a ditch or unpaved area and

running parallel to the right of way of a highway or road, at

intervals that clearly and continuously mark the location of

the pipeline;

(

d) where the pipeline is conveying HVP products in an urban

area, at intervals that will clearly and continuously mark the

location of the pipeline.

Installation of pipeline warning signs

54 Pipeline warning signs required by

section 53 must be installed

(

a) prior to the commencement of operation of the pipeline,

(

b) in accordance with any of the formats set out in

Schedule 1

that is consistent for the entire pipeline under the licence,

(

c) within the land acquired for the pipeline and with writing

facing towards the most likely point of viewing,

(

d) no more than 0.3 metres from a fence line, if one exists,

(

e) as close to the centreline of the pipeline as reasonable

without risking striking the pipeline,

(

f) so that each sign is fully visible,

(

g) as a freestanding structure not attached to any structure other

than fencing surrounding the licensee's equipment or facility,

and

(

h) without indicating on the sign that a pipeline is abandoned.

Maintenance of pipeline warning signs

55 A licensee must, for all pipelines, including abandoned pipelines,

(

a) replace or restore any pipeline warning sign that becomes

defaced, illegible, missing or destroyed,

(

b) update the information on the sign when necessary, either by

replacing the sign or applying durable permanent adhesive

decals,

(

c) in the event of a change to the emergency telephone number,

update the signs before the displayed phone number becomes

invalid,

(

d) in the event of a change to any other information as required

by

Schedule 1, update the signs within 180 days of the

change of information, and

(

e) where a pipeline or part of a pipeline has been removed,

remove any existing warning signs applicable to that area.

Alternate signage

56 Despite

section 54, a licensee may request, in exceptional

circumstances, from the Regulator permission to install warning signs

other than in accordance with

Schedule 1.

Temporary pipeline warning signs

57(1) Despite

section 54, a licensee may install temporary pipeline

warning signs not in accordance with

Schedule 1 during surface

restoration activities.

(2) The temporary signs installed under subsection (1) must be

replaced with permanent signs in accordance with

Schedule 1 as soon

as restoration activities are completed.

HVP product

58 Warning signs for a pipeline conveying HVP product must clearly

indicate the name of the highest vapour pressure product that may be

conveyed in accordance with

Schedule 1.

Group pipeline signs

59(1) A licensee may install group pipeline warning signs for a group

of pipelines in the same right of way or adjoining rights of way, rather

than a separate sign for each pipeline, if

(

a) the licensee is the same for each pipeline in the group,

(

b) each pipeline in the group conveys the same product,

(

c) the warning sign, in accordance with

Schedule 1, identifies

that there are other pipelines close by, including at what sides

of the sign the pipelines are located, and

(

d) none of the pipelines in the group convey HVP product or

gas containing more than 10 moles of hydrogen sulphide gas

per kilomole of natural gas.

(2) The warning signs referred to in subsection (1)

(

a) must be placed at both sides of the right of way or adjoining

rights of way containing the group of pipelines,

(

b) must not be more than 60 metres apart, and

(

c) must be placed at each side of the crossing.

Identification of pipeline installations

60(1) A licensee must install pipeline warning signs in accordance

with

Schedule 1 adjacent to all pipeline installations, including meter

regulator stations and regulator stations, valve stations, field manifolds

and line heaters.

Schedule 2 at the entrance to any gas compressor station or liquid

pump station that is licensed as a pipeline installation showing the

following as set out in

Schedule 2:

(

a) the name of the installation;

(

b) the legal land location of the installation;

(

c) the name of the licensee;

(

d) an emergency telephone number and any warning symbols.

(3) Warning symbols identifying the hazard at a pipeline installation

referred to in subsection (2) must include, if applicable,

(

a) Category I: Flammable (gas or liquid), and

(

b) Category II: Poisonous Gas.

Part 6

Changes to Pipeline

Liner and internal protection installation

61 Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, an application to

the Regulator for approval to install a liner in a pipeline, whether

expanded or freestanding or an in-situ application of a thin-film

internal coating as internal protection, must be in accordance with the

requirements of Directive 056.

Liner and internal protection installation in sour service

62 If an expanded liner or an in-situ-applied thin-film internal

coating as internal protection is to be installed in a pipeline to be used

in sour service, as defined in CSA Z662, and the hoop strength

capability of the lined system depends on the strength of the exterior

pipeline, the exterior pipeline must be in accordance with the sour

service requirements of CSA Z662 and these Rules.

