Safety is NEB’s top priority
As Canada’s federal regulator of pipelines, the National Energy Board’s top priority is, and always will be, safety.
When I was in Quebec in February, I met with over 50 mayors, and in those discussions a number of them stated that Enbridge Pipelines should be forced to carry out hydrostatic tests on its Line 9B pipeline before oil starts to flow through it.
So what exactly is a hydrostatic test?
Hydrostatic testing is one of several commonly used methods to identify defects in pipelines. The pipeline is filled and pressurized with water, and then examined for leaks, ruptures or permanent changes in shape. It gives you a snapshot of a single point in time; it does not provide the probability of future issues with the pipe.
Advanced technology such as in- line inspections, during which an instrumented vehicle is propelled through the pipeline, and ultrasonic and magnetic measurement provide highly accurate and detailed information about the interior and exterior of the pipeline. After analysis, the information is brought together with other monitoring results and a proactive plan is developed to address potential future issues with the pipeline.
Regardless of the method, the board reviews the evidence presented that needs to answer the question: Is the pipeline safe to operate?
The NEB is currently reviewing Enbridge’s submissions to determine if the pipeline can move into operation. As part of this, we review previous information submitted by the company, including the integrity management plan for the project, essentially how the company is working to keep the pipeline safe from planning through operations. We also look at the engineering data presented to verify the integrity of the pipe.
If Enbridge proves to the board’s satisfaction that the pipeline is safe, that there is the required level of reliability in the line, then hydrostatic testing may not be required. Should the board not be satisfied with the information provided, it will order Enbridge to include hydrostatic testing on all, or part, of the pipeline and to mitigate any issues that might accompany a hydrostatic test.
If the NEB is not convinced that the project will be safe and operated in a manner that protects communities and the environment, Enbridge will not be allowed to operate that pipeline.
Canadians expect and deserve nothing less. Peter Watson ( Chair and CEO, National Energy Board), Calgary