Publications

Find in-depth reports, analysis and best practices on a wide-range of key industry topics.

Aboriginal Communities

CEPA Consultation Framework: Principles, Objectives and Guidelines

This report recommends a consultation framework that contains core consultation “principles” and associated CEPA “objectives,” as well as guidelines. Together the principles, objectives and guidelines form CEPA’s Aboriginal consultation framework and provide CEPA companies with the essential elements that are needed to guide their consultation activities. View the consultation framework.

CEPA Capacity Framework: Principles and Objectives

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) is committed to developing a framework for building capacity in Aboriginal communities. CEPA recognizes that capacity building is an on
going process that is necessary. View the capacity framework.

Diluted bitumen

Properties, Composition and Marine Spill Behaviour, Fate and Transport of Two Diluted Bitumen Products from the Canadian Oil Sands

A study undertaken by the Government of Canada examines two types of commercially transported diluted bitumen products and their impact on the marine environment, if they were to be spilled at sea. One of the conclusions of this study reveals that similar to conventional crude oil, the diluted bitumen products floated on saltwater even after evaporation, exposure to light, and mixing with water. Review complete report here.

National Academy of Sciences: Effect of Diluted Bitumen of Crude Oil Transmission Pipelines

The oil sands region of Canada is the source of diluted bitumen shipped by pipeline to the United States. The committee that produced the report did not find any pipeline failures unique to the transportation of diluted bitumen or evidence of physical or chemical properties of diluted bitumen shipments that are outside the range of those of other crude oil shipments. Review complete report here.

Alberta Innovates Technology Futures: Comparison of the Corrosivity of Dilbit and Conventional Crude

It has been suggested that dilbit has higher acid, sulfur, and chloride salts concentrations, as well as higher concentrations of more abrasive solids. It is furthermore suggested that dilbit transmission pipelines operate at higher operating temperatures compared with conventional crude, which would make the dilbit more corrosive, thus leading to a higher failure rate than observed for pipelines transporting conventional crude. This review examines these concerns in light of the properties of dilbit in comparison with conventional oils. Review complete report here.

Penspen Report

A substantial amount of work has been carried out recently to demonstrate that Dilbit and Synbit are no more corrosive than conventional crudes. This report confines itself to consideration of the corrosivity of Dilbit and Synbit compared with conventional crudes, and the implications this may have for pipeline integrity management. Review complete report here.

Facts About the Transportation of Diluted Bitumen

Diluted bitumen has characteristics that are similar to other heavy crudes that are currently being transported safely in pipelines. Transportation of diluted bitumen does not pose an increased risk to pipeline infrastructure or the environment. In fact, no instances of crude oil releases caused by internal corrosion from pipelines carrying Canadian crude are evident in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s pipeline accident data from 2002 through early 2011. The facts are clear that crude oil from the oil sands is no more corrosive to transmission pipelines than other crudes. Review complete report here.

Economic

Why Canada Needs New Pipeline Capacity to Tidewater

The purpose of this report is to provide the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association with an analysis on the topic of ‘Why Canada Needs New Pipeline Capacity to Tidewater’. The report is organized into four sections: context, the facts around demand, supply and pipeline capacity, benefits from new pipeline capacity and conclusions. This report was prepared by Veracity Plus Consulting. Review the complete report here.

Economic Impacts from Operation of Canada’s Energy Transmission Pipelines

This report summarizes key findings obtained from using the current (2010) version of the Statistics Canada Interregional Input/Output (I-O) Model to estimate the economic impacts from operation of the energy transmission pipelines currently operating in Canada as well as from two proposed but not yet approved crude oil pipelines: The TransCanada Energy East Pipeline and the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain Expansion. Gerry Angevine of Angevine Economic Consulting Limited undertook the analysis during February and March 2016 on behalf of the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA). Review complete report here.

