Pipelines

Strict regulatory standards developed by government and industry ensure the safety and viability of Canada's pipelines. Industry takes pipeline safety very seriously. Employees work year round to ensure safe, reliable operations. Pipeline companies regularly communicate important information to local governments; community fire departments; police and ambulance services; utilities; contractors; land owners and neighbours. Companies that do not adhere to government rules and regulations face disciplinary actions such as fines and plant shutdowns.

Canada's pipeline industry must deal with some of the harshest terrain on earth. Pipelines are constructed through deep stretches of water, across mountain ranges, a huge expanse of prairies, and muskeg and permafrost in the Arctic tundra. These conditions have led to world-class expertise in:

• high vapour pressure design and operation
• batching technology
• automated pipeline monitoring and control
• corrosion inhibition in a multitude of environments
• construction of pipelines in all sizes
• state-of-the-art construction, operation and reclamation
• current pipeline codes
• advanced, high-strength pipe steel

Pipeline Network

The extensive pipeline system within Canada transports 97 per cent of Canada's natural gas and crude oil production. Major oil and gas pipelines extend from the producing areas in Western Canada to major markets in Eastern Canada and the United States.

• The outside diameter of pipelines in Canada range from very small to 1.2 metres.
• A pipeline system may comprise one or several pipelines in a single corridor and transport a variety of liquid hydrocarbons at one time.
• Some systems include as many as six pipelines in one single corridor.

Pipelines - Resource Center