Canada's National Energy Board will conduct an inquiry into stress corrosion problems and maintenance on TransCanada PipeLines Ltd.'s gas transmission system.
The inquiry follows a report by the Canadian Transportation Safety Board that warned TransCanada's pipeline from Alberta to Central Canada and export markets is developing potentially hazardous flaws.
The safety board, which has investigated five ruptures in TransCanada lines since 1985, said some pipe in the system is prone to stress corrosion cracking. None of the breaks occurred in populated areas where thicker wall pipe is used.
The board earlier called for reduced operating pressures on some parts of the line in Ontario.
Bill Scotland, TransCanada vice-president for government affairs, said the company is not conceding at this point that any major reconstruction is needed. He said it may be necessary to increase the frequency of testing.
NEB does not plan a public hearing. It asked for written submissions on the matter by Jan. 11.
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