Filing Manual - Guide T - Leave to Open

In accordance with the NEB Act, a company requires permission from the Board before opening a pipeline or a section of pipeline for the transmission of hydrocarbons or any other commodity.

The Board may grant leave under section 47 of the NEB Act if satisfied that the pipeline can be safely opened for transmission.

Next Steps...

Pursuant to subsection 58(1) of the NEB Act, the Board may make orders exempting certain facilities from the provisions of section 47.

Goal

An application for leave to open will include information detailing the facilities for which leave is being sought as well as certain test information.

Filing Requirements

1. For leave to open applications for line pipe or a section of line pipe (including new piping for storage tanks), provide:

  • the Board certificate or order number under which the work was carried out;
  • a list of standards, specifications and procedures to and under which the facilities were designed, constructed and tested;
  • a description of the pressure-tested facilities including:
    • the MOP;
    • the location;
    • the piping specifications, including the pipe manufacturer;
    • a schematic of the pressure-tested facilities; and
    • where applicable, the elevation profile of the test section, including the high, low and test point elevations;
  • a summary of continuous pressure and temperature readings over the test period, including:
    • the date of the test;
    • the test medium; and
    • the minimum and maximum allowable test pressures (where applicable, reconcile any significant pressure deviations);
  • a statement that all control and safety devices were or will be inspected and tested for functionality;
  • confirmation that all field joints were non-destructively examined;
  • confirmation that any permits required for the use and disposal of water were obtained;
  • test equipment calibration certificates;
  • confirmation that pressure testing was performed under the direct supervision of a company representative;
  • all logs, test charts and other test records, signed and dated by the company representative;
  • confirmation that the test pressure did not fall below 97.5 percent of the minimum strength test pressure; and
  • details regarding any unsuccessful pressure tests, including the cause of the test failure.

2. For a leave to open application for a tank, provide:

  • the Board certificate or order under which the work was carried out;
  • a list of standards, specifications and procedures to and under which the facilities were designed, constructed and tested;
  • a statement confirming that post-weld vacuum tests were conducted and deemed acceptable;
  • a statement that hydrostatic testing was completed and found acceptable;
  • a confirmation of the water source and a copy of any permits required for the use and disposal of water, if applicable;
  • a statement confirming that the fire protection facilities were constructed and tested in accordance with CSA Z662;
  • a statement confirming that the containment area or system was built to meet the requirements of CSA Z662;
  • a statement confirming that non-destructive examination of the welds was conducted and found to be acceptable; and
  • a statement that all control and safety devices (e.g. overflow alarms) have been inspected and tested for functionality.

Guidance

Section AA.1 in Guide AA outlines when the Board expects leave to open applications and pressure testing programs to be filed.

It is recommended that the application contain a signed statement from a professional engineer, indicating the application has been assessed and reviewed.

Next Steps...

File the completed application. Applicants are encouraged to include the completed relevant checklists from Appendix I.

 

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Date Modified:
2011-10-28