By the OGJ Online Staff
CALGARY, Feb. 16�The Canadian National Energy Board has taken another step toward tighter pipeline safety regulations.
NEB released the results of a survey conducted last fall on the proposed rules, called the Damage Prevention Regulations, that are targeted at preventing damage to pipelines under NEB jurisdiction.
It said 118 companies, groups, and individuals returned surveys to indicate their opinions on what the new rules should contain.
In the surveys returned, more than 80% of respondents indicated strong support for a number of damage prevention activities. They included one-call centers for NEB regulated pipelines, accuracy requirements for location of lines, standardized crossing designs, development set backs based on land use, minimum qualifications for pipeline locators, and standards for public awareness programs.
NEB said it would use the information to develop draft regulations that will be circulated to interested companies, groups, and individuals later this year.
It said, "This is particularly important given the broad range of Canadians who will be affected by this proposed regulation."
NEB also plans to hold a series of public meetings across the country to gather feedback.
The Damage Prevention Regulations will replace the existing Pipeline Crossing Regulations. The new rules will govern activities on or adjacent to pipeline rights of way in the interest of public safety, the environment, and personal property.
NEB said 95% of the respondents said persons marking the locations of pipelines should meet training qualifications, 89% said pipelines should be required to participate in one-call centers, 87% said there should be accuracy requirements for locating lines, and 79% said excavators should be required to locate lines before digging.
NEB reported respondents said "many of the activities currently requiring the approval of the NEB could be delegated to the pipeline companies. "It also appears that some activities currently requiring approval of either the NEB or the pipeline company could be possibly allowed to proceed without approval of any kind."