Canadian Chamber of Commerce: $50 Million a Day

Canada is failing to access world markets for its energy products. In a report released September 13, 2013 the Canadian Chamber of Commerce highlights how Canada’s lack of infrastructure is preventing Canadians from maximizing their potential benefits in energy markets. Entitled $50 Million a Day, the report stresses how this situation is costing us millions of dollars every day and documents the already enormous loses Canada is experiencing. With U.S. demand declining, the report warns that it is only a matter of time before it starts to really hurt the Canadian economy. Read the complete report here.

Economic Benefits to Canadian Households of Increased Natural Gas Supply

The development of new technology, coupled with existing technologies such as hydraulic fracturing, has unlocked previously unattainable gas reserves in shale gas formations. This has greatly increased the supply of natural gas in North America and has resulted in significant reductions in the price of natural gas. Since these developments have opened up access to a huge resource base, it is expected that North Americans will enjoy lower natural gas prices for decades to come. This report measures the economic benefits to Canadians from this price reduction over the years 2011-35, with a particular emphasis on the benefits to Canadian households. Review complete report here.

Environment and safety

Behaviour and Environmental Impacts of Crude Oil Released into Aqueous Environments

The Royal Society of Canada used a a panel of leading experts on oil chemistry, behaviour and toxicity to review the current science relevant to potential oil spills into Canadian marine waters, lakes, waterways and wetlands. The review, which examined spill impacts and oil spill responses for the full spectrum of crude oil types (including bitumen, diluted bitumen and other unconventional oils), is among the most comprehensive of its kind. It surveyed scientific literature, key reports and selected oil spill case studies, including tanker spills, an ocean rig blowout, pipeline spills and train derailments. The Panel also consulted industry, government and environmental stakeholders across the country. This independent, science-based study was requested by CEPA and the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP). Review the complete study here.

Pipeline Watercourse Management, Recommended Practices, First Edition

The purpose of this document is to compile and present the latest Canadian industry practices relating to the management of hydrotechnical hazards at operating pipeline water crossings or encroachments (collectively referred to as watercourses). The recommended practices herein are intended to encourage the safe and consistent management of hydrotechnical hazards along operating pipelines in Canada. Review the complete report here.

Pipelines Associated Watercourse Crossings, Fourth Edition

This document outlines the present regulatory framework under which pipeline associated watercourse crossings are assessed and constructed in Canada. In addition, it suggests measures to assist pipeline companies, governing agencies and contractors during the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of pipeline associated watercourse crossings. The development of this document is seen as a means to promote a consistent approach to pipeline associated watercourse crossings throughout Canada and to aid in developing a common understanding among industry, government and other stakeholders. Review complete report here.

Migratory Birds Convention Act: A Best Managements Practice for Pipeline – Seeking Comments

The focus of this document is on activities associated with construction and operation of transmission pipelines and related facilities (e.g., compressor or pump stations) that have the potential to affect bird populations. Although the focus of this document is migratory birds, many of the practices may be beneficial to all birds. CEPA has been actively involved in developing a risk management framework with Environment Canada for the incidental take of migratory birds. This has included participating in national workshops and leading the development of guidance documents to assist companies with managing risk in consideration of non-compliance with the MBCA and its associated regulations.Review complete report here.

World Leading Land Based Spill Preparedness and Response in British Columbia

The purpose of this position paper is to articulate a vision for a world-leading, robust and continuously improving land based spill preparedness and response capacity in British Columbia while extracting maximum leverage and benefits from existing systems, organizations and capabilities, and ensuring seamless and effective implementation in concert with evolving policies and regulations of other provinces and of the Federal Government. Review complete report here.

The Pipeline Industry & the Migratory Birds Act

Many activities carried out by Canadian pipeline companies can affect migratory birds and their habitat. Canada’s Migratory Birds Convention Act is legislation dedicated to conserving and protecting migratory birds and bird habitat. This backgrounder, published by the Canadian Pipeline Environment Committee (CPEC), raises awareness of the Act and suggests ways in which pipeline companies can manage their activities to meet or surpass the legislation. Review complete report here.

