NEB Releases Final Audit Report into TransCanada Pipelines Integrity Management Program

CALGARY, Feb. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - The National Energy Board (NEB or the Board) today released its final report detailing its audit of TransCanada PipeLines Limited's (TransCanada) Integrity Management Program. The Board finds that TransCanada has identified the majority, and most significant, of its hazards and risks, however there are areas where the company was found to be out of compliance. TransCanada will be required to submit a corrective action plan for Board approval within 30 days of this report being issued that clearly lays out how it will address non-compliant findings. This audit is one of six comprehensive management system audits conducted by the Board each year.

Pipeline companies under the Board's regulation are required to incorporate Integrity Management Programs into their day-to-day operations. These programs include the tools, technologies and actions needed to ensure that pipelines are safe and remain that way over time. Integrity Management Programs also enable companies to predict and prevent pipelines incidents. A finding of non-compliance may not necessarily mean that there is an immediate hazard, however a corrective action is required in order for the company's system to remain safe. If any non-compliance was deemed to pose an immediate hazard the Board would take appropriate enforcement action.

"Audits are an effective tool to promote compliance and proactively detect and correct non-compliances before they become issues." said Gaétan Caron, the Chair and CEO of the NEB. "The facilities we regulate are safe and the environment in which they operate is well protected. At the same time, we are Canada's energy watchdog and our work is never finished. We strive to continually improve. This audit report is a case in point."

The audit also investigated allegations brought to the NEB's attention by a Whistleblower against TransCanada's integrity management practices. This audit has confirmed that TransCanada has developed and implemented corrective actions to prevent future similar non-compliances.

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.

This news release is available on the NEB's website at www.neb-one.gc.ca under What's New!

To view the full Audit Report, please visit <http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/clf-nsi/rsftyndthnvrnmnt/sfty/sfcmpctn-eng.html>

Fact Sheet: The NEB Audit Process <http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/clf-nsi/rthnb/nws/fqs/nbdtprcssfctsht-eng.html>

Fact Sheet: The NEB's Enforcement Toolkit <http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/clf-nsi/rthnb/nws/fqs/nbnfrcmnttlktfctsht-eng.html>

Fact Sheet: Pipeline Safety <http://www.neb-one.gc.ca/clf-nsi/rthnb/nws/fqs/pplnsftyfctsht-eng.html>

SOURCE: National Energy Board

Rebecca Taylor
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