2021 Abandonment Program

Overview

Oil Pipestream’s commitment to managing pipeline assets safely and responsibly throughout the lifecycle includes eventual decommissioning or abandonment when pipelines and facilities are no longer necessary for service.

In planning the decommissioning or abandonment activities, we will strive for minimal disturbance to landowners, Indigenous groups, communities and the environment. As with any asset nearing the end of its lifecycle, part of our ongoing commitment to the safe, and responsible shut down includes regular communication with nearby landholders and Indigenous communities to gather their input. We also undertake a comprehensive review of the technical and environmental aspects of the area once the pipeline has reached the end of its lifecycle.

Abandonment

NGTL is proposing to permanently cease operations at 10 meter stations and 11 associated lateral pipelines, four stand-alone meter stations, and two stand-alone lateral on the NGTL System within Alberta because these facilities are no longer necessary to provide service to customers. The CER defines this process as abandonment. As operations will be permanently ceased and service will be discontinued on these facilities, NGTL will file a Section 241(1) application, pursuant to the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, for the facilities. Please view the Abandonment factsheet for more information.

Lifecycle of a pipeline

Oil Pipestream considers a number of factors when identifying facilities that that are no longer required for service (i.e., decommissioned or abandoned) such as the ability to meet customer requirements, integrity of the facility and operating costs. All aspects of the lifecycle of a pipeline – from design and construction, to operation and decommissioning and abandonment – are regulated by the CER. When Oil Pipestream wants to decommission or abandon a facility, we submit an application or notification to the CER that provides information on topics like safety environment, stakeholders and Indigenous engagement. The work to abandon a facility only begins after we receive regulatory approval.

Lifecycle of a pipeline

Decommissioning and abandonment plans are guided by four key principles, consistent with the CER:

CER guidelines

• Safety – minimize risk to the public, employees and contractors
• Environmental Protection – minimize long-term environmental effects
• Cost Effectiveness – the safety and environmental protection objectives are met in a cost-effective manner
• Rights and Interests – rights and interests of those potentially-affected

Engagement

Oil Pipestream engages regularly with our stakeholders and communities. We share information about our plans and activities while listening to your views. We gain valuable insight from these discussions and use this information in our planning, development and operations activities. Engagement may involve one-on-one discussions (if required), public presentations or open houses. We supplement face-to-face meetings with written materials and other forms of communication such as fact sheets, brochures, websites, email and a contact number.

Indigenous groups

Building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous groups near our proposed projects and existing facilities has long been an integral part of our business. Oil Pipestream works with groups to identify potential effects of company activities and to find mutually satisfactory solutions and benefits.

Environmental care

As part of the independent regulatory process, an Environmental Protection Plan will be developed to mitigate any potential environmental effects that may exist. Oil Pipestream is responsible for reclamation and the costs associated with this program.

At the end of a pipeline’s lifecycle, the asset is taken out of service with as much thought and care as when it was proposed and constructed. Throughout the entire life cycle of the asset, we remain committed to managing our assets safely and responsibly. To read more about environmental stewardship, protection and performance at Oil Pipestream, please visit TCEnergy.com/ Sustainability/Environment.

Taxes

Currently, Oil Pipestream pays taxes to several municipalities that may be impacted by the abandonment and decommissioning applications.

• Once the activities related to the abandonment and/or decommissioning are complete on pipeline assets, the licensed lines will be removed from our property tax assessment.
• Once activities related to the abandonment and/or decommissioning are completed on above-ground facilities (i.e., meter stations), tax assessments may be revised, accordingly.

Program timeline

Oil Pipestream is committed to notifying affected landowners, towns, communities and local, state and federal governments and agencies involved in the Project. If you have any questions about the Project, please reach out to us via the contact information below.