NWPD - Pipeline Crossing Guidelines

Guidelines for Pipeline Crossing using Horizontal Directional Drilling and Bore methodology

Area:
These guidelines are applicable within the boundaries of Transport Canada, Pacific Region which includes British Columbia and the Yukon.

Purpose:
These guidelines outline the types of pipeline crossings, which industry would not be required to submit an application for approval under the Navigable Waters Protection Act (NWPA) prior to constructing pipelines otherwise subject to the Act.

Background:
All pipelines crossing navigable waters are subject to review under the Act. Due to the emergence of new technologies (i.e. directional drill, bore, etc.) and this country’s role as a primary world producer in the oil & gas industry, the workload related to the review of many of these works has become increasingly unmanageable, repetitive, and low-risk with little benefit to the Canadian public. By outlining parameters under which industry will operate while meeting the needs of the navigating public’s use of the waterway, Transport Canada will better utilize its limited resources. Industry may then conduct its activities with greater certainty and timeliness.

Guidelines:
A proponent and/or their representative may place or construct a pipeline without first obtaining approval under the NWPA as long as they are in compliance with the following: (excluding exceptions noted in Appendix 1).

1.	The works shall be compliant with Sections 5 & 6 of the Navigable Waters Works Regulations which state:

	5.	“No person shall permit any tools, equipment, vehicles, temporary structures or parts thereof used or maintained for the purpose of building or placing a work in a navigable water to remain in such water after the completion of the work.”

	6.	“Where a work or portion of a work that is being constructed or maintained in a navigable water causes debris or other material to accumulate on the bed or on the surface of such water, the owner of that work or portion of that work shall cause the debris or other material to be removed to the satisfaction of the Minister.”

		“Warning – Pipeline Construction Ahead” signs, legible at 50m, must be placed upstream and downstream of the construction site in accordance with the minimum distances outlined in the table below. The signs must be posted during all periods of instream activity.


2.	Navigation will be allowed access through the construction site at all times, and assisted if necessary.

3.	Any known navigation users/groups of the waterway will be consulted in advance of construction activities.

4.	The bed of the waterway must be restored to its natural contours immediately upon completion of the pipeline crossing.

5.	Disturbed shorelines will be stabilized to prevent erosion.

6.	Pipelines attached to existing bridges shall not be placed below the existing soffit elevation.

Alternative Crossing methods:
If an alternative crossing method is required due to the likelihood of failure of the HDD/Bore it will not be covered by these guidelines and will require a review under the NWPA. Proponents are advised to submit the alternative crossing method prior to attempting the primary crossing to avoid costly delays.

Updating:
The NWP Program will periodically review these guidelines and may make necessary changes or amendments. Such changes will be communicated to the proponent. The NWP Program will also monitor the results of these guidelines, and if the review shows non-compliance with the procedures, may cancel or revise these guidelines without prior notice.

Note:
These Guidelines do not preclude the requirement to seek other approvals or permits from DFO or other municipal, provincial or federal agencies.

These Guidelines shall be effective as of August 31, 2003, for a period of two (2) years at which time NWP will review the effectiveness of these Guidelines.

Bob Gowe
Superintendent
Navigable Waters Protection Division
Transport Canada, Pacific Region

These guidelines do not apply in the following situations and approval under the NWPA is required prior to commencement of any in-water work.

1.	NEB regulated works All proposed pipelines regulated by the National Energy Board (NEB) crossing navigable waters, are subject to review and approval by the Navigable Waters Protection Program under section 108 of the NEBA (administered by Transport Canada-NWP).

2.	Pipelines on charted waterways All proposed pipelines within the limits of charted waterways, as published by the Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS), shall be subject to review and approval under the NWPA.

3.	Suspended (over the waterway) pipelines All proposed suspended pipelines crossing navigable waters shall be subject to review and approval under of the NWPA (except as noted in guideline #6 above).

4.	Pipeline construction requiring temporary bridges or cables not lying on the bed of the waterway All proposed pipelines which require the placement of temporary bridges or cables not lying on the bed of the waterway and spanning navigable waters shall be subject to review/approval under the NWPA.

5.	Instream Works Pipelines and other works encroaching on the waterway including instream temporary works (i.e. temporary bridges, flumes, trenching, berms, cofferdams) are subject to review and approval under the NWPA.