Thinking about National Road Safety Week did cause us to stop and ponder – would this be as prominent without pipelines? The asphalt itself is often formed using bitumen, so in some cases there would be no road without the product we transport safely every day.

The passenger cars, commercial vehicles, logging, mining, food and corporate fleet vehicles would have no fuel to move people, goods and services that our society requires without pipelines.

In fact the vehicles themselves, with their various plastic components and so on would be heavier, less fuel efficient and more expensive without the petroleum products supplied by pipeline operators.

So as you roll down the highway this week, think road safety first. When you safely arrive at your destination, think about how the road, vehicles, goods and services might not exist without pipelines.

Your life, as you know it, depends on both modes of thinking.

These are just the questions Bruce Anderson, a leading Canadian researcher and principal at Anderson Insight, addressed during his keynote speech at CEPA’s recent Integrity First Symposium, and in an interview we conducted with him afterward.

Through his research, Anderson has noticed that the current climate around pipelines in Canada is different than it’s been in the past. He says that’s because we’ve become increasingly detached from exactly where our energy comes from and there’s uncertainty of the real benefits of pipeline projects.

“People are more anxious about new pipeline projects than they would have been in the country’s past. Part of that is that generally speaking, people are having trouble endorsing big infrastructure projects even though they know we need them because they presume there’s an element of risk. They’re not exactly sure who benefits from these projects. That’s a broader contextual challenge faced by pipeline projects,” he says.

His research also indicates that Canadians are interested in pipeline safety and integrity, industry regulation and exactly how pipeline companies prevent and respond to incidents.

“People are also wondering more and more whether or not there’s the right amount of government oversight and scrutiny on pipelines. They want to know what companies are doing to prevent problems from happening. They want to be reassured that when problems happen that the right steps are taken to mitigate those problems. So there’s a need for more communication from industry to reassure that these are projects that are worthy of their support.”

So how does Anderson suggest the pipeline industry can better communicate with the Canadian public and regain the social acceptance that pipelines experienced in the past?

1.  Use the right language

Anderson says the pipeline industry needs to step outside the accepted “engineering culture” and use language that Canadians understand. This can be accomplished by focusing on the benefits of pipelines, rather than their mechanics – a tactic he notes industry critics are already quite proficient at.

“Different stakeholders are going to use different language. But if it’s fair for critics of some of these projects to use language that conjures up negative emotions, I’m not sure that it’s wrong for advocates of these projects to use appropriate and honest language, but language that skews towards emphasizing what the benefit of these projects is.”

2.  Know the audience and speak to their needs

Anderson identified two key audiences for the pipeline industry right now – the general public across Canada and those who live in proximity to pipeline projects. Each group has different needs and the industry needs to target communications to address them specifically. For the general public, that involves education on the benefits of pipelines. Those living or working near infrastructure projects need reassurance that their interests are being considered.

We also live-tweeted the symposium, so check out some of the highlights from Anderson’s keynote speech below. Additionally, you can scroll to the bottom to listen to our full interview with him as well.

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association represents Canada’s transmission pipeline companies who operate approximately 110,000 kilometres of pipelines in Canada. In 2011, 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.

Yes, the usual crowd was there (CEPA’s member companies, for example), but you might not have anticipated the presence of an environmental organization, a prominent First Nations speaker, or the hard-hitting messages delivered by a leading Canadian pollster about Canadians’ attitudes regarding pipelines.

For an industry often accused of hiding behind engineering-speak, it was a remarkably frank and open dialogue about the infrastructure and energy choices facing Canadians, social acceptance, and the industry’s pursuit of zero leaks.

Simply put, Canada’s transmission pipeline operators want to regain social acceptance and are prepared to not only have that conversation, but host it and do what it takes to earn our social licence to operate.

The entire event was live tweeted – so you can follow the blow by blow by searching Twitter for the hashtag #pipesafety.

The event kicked off Wednesday night with a keynote from the Honourable Perrin Beatty, President of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Beatty spoke passionately about how Canadian infrastructure like pipelines is a uniquely Canadian success story and is critical to our economy and well being as a nation.

“Canadians need to have a conversation on energy,” said Beatty, “but the debate these days is anything but rational. Surveys show most Canadians know it’s possible to balance development with environmental responsibility.”

Beatty went on to note that, based on his many years of public service, “When you treat Canadians with respect, they will make the right decision.” 