Landowner relations

CEPA Land Representatives Industry Orientation for Federally Regulated Pipelines

The CEPA Land Representatives Industry Orientation for Federally Regulated Pipelines is a training program designed for all persons who negotiate for or acquire an interest in land on behalf of a CEPA member company. Most often this person will be known as a land agent, a landman or a land representative. The program consists of an Industry Orientation Module, an Industry Code of Conduct and an Acceptance Agreement.

CEPA Land Representatives Industry Orientation for Federally Regulated Pipelines Training Module

As the demand for oil and natural gas products continues to increase, construction of new pipelines and facilities will also increase. As a result, more professionals, such as land agents, community relations personnel, stakeholder engagement and others will be interacting with landowners. Positive communication and open dialogue is critical to ensuring good relationships within the industry.

CEPA has developed key documents that form part of the Land Representative Industry Orientation for Federally Regulated Pipelines program. This includes a Training Module, an Industry Code of Conduct, and an Acceptance Agreement.

Start the training by downloading the CEPA Land Representatives Industry Orientation Training Module and follow the instructions.

The CEPA Land Representatives Industry Orientation Training Program also includes:

1) An Acceptance Agreement

2) Code of Conduct

For general information about the program, please download the communications bulletin.

Natural gas

Canadian Natural Gas Initiative’s Report of the Dialogues on Canada’s Natural Gas Industry

While many Canadians recognize the opportunity arising from the increasing abundance and affordability of natural gas, Canada’s natural gas industry also acknowledges that some in the public and many communities across the country have questions about the potential impacts of increased natural gas development and use. To gain a better perspective about the diversity of views, the Canadian Natural Gas Initiative (Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Canadian Gas Association, Canadian Energy Pipeline Association, Canadian Society for Unconventional Resources and the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance) undertook a series of eight Natural Gas Dialogues across the country in 2012. The primary objective of these Dialogues was to better understand Canadian perspectives on natural gas’ challenges and opportunities and to identify actions that could be pursued to address issues and concerns, so as to better realize the potential of natural gas in the Canadian context. Review complete report here.

Technical and operations

The Canadian pipeline industry is facing a number of talent challenges over the coming years – an aging workforce, an evolving diversified skill and capability pool and various macro-economic shifts and uncertainties, such as volatile energy prices and evolving government policy. Based on these challenges, there is an increasing need to better understand how this changing landscape will affect the skill-sets and expertise required both now and in the future within the pipeline industry. As such, the CEPA Foundation and its member organizations identified the need to start formulating an action plan now, to prepare for the talent needs of the future. Read the report.

Pipeline Inspector Certification Program

The INGAA Foundation and CEPA Foundation have developed and are publishing a Pipeline Inspector Certification program for adoption by their member companies. This program was endorsed by the boards of directors of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, the INGAA Foundation Inc., and the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association and the CEPA Foundation – major pipeline trade associations in the U.S. and Canada, respectively – with the goal of ensuring all pipeline inspectors doing work for their member companies are certified by the end of 2018. The Pipeline Inspector Certification will become the baseline for existing and future Pipeline Inspectors performing work for the member companies. The certification program is part of the continuous improvement process to enhance the operational reliability of pipelines. By standardizing the baseline certification of pipeline inspectors across the industry, the quality of new construction will be enhanced. Review the program description.

A Practical Guide for Pipeline Construction Inspectors

A Practical Guide for Pipeline Construction Inspectors was developed by a team of CEPA Foundation and INGAA Foundation experts based in a large part on information provided by their respective member companies. This Guide represents best practices based on the accumulated experience and consensus amongst the majority of member companies in terms of technical requirements, both in Canada and the U.S., for pipeline construction inspection competencies and related tasks beyond those captured in regulation and current certification. It is planned that this guide will be used to work with API to develop future versions of the API 1169 certification test. Review the guide.

A/C Interference Guidelines

The first edition of A/C Interference Guideline has been developed by CEPA’s Pipeline Integrity Working Group (PIWG). The guideline includes the Assessment, Mitigation and Monitoring of A/C Interference on Oil and Gas Pipelines in Proximity to Overhead A/C Powerlines. This document provides guidelines for identifying, mitigating and monitoring A/C interference on; a pipeline located on a powerline right-of-way (ROW), a pipeline ROW located parallel to a powerline ROW, laterals or extensions to any of the foregoing pipeline-powerline situations; and pipelines crossing any pipeline subject to A/C electrical interference. Review the complete report here.

