Land and biodiversity

Before construction, pipeline companies conduct environmental assessments to identify potential issues including soil, water, vegetation, wildlife, archaeological resources and current uses. Government regulators help to ensure proposed routes are planned to reduce impacts on the land and populated areas.

During construction, soil is disturbed by excavation to lay pipe approximately one metre beneath the land surface. Soil for the trench is removed in layers so that it can be replaced to conserve topsoil. The pipelines are given protective coatings to prevent corrosion that can cause leaks.

After construction, the land is returned to its former state using reclamation practices. Grass is normally planted to prevent soil erosion, and the land may be seeded with crops or used for cattle grazing. Native plant species or “non-aggressive” plants that do not affect neighbouring vegetation are used, wherever possible. Companies are required to maintain clear rights-of-way in order to allow for aerial surveillance and to facilitate access for maintenance activities. As a result, pipeline operators may use mechanical methods or government-approved herbicides to control vegetation on the strip of land over the pipeline.

Spills

Despite the measures that companies undertake to minimize risks, pipeline systems do occasionally experience spills. To maintain a high level of emergency preparedness, pipeline facilities have spill prevention and response plans in place to minimize and properly manage all spills. Companies are required to routinely test the effectiveness of their emergency response plans by conducting tabletop and full-scale deployment exercises.

Emergency response exercises are learning opportunities for the personnel involved and also help to show where improvements to plans and procedures can be made. First responders, such as local fire departments, are often included in these exercises since they are likely to be involved in handling a real incident. In addition, pipeline companies must regularly maintain and inventory their spill containment and recovery equipment to ensure it is available and in good working order.

If an actual oil spill occurs, company crews and additional personnel from regional spill cleanup co-operatives are dispatched immediately to contain the oil and remove contamination. Vacuum trucks recover any free spilled oil for recycling. Several options are available for dealing with contaminated soil, including landfilling, landfarming, incineration or in situ treatment.

All significant incidents on interprovincial pipelines are investigated by experts from the National Energy Board and the Transportation Safety Board. Similar investigations are required for pipelines under provincial jurisdiction, and inspectors follow-up to ensure spills are cleaned up in an orderly fashion.