Damage Prevention Regulations

The National Energy Board (the NEB or the Board) regulates more than 40 000 kilometres of pipelines throughout Canada under the authority provided to it within the National Energy Board Act. These pipelines operate continuously and safely delivering energy to satisfy the needs of Canadians and export markets.

Pipelines are often invisible. After their initial construction, all that may be left to indicate their presence are signs at fence lines and road crossings or clearings along the pipeline right of way.

The NEB believes that the safety and integrity of Canada's pipelines depends on public awareness and industry involvement. Activities which occur near pipelines and which have the potential to damage pipelines are regulated by the Board in the public interest. Currently, these activities are governed by the Pipeline Crossing Regulations.

• National Energy Board Pipeline Crossing Regulations, Part I - SOR/88-528
• National Energy Board Pipeline Crossing Regulations, Part II - SOR/88-529

The Board is currently working towards replacing the existing Pipeline Crossing Regulations with regulations targeted at damage prevention (to be known as Damage Prevention Regulations). The Damage Prevention Regulations will regulate activities on or adjacent to pipeline rights of way under the Board's jurisdiction in the interest of the safety of the public and of the company's employees and the protection of property and the environment.

The Board intends the development of the Damage Prevention Regulations to be an open and interactive process. This is particularly important given the broad nature of the stakeholders who will be affected by this Regulation.

Should you have any questions or require any additional information at this time, please contact:

Karen Blank (kblank@neb-one.gc.ca)
Regulatory Specialist
National Energy Board
Telephone: 403-299-3679
Telephone (toll free): 1-800-899-1265
Telecopier: 403-292-5503
Telecopier (toll free): 1-877-288-8803
TTY (teletype): 1-800-632-1663

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