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Pipeline Integrity
Over the years pipelines have proved to be the safest, most efficient way to
transport petroleum products. Our ongoing monitoring and maintenance
programs contribute to that safe operation and at Enbridge, we endeavor to
be a leader in pipeline integrity by:
- implementing rigorous preventive maintenance programs;
- pursuing and supporting technological research;
- participating in industry forums to share and exchange knowledge;
- contributing to the development of national pipeline safety standards and
industry-recommended practices; and
- supporting state and provincial excavation one-call efforts to reduce the risk
of third-party damage to pipelines.
By fulfilling these obligations,we maintain high standards of operating
and EH&S performance and contribute to public confidence in our systems.
In 2003,we strengthened pipeline integrity in our systems:
- We inspected about 4,500 kilometres (2,790 miles) of our Liquids Pipelines
System, using technologies that detect corrosion, cracking and dents. We also
worked with equipment suppliers to improve crack detection technologies
for pipeline integrity. Based largely on this work, U.S.regulators accepted our
return-to-service plan for a section of the Lakehead System, which experienced
a significant crude oil leak in 2002 near Cohasset, Minnesota;
- We implemented a comprehensive pipeline integrity management program
in our Gas Distribution System in Ontario. We also completed an external
corrosion direct assessment on 35 kilometres (22 miles) of pipeline in
Toronto. The assessment project posed many challenges because the pipeline
is in an urban area. In overcoming these challenges, Gas Distribution has
become an industry leader in the application of preventive maintenance
technology; and
- Our U.S. Natural Gas Business has an integrity assessment and operational
risk management plan to maintain pipeline safety and address federal and
state regulations. The plan takes an integrated approach to risk assessment,
integrity assessment, risk mitigation, performance measures, communication
and quality control. In 2003, the company updated the plan to cover recently
acquired natural gas pipeline assets. The plan complies with regulations
issued previously in Texas and new federal regulations affecting natural gas
transmission pipelines. To support the plan, the business also developed an
employee training program.
Protecting underground utilities such as pipelines in urban areas requires
that we collaborate with many organizations, such as utility owners, government
agencies, emergency responders and excavation contractors. In 2003,
Gas Distribution helped to found the Ontario Regional Common Ground
Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing and sharing effective
damage prevention practices for underground utilities in the province.
During the year, we worked with other Alliance members to prepare industry
best practices for damage prevention, for introduction in early 2004.
Enbridge is a founding member of the U.S. Common Ground Alliance, established
in 2001 to promote damage prevention initiatives in the United States.
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