The symposium agenda was chock full of a variety of speakers and panelists who investigated all aspects of pipeline safety, integrity, and the socio-political climate. Topics included:

• Safe operations and leak prevention
• Emergency preparedness and response
• Social acceptance and community consultation
• Performance improvements through technology

A real highlight of the second day was pollster Bruce Anderson’s lunch keynote on public opinion of pipelines. We captured many of Anderson’s remarks on Twitter. We “Storifyed” those tweets, along with a video Anderson showed and our interview with him – here is that Storify package for those inclined to listen in. 

The day and a half was a successful dialogue with prominent Canadian groups on a topic of interest to all Canadians. How do we engage in responsible development while building infrastructure for the future and our economy for today?

The answer? It all starts with a rational conversation between Canadians. Like the Integrity First symposium last week.

What do we mean by “dig”?

Well, that term can refer to many construction and excavation activities, including:

• Planting a tree
• Installing fence posts
• Fixing or improving an existing ditch, drain tile or fence
• Building a berm
• Constructing roads, paving, parking, driveways, ditches, railways, overhead or underground utilities
• Altering the grade or deep tilling the soil
• Operating non-agricultural equipment or vehicles on or over the pipeline right-of-way (ROW)
• Encroaching on the ROW with services or other utilities
• Operating vehicles or mobile equipment over the ROW where a roadway does not exist
• Reducing the depth of soil covering the pipeline
• Ploughing deeper than 30 cm (1 foot)
• Ground leveling
• Installing drainage systems
• Augering
• Landscaping

This is not an exhaustive list, so it’s important to remember that no matter what your project is, it may impact a pipeline. 

“Anyone planning an outdoor project that requires any type of digging, regardless of depth or project size, should always call or click before they dig. The impact of unsafe or careless digging practices is real and often costly – in terms of personal injury, damage to property and the environment, and the repair of buried facilities,” says Warren Loper, Supervisor, Damage Prevention at Enbridge.

Preventing pipeline damage is a shared responsibility and it starts with you. If you’re planning a construction or excavation project, make calling before you dig the first step. 

Find the toll-free one-call number in your province and always call it, or contact the pipeline company, before you start your project.

For more information on pipeline damage prevention and your responsibilities: 

• Visit the NEB’s Safety and Damage Prevention page
• Check out our Damage Prevention Fact Sheet (PDF)

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association represents Canada’s transmission pipeline companies who operate approximately 110,000 kilometres of pipelines in Canada. In 2011, 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.

A common cause of pipeline damage is construction and excavation by third parties.

In fact, in the past 10 years there were 41 recorded third party damages to CEPA’s member company pipelines; seven of those incidents resulted in a leak or spill.   

What exactly does that mean?

Well, pipelines can experience major damage if they’re hit, possibly resulting in a leak or a spill. But pipeline damage can be seemingly minor as well. It’s possible to knick the special coating on the outside of a pipe, exposing it to the environment. This can lead to a potential leak or spill in the future.

Here’s the reality: any type of pipeline damage, no matter how small, can have serious repercussions for the public and environment.

Now the good news:

Third party damage to pipelines is completely preventable – and it’s easy. Know where the pipelines are located and call before you dig.

If you’re planning a construction or excavation project, it’s your responsibility to take certain steps to prevent pipeline damage.

Start by calling the toll-free one-call number in your province or contacting your local pipeline company before you begin any work.

Think this takes too much time or will delay your project? It doesn’t have to.

Make calling before you dig the initial step in your project timeline and you’ll be meeting your responsibility to prevent pipeline damage, while finishing your work on schedule. 

“Damage prevention truly starts with you. Only you have the power to plan your activity, and calling before you dig is the first step,” says Fraser Paterson, Manager Land, Right of Way and Corridor at Alliance Pipeline Ltd.

To find your provincial one-call number, check out our Call Before You Dig contact list. 

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association represents Canada’s transmission pipeline companies who operate approximately 110,000 kilometres of pipelines in Canada. In 2011, 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.

Every single day, pipelines operate beneath our feet and most of us aren’t aware of them. This seeming invisibility comes from the industry’s commitment to protecting and maintaining pipeline integrity, a task that involves 24/7 monitoring and maintenance, as well as high-tech inspection and leak detection tools and processes.  

One such pipeline integrity management process is called hydrostatic testing.

Hydrostatic testing involves filling a pipeline with water and then pressurizing it to a level that exceeds normal operation pressure.

This ensures that there are no defects in the pipeline.

For more on this important pipeline integrity management process, check out this video:

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association represents Canada’s transmission pipeline companies who operate approximately 110,000 kilometres of pipelines in Canada. In 2011, 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.

Any damage can have repercussions, which could extend beyond the pipe to people and the environment. 

