Canadian Energy Regulator Pipeline Damage Prevention Regulations – Authorizations

Marginal note:Authorization – ground disturbance activity

• 10 (1) For the purposes of subsection 112(1) of the Act, any activity — in an area other than an offshore area — that would cause a ground disturbance within the prescribed area, other than an activity referred to in section 11, is authorized if the person that intends to engage in the activity

  • (a) obtains the pipeline company’s written consent;

  • (b) makes a locate request in accordance with section 3; and

  • (c) obtains from the pipeline company the information that is referred to in paragraphs 6(1)(a) and (c) of the National Energy Board Pipeline Damage Prevention Regulations – Obligations of Pipeline Companies.

• Marginal note:Suspension

  (2) If the consent is suspended by the Board, or by the pipeline company in accordance with subsection 10(1) of the National Energy Board Pipeline Damage Prevention Regulations – Obligations of Pipeline Companies, the authorization is suspended and the activity must cease for the duration of the suspension of the consent.

• Marginal note:Measures

  (3) Any person that is engaged in an activity that causes a ground disturbance within the prescribed area must comply with the following measures:

  • (a) ensure that the activity is carried out in accordance with the technical details that are set out in the person’s request for consent and that have been accepted by the pipeline company, as well as with the conditions set out in the pipeline company’s consent, including the conditions respecting directional drilling or the use of explosives;

  • (b) ensure that the activity is completed within two years after the day on which the consent was obtained, unless the pipeline company and the person agree on another time period that is set out in the consent;

  • (c) not undertake mechanical excavation that would cause a ground disturbance within the prescribed area within 3 m of a pipe, unless

    • (i) if the excavation runs parallel to the pipe, the pipe has been exposed by hand at sufficient intervals to confirm the pipe’s location or the pipeline company has used a method that would permit it to confirm the pipe’s exact location and has informed the person of that location,

    • (ii) if the excavation crosses the pipe, the pipe has been exposed by hand at the point of crossing or the pipeline company has used a method that would permit it to confirm the pipe’s exact location, has informed the person of that location and has confirmed that the pipe is at least 60 cm deeper than the proposed excavation, and

    • (iii) if ground conditions render it impractical to locate the pipe using any of the methods set out in subparagraphs (i) and (ii), the pipeline company directly supervises any excavation;

  • (d) comply with the instructions of the pipeline company’s authorized field representative regarding the procedures that are to be followed during the activity and that relate to the pipeline’s safety and security;

  • (e) if interference with or alteration of a pipe becomes necessary, obtain the pipeline company’s written consent to interfere with or alter the pipe;

  • (f) carry out any activity that involves the interference with or alteration of a pipe under the pipeline company’s supervision;

  • (g) immediately notify the pipeline company of any contact with a pipe or its coating during the activity; and

  • (h) unless otherwise agreed on by the pipeline company and the person that is engaged in the activity, notify the pipeline company at least 24 hours before backfilling over a pipe.