Common menu bar

Breadcrumb

Home > News Releases > News Releases 2007 > NEB and Oil & Gas Commission of B.C. take steps to improve pipeline safety and regulatory efficiency

NEB and Oil & Gas Commission of B.C. take steps to improve pipeline safety and regulatory efficiency

07/43
For immediate release
17 December 2007

CALGARY - The National Energy Board (NEB) and the Oil & Gas Commission (OGC) of British Columbia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that improves pipeline safety and provides opportunities for further regulatory efficiency for energy development.

The MOU also establishes a protocol for coordinating the training and technical liaison in areas common to both the NEB and the OGC.

"The NEB and OGC strive towards regulating energy projects that are safe and efficient for the benefit of the people in B.C. and all Canadians," said NEB Chair Gaétan Caron. "Our agreement today builds on our existing partnership to make further improvements to our processes in terms of pipeline safety, environmental protection and economic and regulatory efficiency."

OGC Commissioner Alex Ferguson confirms a key part of the MOU covers greater cooperation and coordination between the two regulators in the areas of safety, emergency management, and agency training.

"Our existing relationship ensures that public and environmental protection are held in the highest respect regardless of jurisdiction," Ferguson said. "What this memorandum does is solidify that relationship and define the terms of cooperative interaction."

A key part of the MOU covers greater cooperation and coordination between the two regulators in the event of a pipeline incident or emergency. For example, in the event of a pipeline incident or emergency that takes place within B.C. on an NEB-regulated pipeline, the OGC will provide assistance as requested by the NEB. This assistance may include monitoring the pipeline operator's response with respect to managing the emergency, ensuring public safety and minimizing the impact on the environment. The NEB will be responsible for the investigation of the incident as well as the clean-up and rehabilitation operations. If such an incident occurs on a BC-regulated pipeline, the NEB will provide assistance to the OGC.

The MOU between the two regulators also covers such matters as notifying each other when conducting an audit of a pipeline or taking enforcement action against a pipeline company that is regulated by both federal and provincial authorities.

The NEB is an independent federal agency that regulates several parts of Canada's energy industry. Its purpose is to promote safety and security, environmental protection, and efficient energy infrastructure and markets in the Canadian public interest, within the mandate set by Parliament in the regulation of pipelines, energy development and trade.

The B.C. Oil and Gas Commission is an independent, single-window regulator of oil and gas activities within the Province of British Columbia. The OGC has regulatory responsibility for industry activity from the exploration and development phases, through to facilities operation and decommissioning. It is charged with balancing a broad range of environmental, economic and social considerations. Among its more specific objectives are public safety, conservation of petroleum resources, fostering a healthy environment, and equitable participation in production.

- 30 -

For further information:

Kristen Higgins
Communications Officer
National Energy Board
E-mail: kristen.higgins@neb-one.gc.ca
Telephone: 403-299-3122
Telephone (toll free): 1-800-899-1265
Telecopier: 403-292-5503
Telecopier (toll free): 1-877-288-8803
TTY (Teletype): 1-800-632-1663

Steve Simons
Executive Director, Corporate Affairs
BC Oil and Gas Commission
Telephone: 250-356-2577
Cell: 250-889-6076

Common menu bar

Breadcrumb

NEB and Oil & Gas Commission of B.C. take steps to improve pipeline safety and regulatory efficiency

Primary navigation (left column)

The NEB

Energy Information

Safety and the Environment

Publications

Proactive Disclosure

Footer