But pipeline damage is preventable and your actions can make a difference. Last week we outlined the steps you should take to make sure your activities don’t damage a pipeline.

We believe that knowledge is power, so this week here’s a look at some basic pipeline terminology that will aid you in knowing where pipelines are located so that your project doesn’t cause any damage.

Pipeline right-of-way

A pipeline right-of-way is the strip of land above a buried pipeline.

Pipeline companies acquire the right to use the land for construction, operation, inspection and maintenance of their pipelines, but do not usually own the land.

Right-of-ways identify an area where certain activities are prohibited to protect the public and the integrity of the pipeline. They are typically cleared of trees and most vegetation, as well as building and other structures, and are always clearly marked with warning signs.

Warning signs/markers

Federal and various provincial regulations require pipeline companies to place warning signs along their pipeline route.

The most visible locations are chosen for warning signs – along highways, at road, railway and water crossing and other prominent locations. Warning signs clearly and continuously mark the pipeline’s location along pipeline right-of-ways.

It’s important to remember that these markers only show an approximate location of a pipeline, and the location and depth of pipelines vary. Always call before you dig to get the exact location of a pipeline. 

Image courtesy National Energy Board

The NEB safety zone

The National Energy Board (NEB) has established a 30-metre safety zone on either side of a pipeline right-of-way to protect the public, the environment and the pipeline.

The NEB Pipeline Crossing Regulations govern activities on or within the safety zone. This includes the requirement of pipeline company approval for any excavation using power operated equipment or explosives within the 30-metre safety zone.

Depth of cover

Depth of cover refers to how far a pipeline is buried underground. Typically pipelines are buried between one and three metres below the surface. The depth of cover over a pipeline can vary for many reasons.

Bottom line: always call before you dig

Pipelines operate 24/7 underneath our feet and we’re generally unaware of them. Warren Loper, Supervisor, Damage Prevention at Enbridge, says this fact makes damage prevention knowledge even more important.

“Pipelines are out of sight but they should never be out of mind. Always call before you dig. There’s more than a pipeline at risk.”

For even more pipeline damage prevention information: 

• Check out our Damage Prevention Fact Sheet (PDF).
• Visit the NEB’s Safety and Damage Prevention page for answers to some frequently asked questions.

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association represents Canada’s transmission pipeline companies who operate approximately 110,000 kilometres of pipelines in Canada. In 2011, 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.

But pipelines can be damaged. The most common cause?

Excavation and construction.

That’s right – excavation and construction around transmission pipelines is one of the most common causes of damage to buried pipelines. So before any work takes place, including digging, scraping or even placing heavy equipment along the right-of-way, buried pipelines must be located. 

Whose responsibility is it to protect pipelines from damage?

The short answer is that protecting pipelines is everyone’s responsibility. This includes pipeline operators and stakeholders like landowners and excavators, who share a responsibility to protect workers, the public and the environment.

Pipeline operators meet this responsibility by: 

• Constructing pipelines according to accepted practices and governing regulations
• Being proactive in damage prevention activities
• Responding in a timely fashion to requests for line locates from the digging community
• Developing an awareness of and respect for the digging community’s concerns and the constraints under which it does business

How can stakeholders, including the public, prevent pipeline damage?

Members of the digging community and the general public alike, have a responsibility to prevent damage to pipelines.

Here are five steps you can take to meet this responsibility:

 1.  Know where buried pipelines are located

Pipeline markers are signs found along the right-of-way, typically at road or river crossings, to identify approximately where the buried pipelines are located. However, these markers should not be solely relied on for the exact location, path or depth of a pipeline.

2.  Know the number for your provincial One-Call Centre or Call Before You Dig program

Most Canadian provinces have a One-Call Centre or a Call Before You Dig program to alert pipeline owners and operators of excavaton and construction projects that could damage a pipeline. If a One-Call Centre does not exist, you should contact the pipeline operator(s) directly. 

Always contact a One-Call Centre at least three working days before digging or conducting any ground disturbance near buried pipelines.

3.  Wait until the lines are marked before commencing digging 

Upon receipt of a locate request, the One-Call Centre will notify the pipeline operator(s) in the vicinity of the digging project. Within two to three days, the pipeline operator will contact you to determine next steps.  

Regardless of the timeframe, you should wait to hear from the pipeline operator before proceeding. Identification of the lines helps to prevent damage and minimize risk to the public and the environment.

 4.  Follow the instructions of an authorized pipeline operator representative

Don’t take any actions until you are absolutely sure you will not impact a buried pipeline, and then follow the instructions from an authorized pipeline operator representative. 

