05/14
For immediate release
14 July 2005

The National Energy Board issues new Requirements for Operations and Maintenance Activities on Pipelines Regulated under the National Energy Board Act

CALGARY - The National Energy Board today released new requirements for operations and maintenance activities on pipelines regulated under the National Energy Board Act (NEB Act) that will allow companies to carry out operations and maintenance activities without having to submit an application under section 58 of the NEB Act.

"These new requirements will provide companies and the public with greater clarity about the Board's expectations for the management and regulation of operations and maintenance activities on NEB-regulated facilities," said Kenneth Vollman, Chairman of the National Energy Board. "The Board will continue to regulate operations and maintenance activities through its inspection and audit programs to ensure these activities are carried out with respect for safety, security, environmental protection, economic efficiency, and the rights of those affected."

The review of operations and maintenance activities was initiated in response to requests from regulated companies for clarity on the types of projects that require a section 58 application under the NEB Act. The Board consulted with stakeholders to develop the changes which are reflected in the Operations and Maintenance Requirements and Guidance Notes. During the recent public comment period the Board received feedback from a number of regulated companies, federal government agencies and from the Canadian Alliance of Pipeline Landowners Association.

The development of new requirements and guidance notes for operation and maintenance activities supports the federal government's Smart Regulation initiative which promotes the use of appropriate regulatory instruments while streamlining processes and removing unnecessary steps and information requirements.

The National Energy Board is an independent federal agency that regulates several aspects of Canada's energy industry. Its purpose is to promote safety and security, environmental protection and economic efficiency in the Canadian public interest within the mandate set by Parliament in the regulation of pipelines, energy development and trade.

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For further information:

Lesley Matthews (lmatthews@neb-one.gc.ca)
Project Manager
Telephone: 403-299-2796
Toll free: 1-800-899-1265
Telecopier: 403-292-5503
Telecopier (toll free): 1-877-288-8803

Charlene Gaudet
Team Leader, Communications and Engagement
Telephone: 403-299-2713
Telephone (toll free): 1-800-899-1265
Telecopier: 403-292-5503
Telecopier (toll free): 1-877-288-8803

For a copy of the:

• Operations and Maintenance Requirements and Guidance Notes [HTML] [PDF: 359 KB]; and
• Section 58 Streamlining Order XG/XO-100-2005 [HTML] [Folder 255376]

National Energy Board
publications@neb-one.gc.ca
Ground Floor
444 Seventh Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 0X8
Telephone: 403-299-3562
Telephone (toll free): 1-800-899-1265
Telecopier: 403-292-5576
Telecopier (toll free): 1-877-288-8803