CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwired – Nov. 20, 2013) – The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) is proud to announce a Mutual Emergency Assistance Agreement (MEAA) between its member companies that will strengthen the existing emergency response process.
“This agreement will formalize an already existing practice whereby our member companies can share resources during an emergency,” said Brenda Kenny, president and CEO of the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association. “It will allow employees to get the job done by removing legal barriers that can sometimes cause delay.”
CEPA member companies include Access Pipeline Inc., Alliance Pipeline Ltd., ATCO Pipelines, Enbridge Pipelines Inc., Inter Pipeline Ltd., Kinder Morgan Canada, Pembina Pipeline Corporation, Plains Midstream Canada ULC, Spectra Energy Transmission, TransCanada PipeLines Limited, TransGas Limited and Trans-Northern Pipelines Inc.
During an emergency situation, CEPA member companies can call upon each other to share additional human resources, equipment, and tools that can increase their existing emergency response capabilities. This industry agreement will help facilitate an even quicker response to protecting people, the environment and property, if necessary.
Canadians have repeatedly indicated that when emergencies occur, they expect a rapid and complete emergency response.
“Our member companies are committed to zero incidents. However, in the off-chance that an incident does occur on any of our members’ pipeline systems, this agreement will enable our member companies to work quickly and collaboratively, without hesitation.” Kenny stated. “This industry level agreement is a firm indication that the industry is listening and working collectively to meet the needs and expectations of Canadians.”
The agreement will be effective as of January 1, 2014.
Through its CEPA Integrity First® program, CEPA members are committed to advancing a safety culture, throughout the industry, based on a strong foundation of leadership and continual improvement leading to zero incidents. The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association represents Canada’s transmission pipeline companies who operate approximately 115,000 kilometres of pipelines in Canada. In 2012, these energy highways moved approximately 1.2 billion barrels of liquid petroleum products and 5.1 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 primarily throughout North America.
For more information on the Mutual Emergency Assistance Agreement, please click here: Mutual Emergency Assistance Agreement or visit our website at www.aboutpipelines.com.