Change in substance or pressure

63 Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, an application must

be made to change the substance or the licensed maximum operating

pressure of a pipeline in accordance with the requirements of Directive

Testing requirements for change in substance or pressure

64 The Regulator may establish any testing requirements it considers

necessary for the approval of a change in substance conveyed or in

licensed maximum operating pressure.

Part 7

Relocation or Alteration of Pipeline

or Other Regulator Direction

Application for direction under

section 33 of Act

65(1) An application to the Regulator for a direction under

section 33

of the Act must include

(

a) a sketch, map or drawing that identifies

(

i) the present location of the pipeline where the alteration,

relocation or addition is proposed,

(ii) the name of the licensee and the licence number of the

pipeline,

(iii) the proposed pipeline alteration, relocation or addition,

and

(iv) details of any surface work or improvement at the

pipeline location if the alteration, relocation or addition

is to accommodate the surface work or improvement,

(

b) the specifications of the pipeline and any associated casing,

(

c) a statement concerning

(

i) the purpose of the pipeline alteration, relocation or

addition and the reason the applicant considers it to be

in the public interest,

(ii) any documented evidence relating to prior knowledge

by the licensee, landowner or another licensee of the

surface work or improvement affecting the pipeline, and

(iii) the opinion of the applicant about allocation of costs

necessary to complete the pipeline alteration, relocation

or addition and the reasons for it,

(

d) an estimate of total costs for the alteration, relocation or

addition, if known,

(

e) a list of landowners and occupants of property affected by the

proposed pipeline alteration, relocation or addition, and

(

f) a list of the status of acquisition of right of way, working

space and consents of owners and occupants for any

proposed pipeline alteration, relocation or addition.

(2) The Regulator may require the licensee to perform any testing that

it considers necessary prior to making a direction under

section 33 of

the Act.

Notice to Regulator

66(1) A licensee must notify the Regulator when the work according

to a direction under this Part has been completed.

(2) After receiving a notice under subsection (1), the Regulator may

amend the licence.

Part 8

Release of Product and

Contact Damage

Report of leak, break or contact damage

67(1) For the purpose of

section 35 of the Act, if a leak, break or

contact damage occurs in a pipeline or from the part of a pipeline or its

isolation valves that differentiate the pipeline from any other

equipment of a pipeline installation, the licensee must immediately

report the incident to the Regulator in accordance with

section 5(2).

(2) Subject to any other reporting obligations, if a release occurs on a

surface lease or public lands disposition containing a pipeline

installation but not from the pipeline or its isolation valves that

differentiate the pipeline from any other equipment located on the

lease or disposition, as the case may be, notification is required if the

release

(

a) is of a volume of 2 cubic metres or more, or

(

b) may cause, is causing or has caused an adverse effect as

defined in the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.

(3) If a leak, break or contact damage has been reported to the

Regulator in accordance with subsection (1), the licensee, on request,

must submit to the Regulator a written report indicating

(

a) the time the leak, break or contact damage occurred,

(

b) the approximate quantity of substance lost, if any,

(

c) the method of repair, if applicable,

(

d) the conditions that caused or contributed to the leak, break or

contact damage and any substantiating reports,

(

e) the steps to be taken to prevent similar occurrences in the

future,

(

f) information regarding the spill containment and recovery

techniques, and

(

g) any other information that the Regulator may request.

(4) If a leak, break or contact damage has been reported to the

Regulator in accordance with subsection (1),

(

a) the Regulator may require the licensee to conduct

inspections, investigations, testing or an engineering

assessment of an affected pipeline, and

(

b) the licensee must maintain a record of the incident in

accordance with the licensee's Integrity Management Program

and Safety and Loss Management System.

Containment of leak or break

68 If substances escape from a leak or break in a pipeline, the

licensee, on detection of the leak or break, must take immediate steps

to stop the source of release and contain and clean up the substances.

Repair of leak, break or contact damage

69 If a leak, break or contact damage occurs in a pipeline, the

Regulator may specify the method of repair.

Intentional release of gas

70(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, and subject to

subsection (2), no licensee shall intentionally release to the atmosphere

any natural gas not meeting the definition of distribution specification

gas in

section 1(1)(

r) either without combusting the gas in an approved

manner or otherwise treating the gas to meet the distribution

specifications.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to gas released for short duration

and intermittently from

(

a) corrosion coupon fittings and corrosion probe fittings,

(

b) composite pipe vents or the annulus vents of a pipeline with

an expanded liner,

(

c) pigging traps and associated venting valves, once purged

with clean gas, or

(

d) the blowdown of water traps or drains.

(3) Gas vented from the equipment described in subsection (2)

(

a) does not require an approval under Directive 060,

(

b) must not be vented continuously, except as allowed under

subsection (4), and

(

c) must not cause off-lease or off-right of way odours.

