National Energy Board

www.neb-one.gc.ca

Common menu bar

• Français
• Home
• Contact Us
• Help
• Search
• canada.gc.ca

Breadcrumb

Home > Public Participation and Land Matters > Land Matters Consultation Initiative (LMCI) > Stream 4 - Pipeline Abandonment - Physical Issues > Terms of Reference - Pipeline Abandonment Physical Issues Committee

Terms of Reference - Pipeline Abandonment Physical Issues Committee

1. Introduction
2. Scope
3. Desired Outcomes
4. Committee Composition
5. Stakeholder Engagement
6. Reporting
7. Procedures for Meetings
8. Committee Decisions
9. Media and Public Communication
10. Expiry of the Terms of Reference
11. Approval and Amendments

1. Introduction

The objective of Action 4.4 of the National Energy Board's (NEB) Land Matters Consultation Initiative (LMCI) is to initiate discussions with stakeholders to develop a multi-stakeholder study group to address knowledge gaps related to the physical issues of abandonment. The proposed multi-stakeholder study group will be known as the Pipeline Abandonment Physical Issues Committee (Committee).

Action 4.4 is set out in the NEB LMCI Final Report dated 26 May 2009. Further information is available in the document entitled Supplementary Information for the LMCI Final Report - List of Issues Raised Through LMCI and NEB Comments. Principles for the End State of Land Post-Retirement and Next Steps were issued by the NEB on 21 July 2009.  These and other documents related to the LMCI can be found on the NEB's website on the Land Matters Consultation Initiative (LMCI) page.

This document sets out the terms of reference for the Committee.

2. Scope

The intent is for the Committee to achieve a balanced representation of individuals and groups with an interest in issues related to pipeline abandonment. The Committee is responsible for:

• Identifying known, as well as new and innovative options for the abandonment of pipelines (e.g., leaving pipelines in place, reusing, recycling or removing them);
• Identifying gaps in knowledge related to abandonment options and post-abandonment effects and recommending how to address these;
• Conducting studies to identify new options for abandonment and to address knowledge gaps regarding the effects of new and existing options for abandonment. Potential approaches to these studies may include:
  • Literature reviews of previous and ongoing studies,
  • Consultant studies, and
  • Research
• Ensuring studies assess the risks (including public and worker exposure risks), environmental considerations and feasibility (including approximate costs) for each option identified; and
• Reporting on findings to the NEB and to LMCI Stream 4 Interested Parties by the end of March 2011. Interim or subsequent reporting timelines may also be established.

3. Desired Outcomes

The main purpose of the Committee is to produce a report addressing specific gaps in knowledge or other issues related to the physical aspects of pipeline abandonment related to both landowner and industry interests. This would include but not be limited to studies or research related to:

• ground subsidence and frost heave;
• soil and groundwater contamination;
• pipe cleanliness;
• road, railway and utility crossings;
• water crossings;
• erosion; and
• creation of conduits.

Other desired outcomes include:

1. Identification of options for the abandonment of pipelines, which includes an assessment of risks, environmental effects, feasibility, the consideration of post-abandonment issues and the approximate costs for each option.
2. A literature review to identify gaps in knowledge related to each abandonment option.
3. Completion of studies related to knowledge gaps with respect to options for abandonment, including the effects of leaving pipelines in place, or reusing, recycling or removing pipelines.
4. Estimating the costs associated with each abandonment option for input into pipeline abandonment estimates.
5. Liaising with other organizations to obtain information related to the physical issues of abandonment.

4. Committee Composition

The Committee will be made up of a maximum of 12 members consisting of:

• Two members from the staff of the NEB;
• Four members of the public with an interest in issues related to pipeline abandonment;
• Four members from the pipeline industry, shippers and industry organizations; and,
• Two members from staff of federal, provincial or municipal government bodies other than the NEB.

A committee member may designate an alternate to attend meetings on the member's behalf. If a member does not designate an alternate, this role may be filled by one of the alternate members identified on the committee participant list.

Alternate members, observers, technical experts or others may attend meetings of the Committee. Participation by alternate members or others present at a meeting of the Committee is permitted with agreement of the members of the Committee at the meeting.

The Committee may create task forces or sub-committees to facilitate work.

5. Stakeholder Engagement

Engagement will occur at two levels:

1. Within the Committee
   1. Each member of the Committee is expected to engage stakeholders within its circle of influence in a timely manner for advice on relevant topics.
2. Public Engagement
   1. The Committee may host a workshop, forum or conference on technical issues.
   2. When a study or final report is produced in draft format it may be made available for public viewing and comment for a specified period of time on the NEB's website.

6. Reporting

1. The Committee will track studies by way of study status reports, which will be available at each meeting.
2. The following special reports will be produced:
   1. A draft report on the status of all studies and research projects and any preliminary outcomes is to be completed by November 2010.
   2. A final report on study outcomes is to be completed by the end of March 2011.
3. All minutes and status reports will be posted on the NEB's website in English and French.

7. Procedures for Meetings

The business of the Committee arises from the input of the Committee members.

1. A member from the staff of the NEB will chair each meeting of the Committee.
2. A quorum shall consist of at least a majority of the members of the Committee with at least one member each from the public, industry and a regulatory agency.
3. Meetings of the Committee will be held a minimum of three times per year. Additional meetings will be arranged as needed. Committee members will have the ability to participate in meetings by teleconference and conduct business by email.
4. An agenda and any background material will be distributed to Committee members or alternates at least one week prior to a meeting.
5. Minutes of meetings of the Committee will be prepared as soon as possible following the conclusion of a meeting. Minutes will be posted on the NEB website following approval by a quorum of Committee members.

8. Committee Decisions

The Committee will reach decisions upon consensus of the members participating at a meeting.

Consensus decision-making is a collaborative process. Committee members share their views and listen to others. Decisions are made when a majority of members indicate that they are able to agree to and support the decision. Opposing views will be recorded if requested.

9. Media and Public Communication

Committee members will ensure that any representations made to the media in relation to the Committee and its work are respectful of others involved in the Committee. Members will not discuss, criticize or discredit the views of other participants.

10. Expiry of the Terms of Reference

These terms of reference expire upon the issuance of the final report on study outcomes, which is to be completed at the end of March 2011.

11. Approval and Amendments

Any amendments to these terms of reference must be made by consensus reached between the members in attendance at a Committee meeting, provided that written notice is given to each Committee member at least one week prior to the meeting.

These terms of reference were approved by the Committee on 1 June 2010.

 

Primary navigation (left column)

Date Modified:

2011-10-28