NEB releases final audit of TransCanada’s Integrity Management Programme

The National Energy Board (NEB) has released a final report detailing its audit of TransCanada’s Integrity Management Programme. The Board found 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 the report being issued, which 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 Programmes into their day-to-day operations. These programmes include the tools, technologies and actions needed to ensure that pipelines are safe and remain that way over time. Integrity Management Programmes also enable companies to predict and prevent pipeline 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, Chair and Chief Executive Officer 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.

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/25022014/neb_releases_final_audit_of_transcanadas_integrity_management_programme_104/