Compliance verification activity type: Field Inspection
Team:
Regulated company: Tundra Oil & Gas Limited for and on behalf of Tundra Oil & Gas Partnership
Operating company: Tundra Oil & Gas Limited for and on behalf of Tundra Oil & Gas Partnership
Province(s) / Territory(s):
Discipline(s):
Rationale and scope:
Environment inspection of the Tundra Pipefield Water Pipeline and Pipefield Oil Effluent Pipeline. These two short pipelines run parallel share a common right-of-way that crosses the Saskatchewan-Manitoba border. The inspection focused on reclamation success, operations and company oversight.
Compliance tool(s) used:
Facilities:
Facility Types
Life-cycle Phases
Regulatory requirements that apply to this activity:
Regulatory instrument number(s):
Observation 1 - General Observations
Date & time of visit: 2019-05-02 15:26
Discipline: Environmental Protection
Categories:
Facility:
Observations:
Environmental MonitoringDuring the opening meeting, NEB Inspection Officers (IOs) reviewed documents related to aerial patrols of the pipeline right-of-way (RoW); these patrols occur at least once a week.IOs also reviewed the results of the most recent Tundra internal environmental RoW inspection. This occurred in November 2017. During the inspection, IOs discussed the frequency of environmental monitoring. IOs note that the procedures reviewed do not specifiy the frequency of inspections, however, Company Representatives indicated that the monitoring process will be modified. Specifically, they made a commitment to conduct a ground inspection at lease once a year and document their observations and findings.IOs discussed the qualifications of personnel conducting daily inspections (e.g., for leaks) and were provided with additional information about training of operations personnel.RoW InspectionThe RoW is approximately 400 m long and runs from a station in a cultivated field in Saskatchewan to risers in a pasture in Manitoba. The pipelines cross one road which also serves as the Saskatchewan - Manitoba boder. The RoW in the cultivated field was indistinguishable from the adjacent land use, and the field displayed signs of recent tilling of the topsoil. The pipelines cross class 1 wetland(s) in the ditch on either side of the road crossing. No impacts to the wetlands were evident; Company representatives indicated that a trenchless crossing method was used for the road and wetland crossings. Pipeline crossing signage for both pipelines was in place on either side of the RoW and the signs were legible, containing the required information.On the Manitoba side of the pipe, trees had been cleared the wdith of the ROW for a distance of approximately 20m. The RoW was well-vegetated with grasses and shrubs; no exposed topsoil was observed. Some evidence of pugging and cattle compaction was visible in low-lying areas, but was not affecting land use. The pipelines ended at risers surrounded by steel posts/fence. The riser area was graveled. No evidence of weeds or erosion was observed.No non-compliances were identified during the inspection.
Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used
Identified non-compliances to company plans or procedures are non-compliances either to:
- the condition of an authorization document that requires the implementation of that plan or procedure; or
- the relevant section of the regulations that requires implementation of that plan or procedure including those sections that require implementation of plans or procedures as a part of a Program