The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) today released its third annual Transmission Pipeline Industry Performance Report, which reveals how CEPA’s members are performing in the areas of safety, the environment, and socio-economic contributions.
Safety and environmental protection are top priorities for Canadians when it comes to the transmission pipeline industry. In their report, CEPA seeks to address these issues by demonstrating what the organization’s members are doing collectively to improve safety, minimize environmental impacts, and develop solutions regarding the concerns Canadians have about the industry’s operations and performance.
“We have a responsibility to be open, consistent and accountable to government, regulators, Indigenous groups and all stakeholders,” said Chris Bayle, CEPA Board Chair, president and CEO, Inter Pipeline.
The report notes efforts being undertaken to protect pipeline watercourse crossings from geohazards. A 2016 trial conducted by Spectra Energy was acoustic monitoring at Coquihalla River in B.C. This year, Kind Morgan Canada will test a temperature monitoring system at their Crooked Creek pipeline crossings. CEPA also consulted with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, among other stakeholders, to develop guidelines for installing pipes near water bodies. The guidelines will be released later in 2017.
“CEPA members strive to operate to the highest safety standards, but know that there is always room to improve. Each CEPA member company is committed to collaborating and going beyond regulation to strengthen safety performance across the entire industry.”
Other technologies being deployed to improve environmental protection are new leak detection systems. In 2016, TransCanada conducted a test of IntelliView Technologies’ video analytics technology at pump stations. The test found that the leak detection system decreased false alarm rates. There were also improvements in speed and sensitivity in TransCanada’s leak detection system.
The 2017 Pipeline Industry Performance report can be found here.
