TNPI is committed to operating in a safe and environmentally responsible manner to protect the public, the environment, and the pipeline.
Following are some of the ways we ensure the safety of our underground pipelines every day:
- Trained Line Controllers operate and monitor our pipelines 24 hours a day, seven days a week using state of the art SCADA computer equipment. We remotely monitor the entire system, watching for irregularities that may suggest a leak or other disturbance. We also regularly use specialized internal inspection tools that run through the pipeline to identify areas for further investigation.
- We conduct aerial surveillance and ground patrols along the pipelines to identify potential hazards such as unauthorized excavation or digging, construction, inadequate soil coverage, signs of possible leaks, vandalism, suspicious behaviour or other disturbances.
- Yellow marker signs appear along our pipeline to advise the public that they are near a pipeline and to provide contact details for more information.
According to Natural Resources Canada, pipelines are recognized as the safest method of transporting large quantities of liquid hydrocarbons (oil, gas) over long distances. In the unlikely event that we experience an emergency situation, we also have protocols and plans in place to ensure we can respond quickly:
- TNPI has an Emergency Response Plan and conducts regular simulations to ensure we respond safely and efficiently.
- Our employees are trained to manage emergency situations and we test our protocols with employees, third-party contractors, regulators and other stakeholders including local emergency responders.
Trans-Northern Pipelines also works closely with landowners, regulators and others in the communities where we operate, because we all play a role in pipeline safety.
Our commitment also includes being a responsible neighbour and working with those who live and work near our pipeline so that we get to know each other.
If you live or work near the TNPI pipelines you can expect that TNPI will:
- Be responsive to your questions and comments.
- Be in contact with you during the year to remind you that the pipeline crosses your property and provide information about what to do and who to contact if you need to dig near the pipeline.
- Participate in community events, host seminars and provide materials via Ontario One-Call, InfoExcavation in Quebec and Utility Safety Partners, to keep you informed about what we do to protect the pipeline.
- Contact you in advance if we need to do maintenance, clear brush or trees or are conducting an emergency response exercise in the immediate area so that you are aware of our activities. And, if we need to excavate, we will work with you to restore the sites to pre-excavation conditions, including replanting site specific vegetation.
- Establish and maintain relationships with municipal first responders, emergency management staff and other municipal stakeholders to share information on our pipeline operation and protocols.
For more information on pipeline safety, please visit this link.