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Bulletin 2009-12

April 14, 2009

Surveillance and Inspection of Pipeline Water Crossings

The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) reminds licensees to diligently conduct surveillance and inspections of pipeline water crossings. Pipeline failures in or near water crossings are typically a result of the rapid deviation of the existing river channel or a rapid erosion of the riverbed due to significant rainfall combined with spring melt. This exposes sections of a pipeline that are then subjected to excessive external stresses.

There are a number of regulatory requirements addressing right-of-way (ROW) surveillance for pipelines. The general requirements, contained in the Canadian Standards Association CSA Z662-07: Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems, Clause 10.6.1.1, require a licensee to conduct periodic ROW patrols to observe conditions and activities on or adjacent to the ROWs that may affect the safety and operation of the pipeline. Geotechnical hazards, such as those posed by water crossings, unstable slopes, or erosion must be considered as part of these patrols. Additionally, Clause 10.6.4.1 requires that special consideration be given to inspection and maintenance of pipelines crossing water, roads, railways, utilities, or other pipelines. Clause 10.6.4.2 further requires that underwater crossings be inspected periodically for pipeline cover and other potential hazards.

Though the period between inspections is not specified, the licensee should be able to demonstrate why the interval it has chosen is appropriate and also whether surveillance intervals have been adjusted in response to any anomalous conditions that may have occurred.

Section 43 of the Alberta Pipeline Regulation specifies that the licensees of pipelines crossing water or unstable ground must inspect their pipeline ROWs at least once annually. Section 44 additionally requires more frequent ROW inspections (e.g., monthly, weekly) for certain types of pipeline.

Licensees are therefore reminded to ensure that their pipeline ROW surveillance is being conducted diligently and in accordance with the legislated requirements so that potential issues are promptly identified and addressed. The ERCB will continue to check for this during operational inspections and will apply enforcement if noncompliance is found.

< original signed by >                                              < original signed by >

Dwayne Waisman                                                  Doug Boyler, P.Eng.                 
Executive Manager                                                Executive Manager
Public Safety/                                                         Compliance, Environment, and   
Field Surveillance Branch                                     Operations Branch