Table 1 – Pipeline Abandonment Matrix

Pipe Diameter

60.3 to 323.9 mm 355.6 to 610 mm > 660 mm Land Use

(2" to 12") (14" to 24") (> 26")

Cultivated A A A

Cultivated with special features (depth of cover

considerations)

R R RAgricultural

Non Cultivated (NativePrairie, Rangeland,

Pasture)

A A A

Existing Developed Lands (Commercial,

Industrial, Residential)A A A

Prospective future development

(Commercial, Industrial, Residential)

R R RNon-

Agricultural

No future development anticipated (eg, Forest

Areas)A A A

Environmentally Sensitive Areas

(including Wetlands)A A A

Roads & Railways A+ A+ A+

Water Crossings A A A

Other Areas

Other Crossings (Utilities)

A A+ A+

Each box in the matrix represents the primary option for pipeline abandonment for each

of the land use categories. It is recognized that there will always be a certain amount of

pipe that will be removed or abandoned in place for each of the categories based on site

specific assessments, but the primary option is the one listed in the matrix. As well, it is

recognized that further development is needed to further refine land use categories. This

development will occur as part of the development of the risk based site specific

assessment process.

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The three recommended options available in the matrix are described in Table 2.

Table 2 – Primary Pipeline Abandonment Options

Abandonment

OptionDescription

A pipeline is abandoned in place

A+ pipeline is abandoned in place with special treatment to prevent

potential ground subsidence (e.g., fill pipe with concrete)

R pipeline is removed

At the initial stages of any pipeline abandonment project, site specific assessments will be

necessary and will probably determine that a combination of abandonment options be

performed for the various land use categories. In doing so, pipeline companies may

determine a percentage split between the primary option in the matrix and any potential

secondary option. For example, the matrix recommends that all diameter ranges of

pipelines be abandoned in place for a cultivated land use category. However, when the

time arrives to initiate an actual abandonment project for this land use category, there is a

reasonable likelihood that a small amount of pipe will require removal or abandon with

special treatment after the completion of site specific assessments. A similar approach

can be applied for the other land use categories.

3.2. Regulatory Requirements

The 1996 Discussion Paper included an appendix summarizing the regulatory

requirements which prevailed for pipeline abandonment in Canada at that time.

An updated tabular summary of current regulatory requirements has been compiled and

appears as Appendix B of this report.

Any proposed abandonment activity for NEB regulated pipelines has to be approved in

advance by the NEB and other applicable regulatory agencies. Applications for such

approvals have to include the rationale for the abandonment and the measures to be

employed to carry out the abandonment.

Applicable provincial legislation and regulations are also included in the summary in

Appendix B for information purposes.

3.3. Environmental Considerations

The following key fundamental assumptions from the 1996 Discussion Paper remain

relevant and applicable:

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