Compliance verification activity type: Field Inspection
Team:
Regulated company: NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.
Operating company: TransCanada Pipelines Limited
Province(s) / Territory(s):
Discipline(s):
Related events:
Rationale and scope:
This activity is a field inspection of right-of-way near Medicine Hat, AB and Brooks, AB. Inspection will verify implementation of NGTL's Damage Prevention Program, compliance to OPRs and DPRs. Areas of focus include urbanization, location of reports of unauthorized activities, road/rail/waterway crossings, and staked areas for O&M activities.
Compliance tool(s) used:
Facilities:
Facility Types
Regulatory requirements that apply to this activity:
Regulatory instrument number(s):
Observation 1 - Wednesday 20 June 2018: Right-of-way (ROW) field inspection in Medicine Hat, Alberta and surrounding area
Date & time of visit: 2018-06-20 08:00
Discipline: Damage Prevention
Categories:
Facility:
Observations:
NEB Inspectors and TCPL staff conducted a field inspection of ROW signage, station signage, vegetation management to ensure clear visibility and access of the ROW, and site of reported unauthorized activity along the NGTL ROW in proximity to Medicine Hat, AB. Pre-inspection JSA was reviewed and signed by TCPL representatives and NEB Inspectors. No concerns were noted in relation to ROW at the following locations:
Compliance tool used: No compliance tool used
Observation 2 - Thursday 21 June 2018: Right-of-way (ROW) field inspection in Brooks, AB and surrounding area
Date & time of visit: 2018-06-21 08:00
NEB Inspectors and TCPL staff conducted a field inspection of ROW signage, station signage, vegetation management to ensure clear visibility and access of the ROW, and locate stakes for upcoming operations and maintenance activities along the NGTL ROW in proximity to Brooks, AB. Daily JSA was reviewed and signed by TCPL representatives and NEB Inspectors. No concerns were noted in relation to ROW at the following locations:
Observation 3 - Signage at South Saskatchewan River Crossing
Date & time of visit: 2018-06-20 10:00
50.04444444, -110.72777778. South Saskatchewan River Crossing of Etzikom Lateral - NPS 10.Pipeline identification signage on the north bank was observed approximately 50 m from the river, and signage on the south bank was visible from the north bank. On the north bank, three dual-sided signs were visible approximately 30 cm apart, bright yellow in color, including accurate information about the operating company, the type of pipeline system and emergency number, and the word “Warning”. NEB Inspectors noted that this signage did not include a "No Anchorage" and "No Dredging" warning. A road bridge (Trans-Canada Highway) crosses the South Saskatchewan River approximately 1250 m from the pipeline crossing. NEB Inspectors noted that construction across, on, along or under the bridge may be necessary in the future (e.g. maintenance and repair), which may result in the periodic use of vessels in close proximity to the pipeline crossing. The South Saskatchewan River at the location of the pipeline crossing is considered a navigable water as listed in the Schedule - Navigable Waters, Part 2 - Rivers and Riverines of the Navigation Protection Act. NEB Inspection Officers verified that the navigable section of the South Saskatchewan River does support commercial marine traffic, where pleasure crafts as well as non-pleasure vessels (as defined by Transport Canada) are being used to provide services (e.g. sightseeing) to yield or make a profit for local businesses. Therefore, NEB Inspectors are of the view that the pipeline identification signage at this water crossing shall be subject to the requirements as prescribed in CSA Z662-15 clause 10.5.3.7 (b) and that current pipeline identification signage is in non-compliance with those requirements.
Compliance tool used: Notice of Non-compliance (NNC)
Regulatory requirement:
Relevant section(s):
Company action required:
NGTL shall install signage as required pursuant to CSA Z662-15 Clause 10.5.3.7 (b) and provide a photograph via email for confirmation when completed.
Due date: 2018-08-31
Date closed: 2018-11-06 Note: the date closed is the date that the inspector completed their review of the company corrective actions for adequacy and determined that no further actions are required.
Reason closed: Full relief granted
Compliance achieved: Yes
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