CSA Plus 663, Land Use Planning for Pipelines

A guideline for local authorities, developers, and pipeline operators

Continual communication among local authorities, developers, and pipeline operators can help ensure that public safety and land uses are appropriately considered by these stakeholders. If initiated early in the land use planning process, this communication can reduce or minimize the potential for conflicts and costs for local authorities, developers, and pipeline operators. It also ensures that ready and available access is maintained along pipeline rights-of-way so that they can be constructed, maintained, and operated in a safe and efficient manner. Review complete report here.

Facility Integrity Management Program

This recommended practice provides guidelines for developing, documenting, and implementing a Facilities Integrity Management Program (FIMP) for transmission pipeline related facilities. Specific guidance is provided regarding the development of goals and objectives, as well as supporting programs and processes, to effectively maintain facilities integrity. This document puts forth the recommendations to be included in an Operating Company’s FIMP based on leading industry practice and building on guidelines established in CSA Z662 Annex N. Review complete report here.

ILI Tool Validation

The first edition of Metal loss In-line inspection (ILI) tool validation Recommended Practice has been developed by CEPA’s Pipeline Integrity Working Group (PIWG). The recommended practice was developed to supplement key industry standards such as API 1163 and industry best practice, with the overall goal to quantify the value of excavations and have a rigorous approach to ILI acceptance. This recommended practice provides a systematic and consistent process for a cost-effective method for Verification and Validation of an ILI inspection used in gas and liquid pipelines, based on the available information. In particular, this document is meant to enable an operator to establish a process to identify if validation excavations are required and assess the value of those excavations versus employing alternative verification or validation processes to accept an ILI run that has no actionable anomalies. Review the complete report here.

Pipeline Surface Loading Screening Process

This recommended practice details the development and implementation of a simplified screening process to assess the effects of surface loads on buried pipelines. The report outlines the theoretical models, standards, codes, recommended practices that are currently used to assess the surface loading effects on buried pipelines, the methodology used to develop the screening tool, the various temporary or permanent surface load dispersal techniques and other mitigation approaches that are often used to lessen the effects of surface loading.Review complete report here.

Pressure Reductions and Pipeline Excavations

Pipeline companies often reduce the pressure while performing maintenance activities and integrity excavations on in-service pipelines. Despite this practice, pipeline design codes, regulations and industry publications offer little guidance on what factors should be considered to determine how much, if any, the pressure should be reduced from operating levels during excavation activities. Also, it is not commonly understood what level of safety is introduced with these reductions and what historical operating pressure level should be used as the basis for the reductions. A literature survey and an interview process with CEPA member companies summarized common industry practices and determined factors to be considered when assessing if and how much of a pressure reduction is appropriate while excavating an operating energy pipeline. Review complete report here.

Sideboom Operator Training Standard

This Industry Training Standard is a guideline for third party training organizations and pipeline companies that provide in‐house training. The guideline provides industry with Entry Level Sideboom Operator Training advice. It aims to create acceptable, industry‐wide training standards for entry‐level sideboom operators. It also establishes acceptable, minimum competencies for these operators. Review complete report here.

Stress Corrosion Cracking Recommended Practices

This 3^rd edition of the CEPA Recommended Practices for Stress Corrosion Cracking builds on the 1^st and 2^nd editions published in 1999 and 2007, respectively. These Recommended Practices represent an overview of the methods used by CEPA member companies to manage near-neutral pH SCC on their gas and liquid pipeline systems.

The Recommended Practices have been extensively revised for this 3^rd edition, with a focus on the CEPA SCC Management Program. This SCC Management Program comprises nine well-defined steps encompassing three main areas: susceptibility assessment, condition assessment and mitigation and condition monitoring. Read the recommended practice.