5.  Report any damages to the pipeline operator immediately

This is extremely important because damaging a pipeline could result in anything from service disruptions, to environmental impacts, to serious injuries, or even the potential loss of life.

To learn more, check out our Pipeline Damage Prevention Fact Sheet (PDF).

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association represents Canada’s transmission pipeline companies who operate approximately 110,000 kilometres of pipelines in Canada. In 2011, 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.

It’s one thing to have an opinion, it’s entirely another to manufacture misinformation to sway opinion.

As CEPA President and CEO Brenda Kenny wrote in an editorial last week “The bottom line is this — the public deserves a healthy debate. At CEPA, we welcome anyone to challenge us.”

But that challenge should be based on facts and science, not myths. Since our economy, jobs, well-being and environment depend on this debate, Canadians deserve no less.

Canada’s transmission pipeline operators bring facts to the debate, as opposed to the myths perpetrated by those with agendas.

One of the most pervasive falsehoods being spread is that diluted bitumen is more corrosive than other types of conventional crude oil, and is thus a danger to pipeline integrity. Nothing could be further from the truth.

But why believe CEPA when you can believe the world-renowned scientists at Penspen Integrity who wrote in their Dilbit Corrosivity Report “Both Dilbit and Synbit in a crude oil transmission pipeline environment is no more corrosive than comparable heavy sour crudes and in many cases may be less corrosive”?

Seems definitive, right? Good science gets corroborated; it’s the linchpin of the scientific method. That’s why Penspen looked at 40 studies spanning four decades so this matter could be put to rest – on the facts, on the science. Not on misinformation and spin.

As Kenny wrote in the Vancouver Province “These types of tactics are fundamentally counter-productive to creating a rational debate that would help find the right balance between developing our natural resources, protecting the environment and supporting Canadians’ quality of life. In this regard, pipelines remain a fundamental mode of transportation to a modern and well-functioning society.”

Canadians should make up their own minds based on the facts, not myths. CEPA and its members are happy to participate in that kind of debate. 

What exactly does this mean?

We asked Dr. Robert Mansell, Academic Director in the School of Public Policy and Professor of Economics at the University of Calgary (read his bio), for his take on this important issue.

Here’s what he had to say:

Q: How important is Canada’s oil and gas sector to the country’s economy?

A: The Canadian oil and gas sector has been a key driver of the Canadian economy, especially over most of the last decade. Both regional and national economic performance is generally very significantly tied to the performance of the oil and gas sector.

It dominates all other sectors in terms of exports and net exports (the difference between exports and imports), both of which are the lifeblood of a small open economy such as Canada’s. Further, it has typically accounted for about one quarter of all non-residential investment in Canada, about half the value of shares traded on the TSX, approximately one quarter of total national wealth and it is one of the largest net contributors to government revenues.

Q: What are some examples of the negative impacts of Canada’s current lack of pipelines?

A: The lack of adequate market access, particularly to the fast growing offshore markets, means large and growing negative impacts on both the oil and gas segments of the industry and this translates into significant negative implications for the economy.

For example, in the case of crude oil, it is estimated that current crude oil transportation constraints are resulting in an annual $20 billion to $30 billion loss of revenues for Canada. This in turn translates into lower growth rates for incomes and employment, higher unemployment and reduced abilities of governments to fund social services and public infrastructure without higher levels of taxation or debt.

Q: What are the main benefits to Canada of gaining access to new markets?

A: In general, there are three main sources of gain associated with expanding our access to offshore oil (and gas) markets. 

First, there is a gain in the form of reduced discounting of the prices received for Canadian exports. This discount increases when growing supplies are pushed into oversupplied North American markets. Having infrastructure that allows access to offshore markets would dramatically reduce the amount of such discounting applied to western Canadian oil.

For example, a reduction of this discounting by just $2 per barrel (on average) over a 30-year period translates into a direct gain of $115 billion in value added for Canada and almost $40 billion in revenues for provincial and federal governments.   

Second, there is a diversification benefit in the form of greater revenue stability arising from the ability to have a broader and more diverse market portfolio. This benefit is particularly valuable in an uncertain and unpredictable global economy where not all markets move in sync.   

Third, there is an important option value. For example, having infrastructure that would prevent the shutting in of production as a result of market dislocations has enormous value. For instance, shutting in 500,000 barrels per day of crude oil production for just one year would result in a revenue loss of almost $14 billion.

For more on this important topic, check out our blog post outlining how a lack of pipelines is costing Canadians. 

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association represents Canada’s transmission pipeline companies who operate approximately 110,000 kilometres of pipelines in Canada. In 2011, 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.