The National Energy Board (NEB) today followed through on its commitment to develop new guidance promoting safe pipeline crossings related to agricultural activities.
The "Guidance for Safe Crossings of NEB-Regulated Pipelines Using Agricultural Vehicles and Mobile Equipment" was developed in collaboration with the Pipeline Crossings Working Group, which included landowners, industry and Aboriginal representatives, industry and landowner organizations, and the NEB.
The Guidance is designed to support the safety and security of NEB-regulated pipelines and the people who live and work near them.
It provides greater clarity for landowners, land users, and pipeline companies to identify situations where farming vehicles and mobile equipment can cross NEB-regulated pipelines without the need for further permission from the pipeline company.
Effective immediately, as long as all of the following conditions are met and the pipeline company has confirmed that the safe and secure operation of the pipeline will not be threatened, landowners and land users no longer need to obtain the company's permission each time they intend to cross the pipeline right-of-way with their agricultural machinery or mobile equipment, provided:
- the agricultural vehicle or mobile equipment is being used to perform an agricultural activity across the pipeline, and no more than 30 centimeters (12 inches) of soil is disturbed;
- the vehicle or mobile equipment is not removing or adding soil cover while in operating mode;
- the soil conditions ensure minimal rutting when agricultural vehicles or mobile equipment are driven over the pipeline; and
- the loaded axle weight and tire pressures are within the manufacturer's approved limits and operating guidelines - exceptions include large harvesters and grain transporters (for instance, Super B-trains).
In the case of uncertainty as to whether an agricultural activity meets the conditions for a safe crossing, landowners and land users are encouraged to contact their local one-call office or the pipeline company.
In support of the Guidance, the NEB has issued Exemption Order MO-21-2010. This order relieves landowners and land users from having to obtain permission from the pipeline company if all of the conditions noted above are met.
The NEB is an independent federal agency that regulates several parts of Canada's energy industry. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest.
For further information:
Carole Léger-Kubeczek
Communications Officer
National Energy Board
E-mail: carole.leger-kubeczek@neb-one.gc.ca
Telephone: 403-299-2717
Telephone (toll free): 1-800-899-1265
Telecopier: 403-292-5503
Telecopier (toll free): 1-877-288-8803
TTY (Teletype): 1-800-632-1663