(4) Annulus vents of a pipeline with an expanded liner must not be left

open beyond the time recommended by the liner manufacturer or

installer unless the vents are permanently connected to a gas treatment

system designed for continuous operation and that treats any gas

vented to meet the distribution specifications.

(5) Any other gas vented from a pipeline must be vented in

accordance with the requirements of Directive 060.

Part 9

Discontinuance, Abandonment,

Removal and Resumption

General

71(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator and subject to

section 72, any pipeline that has not been in active flowing service for

24 months must be discontinued, abandoned or returned to active

flowing service.

(2) The licensee must manage a pipeline that is not in active flowing

service in accordance with the licensee's Integrity Management

Program.

(3) The licensee, on request of the Regulator, must provide records or

documents that demonstrate that any pipeline not in active flowing

service is being managed in accordance with the licensee's Integrity

Management Program.

Duty to maintain and manage as operating

72(1) Despite

section 71, if a pipeline or part of a pipeline cannot be

physically isolated or disconnected from an operating pipeline, it shall

not be discontinued or abandoned but must be maintained as an

operating pipeline under the licensee's Integrity Management Program.

(2) Dead legs that are continually exposed to operating pipeline

conditions must be managed as an operating pipeline according to the

licensee's Integrity Management Program and are considered to be

operating for the purposes of

section 82.

Application in case of discontinuance, abandonment or removal

73(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, a licensee

discontinuing, abandoning or removing a pipeline or discontinuing or

abandoning an entire pipeline system under this Part must apply to the

Regulator for approval in accordance with the requirements of

Directive 056 within 90 days of the completion of the discontinuance,

abandonment or removal operation, as the case may be.

(2) An application for discontinuance or abandonment of an entire

pipeline system under subsection (1) must include a cover letter

explaining the scope and circumstances of the system abandonment or

discontinuation, as the case may be, and a listing of all line segments.

Discontinuance or abandonment of entire pipeline system

74 Where a licensee intends to discontinue or abandon an entire

pipeline system by isolating or disconnecting the pipelines within that

system from every well, facility or pipeline that could provide a

pressure source, the discontinuance or abandonment may take place

without the removal of underground tie-ins within the system subject

to the following:

(

a) an application for approval for discontinuance or

abandonment of the entire pipeline system is made under

section 73;

(

b) all other requirements applicable to discontinuance or

abandonment in this Part shall apply.

Conducting discontinuance

75 Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, the licensee must

ensure that the pipeline or the part of the pipeline that is discontinued

(

a) pigged or cleaned to remove any free conveyed substances

and debris as thoroughly as reasonably possible,

(

b) protected effectively against internal corrosion by purging

with air or inert gas, or fresh water that is suitable for the

pipeline materials, with any remaining pressure not to exceed

103 kilopascals gauge (kPag),

(

c) protected effectively against external corrosion by

maintaining effective cathodic protection,

(

d) physically isolated or disconnected from any pressure source,

well, facility or other pipeline and plugged or capped by

mechanical or welded means, except as allowed by

section

74,

(

e) not isolated or disconnected in a manner that results in an

adjoining operating pipeline being left with connection points

that could be subject to internal corrosion due to stagnant

fluid traps or dead legs,

(

f) left in a safe condition that does not pose a threat to the

environment or to a person who may come into proximity

with the pipeline, and

(

g) individually identified as discontinued, with its own line

number, on the amended licence.

Conducting abandonment

76 Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, the licensee must

ensure that the pipeline or the part of the pipeline that is being

abandoned is

(

a) pigged or cleaned to remove any free conveyed substances

and debris as thoroughly as reasonably possible,

(

b) physically isolated or disconnected from any pressure source,

well, facility or other pipeline, except as allowed by

section

74,

(

c) completed by the removal of all associated surface

equipment, including pig traps, risers, block valves, line

heaters and support structures or pipe racks unless used by

other equipment,

(

d) isolated by cutting off the riser at the pipeline level or as

close to the pipeline level as practical,

(

e) plugged or capped by mechanical or welded means,

(

f) not isolated or disconnected in a manner that results in an

adjoining operating pipeline being left with connection points

that could be subject to internal corrosion due to stagnant

fluid traps or dead legs,

(

g) left without corrosion inhibition and without cathodic

protection,

(

h) not releasing gases from polymeric components that could

result in flammable or toxic hazard,

(

i) left in a safe condition that does not pose a threat to the

environment or to a person who may come into proximity

with the pipeline, and

(

j) individually identified as abandoned, with its own line

number, on the amended licence.

