National Energy Board approves Line 9 hydrotest results, continues regulatory oversight

CALGARY, Sept. 30, 2015 /CNW/ - The National Energy Board (NEB) has approved the hydrostatic test results submitted by Enbridge for the Line 9B Reversal and Line 9 Capacity Expansion Project (Line 9) and will continue its strict regulatory oversight as Enbridge moves the pipeline into operation. 

In June 2015 the NEB directed Enbridge to conduct hydrostatic testing on three segments of Line 9. The successful hydrotests confirm the NEB's confidence in the integrity of the pipeline and its confidence that the line can safely be returned to operation.

There are no further NEB pre-operation requirements. When the pipeline becomes operational there are strict conditions that have been imposed by the NEB including bi-weekly ground patrols, quarterly integrity testing and an additional in-line inspection within the first year of operation.  Enbridge is also required to limit the pressure of the pipeline for its first year of operation, adding another layer of safety.

The review of the hydrotest results is one of many assessments undertaken by the NEB on the Line 9 project. Following a public hearing process the NEB approved Line 9 in March 2014, subject to 30 conditions, finding the project to be in the public interest. Since that time, the NEB has thoroughly assessed dozens of submissions from the company on issues such as consultation efforts, emergency planning and pipeline integrity. Line 9 will continue to be subject to the regulatory scrutiny of the NEB through to the end of its use.  

Quick Facts

• The NEB approved the Line 9 project in March 2014 subject to 30 conditions. There were 171 individuals and groups who participated in this hearing process which occurred from February 2013 to March 2014.
• In 2014 the NEB conducted 230 inspections and 6 audits for all NEB regulated pipelines and infrastructure. This is in addition to the 100+ technical meetings and exercises conducted on an annual basis. These tools are effective in allowing the Board to proactively detect and correct non-compliances before they become issues.
• The Line 9B project will reverse the segment of Line 9 between North Westover, Ontario and Montreal, Québec, in addition to expanding the entire Line 9 capacity from Sarnia, Ontario to Montreal and making a revision to the Line 9 Rules and Regulations Tariff to allow transportation of heavy crude.

Associated Links

• Letter to Enbridge [Filing A72916]

The National Energy Board is an independent federal regulator of several parts of Canada's energy industry with the safety of Canadians and protection of the environment as its top priority. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest. For more information on the NEB and its mandate, please visit www.neb-one.gc.ca.

SOURCE National Energy Board

Katherine Murphy, Communications Officer, National Energy Board, Email: [email protected], Telephone: [phone], Telephone (toll-free) 1-800-899-126