Proposed pipeline projects in British Columbia have triggered many questions about emergency response in the event of a pipeline incident. In an effort to provide additional, factual information to this conversation, the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) has prepared this backgrounder. OVERVIEW Pipelines regulated by the National Energy Board (NEB) are required to produce and be ready to implement emergency response plans (ERPs) throughout the full life cycle (design, construction, operation and retirement) of a pipeline. ERPs are routinely updated and submitted to the regulator for reviews and audits. These plans are focused on being prepared to quickly and effectively respond to an emergency, with the goals of protecting the public and the environment, reducing any risks and hazards, and cleaning up and restoring the site. These comprehensive plans outline all the necessary steps and decisions required to manage a pipeline emergency situation and control the incident. An ERP provides pipeline operators and emergency responders with the roadmap to help them make effective and informed decisions about how to handle the situation. Some of the critical information in an Emergency Response Plan includes:
Evacuation plans Emergency worker response procedures Roles, responsibilities and chain of command Locations of access points along the pipeline Communication processes Coordination procedures with emergency services, governments and local authorities
Incident Command System In the case of large incidents, pipeline operators use the Incident Command System (ICS), which is a management system used for the command, control and coordination of emergency response. By using ICS, pipeline companies can effectively respond to an emergency while ensuring that resources are being used efficiently and the public and emergency responders are safe. MUTUAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT While ICS is a standardized system that is used around the world, CEPA members have also committed to an industry first – the Mutual Emergency Assistance Agreement. This agreement formalizes and legalizes an existing practice – allowing any one of CEPA’s member companies to ask for assistance from another member company in the event of a major incident. By sharing resources like equipment, personnel or specialized response advice, it increases the speed in which CEPA members can effectively manage an
incident. Recently, CEPA members also participated in the inaugural Joint Emergency Management Exercise, which tested their ability to respond collectively in an emergency situation. Read more about the Mutual Emergency Assistance Agreement and how it improves emergency response Read more about the Joint Emergency Response Exercise and the safety commitment it demonstrates Watch videos of emergency response equipment in action (Video) Read how else the industry is collaborating towards greater safety CEPA INTEGRITY FIRST All CEPA members also actively participate in CEPA Integrity First - an industry-wide program developed by CEPA members to work collectively to deliver energy products reliably, safely and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. The program is focused on advancing the performance of the Canadian energy pipeline industry with the goal of reaching zero incidents. The program provides CEPA members with guidance on how to improve management systems and key practices for priority issues, with one of the first initiatives being the completion of the emergency response guidance documents. Read more about how pipeline companies are working together to improve industry performance through CEPA Integrity First Read about the Integrity First control room management guidance document PIPELINE SAFETY ACT Recently the federal government announced their intention to introduce a Pipeline Safety Act. This legislation will strengthen incident prevention, preparedness and response, and liability and compensation. The measures proposed will enhance pipeline safety and performance and align well with the transmission pipeline industry’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. They demonstrate common ground between the federal government and the pipeline industry in our commitment to world class pipeline safety. In particular, the following amendments are strongly supported by the industry: The need to secure commitment to the polluter-pay principles. Effective government oversight and coordination of industry spill response, which includes the views of Aboriginal communities, impacted communities and the appropriate financial mechanism. Ensure a world-class spill response system from ‘prevention through recovery’. Increased NEB authority to further instill public confidence that pipeline emergencies will be managed to minimize impacts on local and regional resources. The pipeline industry is committed to working collaboratively with provincial and federal governments to ensure a robust land based spill preparedness and response regime is established without creating unnecessary duplication. Read more about who pays for a pipeline spill
Read more on how pipeline companies are keep accountable LAND-BASED SPILL PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE The government of British Columbia has outlined a number of conditions for pipeline approval in the province, including the need for world-leading practices for land oil spill prevention, response and recovery systems to manage and mitigate the risks and costs of heavy oil pipelines. The pipeline industry, through CEPA, has been working with British Columbia’s Ministry of Environment (MOE) on this initiative by participating on three technical working groups and the advisory committee for the Land Based Spill Response. The MOE intentions papers being prepared on this topic are an important part of the public consultation process. Industry has and continues to demonstrate a strong track record of addressing the risks to the environment and to public safety through policies, skills training and specialized capabilities that promote prevention, a culture of safety, emergency response capacity and a commitment to restoration following a spill. The pipeline industry is committed to working with government, through the appropriate regulators and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA), to establish world-leading standards for spill preparedness and response in BC. Read more about how pipeline standards are developed in Canada COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: How the industry prepares for emergencies: How can I trust that pipeline companies are fully prepared for an emergency? Are pipeline regulations in Canada adequate to protect people and the environment, and what penalties can be imposed on pipeline companies if a pipeline spills or leaks? (Video) What are pipeline companies required to do if a spill/leak happens? How do I know that Canada’s regulatory system is up to the challenge of ensuring safety? Who is responsible for the costs for cleaning up a pipeline spill? What are pipeline companies doing to keep their operations safe? Are pipeline companies required to monitor their pipelines? What is the federal government doing to ensure pipeline safety? How the industry is improving: What is the pipeline industry doing to address the concerns of Canadians? An aboriginal leader opinion on trusting the industry Strengths and weaknesses of Canada’s pipeline system
Why pipeline critics are important and being consulted A pipeline critic’s perspective and its importance to improvement Other common questions: Who regulates pipelines safety in Canada? What is the process for approving and routing a pipeline? (Video) How do control rooms work? RELATED LINKS: National Energy Board, Emergency Management, https://www.neb-one.gc.ca/sftnvrnmnt/mrgnc/indexeng.html National Energy Board, Trans Mountain Expansion proposal, https://www.nebone.gc.ca/pplctnflng/mjrpp/trnsmntnxpnsn/index-eng.html BC Oil and Gas Commission, Emergency Management Regulation, http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/204_2013 Incident Command System Canada, http://www.icscanada.ca/ Natural Resources Canada, Pipeline Facts, http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/infrastructure/13751 WHO IS CEPA? The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association represents Canada’s transmission pipeline companies who operate approximately 115,000 kilometres of pipelines in Canada. In 2013, these energy highways moved approximately 1.2 billion barrels of liquid petroleum products and 5.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Our members transport 97 per cent of Canada’s daily natural gas and onshore crude oil from producing regions to markets throughout North America. For additional information on the Canadian pipeline industry, please visit our website: www.aboutpipelines.com