Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA): New Recommended Practice to Improve Pipeline Transmission Performance

CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwired – June 4, 2013) – The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) is pleased to announce a new recommended practice, which demonstrates the firm resolve by the Canadian transmission pipeline industry to continuously improve its performance and to respond to evolving public expectations.

The Facility Integrity Management Program Recommended Practice (FIMP) provides guidelines for developing, documenting, and implementing a facilities management program specific to the facilities portion of a transmission pipeline system. This coordinated program outlines a recommended practice for our member companies, which will ensure safe, environmentally responsible and reliable operations.

“This practice goes beyond existing standards and requirements, and it is the first comprehensive approach to transmission pipeline facilities, such as pump and compressor stations. It will provide our member companies with a formalized mechanism to maintain the integrity of pipeline facilities,” Ziad Saad, vice-president, safety and sustainability at CEPA said. “It clearly demonstrates our commitment to protect the health and safety of the general public, employees and the environment.”

The FIMP is intended to enhance the already existing systems and processes, while identifying leading practices that our member companies currently utilize. In doing so, the FIMP will allow member companies the ability to acknowledge any pre-existing body of work that has been incorporated into their respective processes or programs.

“This new recommended practice is the first practice that enhances already well-established pipeline operational requirements,” Saad said.

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association represents Canada’s transmission pipeline companies who operate approximately 110,000 kilometres of pipelines in Canada. In 2012, these energy highways moved approximately 1.2 billion barrels of liquid petroleum products and 5.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. CEPA members transport 97 per cent of Canada’s daily natural gas and onshore crude oil from producing regions to markets throughout North America.

In addition, CEPA member companies are aware of the importance of protecting water resources from pipeline operations. Our member companies are in the final stages of developing a hydro-technical hazards management program, which is aimed at improving existing operational requirements at watercourse crossings. We expect the new recommended practice to be finalized this summer.

“Bringing industry together to work on a common goal will further improve our industry’s current practices, help mitigate risk and provide further assurance to the public that pipelines are safe,” Saad concluded.

For a copy of the Facilities Integrity Management Program Recommended Practice, please visit: www.cepa.com/library/publications.