Closure quotas

77(1) The Regulator may establish closure quotas that are applicable

to some or all licensees with respect to the required amount of work or

the amount to be spent, or both, as directed by the Regulator and for

the period determined by the Regulator, with respect to the closure of

the licensee's pipelines.

(2) A licensee must comply with any closure quota applicable to it,

unless otherwise directed by the Regulator.

Closure plans

78(1) When requested by the Regulator, a licensee must submit a

closure plan regarding some or all of its pipelines, in accordance with

any direction of the Regulator given under subsection (3).

(2) A closure plan must contain the information required by the

Regulator and the plan must be approved by the Regulator subject to

(3) The Regulator may direct the timing and priority for performing

work with respect to the closure of the licensee's pipelines.

approved closure plan.

Mandatory abandonment

79 Despite

section 76, a licensee must abandon a pipeline if

(

a) the Regulator suspends or cancels the licensee's licence

because the licensee has contravened the Act, these Rules or

an order or direction of the Regulator,

(

b) the Regulator notifies the licensee that in the opinion of the

Regulator the pipeline may constitute an environmental or

safety hazard,

(

c) the licensee

(

i) is not or ceases to be resident in Alberta,

(ii) has not appointed an agent in accordance with

section

19 of the Act, and

(iii) does not hold a subsisting exemption under

section 3

from the requirement to appoint an agent,

(

d) the licensee is deceased,

(

e) the licensee is a corporation registered, incorporated or

continued under the Business Corporations Act that is not

active or has been dissolved, or if the corporate registry

status of the licensee is struck or rendered liable to be struck

under any legislation governing corporations,

(

f) the licensee has not discontinued the pipeline in accordance

with the Act, these Rules or an order or direction of the

Regulator,

(

g) the pipeline is associated with a well or facility that has been

abandoned or has been ordered to be abandoned by the

Regulator and the pipeline is not used for any other well or

facility,

(

h) the licensee has sold or disposed of the licensee's interest in

the pipeline and has not transferred it to a person who is

eligible to hold a licence for the pipeline, or

(

i) the licensee is otherwise ordered to do so by the Regulator.

Responsibility for discontinued or abandoned pipeline

80 An approval by the Regulator for discontinuance or abandonment

operations does not relieve the licensee from the responsibility for

further discontinuance or abandonment or other operations with

respect to the same pipeline or part of a pipeline that may become

necessary.

Conducting removal

81(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, the licensee must

ensure that any pipeline or part of a pipeline that is removed

(

a) is first pigged or cleaned to remove any free conveyed

substances and debris as thoroughly as reasonably possible,

(

b) is not disconnected in a manner that results in an adjoining

operating pipeline being left with connection points that

could be subject to internal corrosion due to stagnant fluid

traps or dead legs, and

(

c) is individually identified as removed, with its own line

number on the amended licence.

(2) Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, any associated

surface equipment, including pig traps, risers, block valves, line

heaters, support structures and pipe racks must be removed unless used

by other equipment.

(3) Any remaining pipeline, if discontinued or abandoned, must be

capped or plugged by mechanical or welded means at the terminated

end.

(4) Removed pipe and equipment must be transported from the right

of way of the removed pipeline in a timely manner and must not be

allowed to remain on the right of way longer than 60 days after

removal of the pipeline, unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator.

Resumption of pipeline operation

82 Unless otherwise authorized by the Regulator, a licensee intending

to resume the operation of a pipeline or part of a pipeline

(

a) that was discontinued or abandoned,

(

b) that has not been in active flowing service for a period longer

than 24 months, or

(

c) the licence of which has been transferred by the direction of

the Regulator under

section 18(7) of the Act

must make an application to the Regulator for approval of resumption

in accordance with the requirements of Directive 056.

Part 10

Transitional Provisions, Repeal,

Expiry and Coming into Force

Transitional

83(1) In this section, "former Rules" means the Pipeline Rules

(AR 91/2005) as they read immediately before the coming into force of

these Rules.

(2) A licence or approval granted by the Regulator under the former

Rules remains in force according to its terms until it expires or is

amended, suspended or cancelled or a subsequent licence or approval

is granted under the Act or these Rules.

Repeal

84 The Pipeline Rules (AR 91/2005) are repealed.

Expiry

85 For the purpose of ensuring that these Rules are reviewed for

ongoing relevancy and necessity, with the option that they may be

repassed in their present or an amended form following a review, these

Rules expire on January 31, 2031.

Coming into force

86 These Rules come into force on November 15, 2023.

Schedule 1

Pipeline Warning Signs

(sections 53 - 60(1))

Schedule 2

Pipeline Installation Identification Signs

(section 60(2))