National engagement initiative concludes with successful pipeline safety forum

The pipeline safety forum held on 3 June marked the conclusion of the National Energy Board’s (NEB) first cross-Canada public engagement initiative that began this past winter.

The NEB’s engagement initiative included meetings with environmental groups, municipal and provincial leaders, Aboriginal groups, first responders, academics, landowner associations as well as professional and industry organisations. The Pipeline Safety Forum brought together key subject matter experts from across the country as attendees and presenters.

“The Canadians I heard from shared many of the same concerns about energy infrastructure. They want their water protected, their land protected, and they want to know that the NEB is good enough to do the job of protecting both, particularly in emergency situations,” said Peter Watson, NEB Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “Our staff share these priorities. The NEB is committed to working with communities across Canada to ensure our energy infrastructure is safe, the environment is protected and emergency response is thorough and responsive.”

The NEB will develop and make public a report on the feedback and NEB actions resulting from the engagement initiative. The report will reflect the cross-country meetings, the Pipeline Safety Forum and the online discussion forum. Feedback from Canadians has already resulted in the NEB launching a public consultation on emergency management transparency and the decision to post NEB inspection reports online.

Engagement and outreach to Canadians will continue to be a top priority of the NEB through its regional offices in Vancouver and Montreal, its hearing processes, and a new focus on engagement and outreach activities with Canadians across the country.

Adapted from press release by Hannah Priestley-Eaton

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/04062015/natinal-engagement-initiative-concludes-with-successful-pipeline-safety-forum/