February 2008

ERCB Draft Directive 71 – Emergency Preparedness and Response Requirements for the Petroleum Industry

The ERCBH2S dispersion model software program is a new method for emergency planning zone (EPZ) calculation for sour wells, pipelines and facilities. A significant change incorporated into the draft Directive is a new computer software program (ERCBH2S) required for calculating emergency planning zones (EPZs) for sour wells, pipelines and facilities. On January 2, 2008, a…

ERCB Issues Directive 057: Fencing and Site Access Requirements for Oil and Gas Facilities

Directive 057 introduces new requirements for fencing and security that are applicable to ERCB-regulated oil and gas facilities. These new requirements are in addition to existing ERCB fencing and security requirements; together they will ensure an increased level of protection for Albertans. The intent of the directive is to reduce the possibility of incidents of…

Alberta Energy and Utility Board Splits

Effective January 1, 2008, the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) has been realigned into two separate regulatory bodies: the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB), which regulates the oil and gas industry, and the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), which regulates the utilities industry. The ERCB regulates the safe, responsible, and efficient development of oil, natural…

PIPA Kickoff

The Pipeline Informed Planning Alliance (PIPA) held its public kickoff meetings in January. PIPA was formed as a result of an earlier Transportation Research Board recommendation that DOT develop “risk informed” guidance for property development in the vicinity of transmission pipelines. Representatives of local government planning departments, home builders, property developers, transmission pipeline operators, Local,…

Comments Posted by the TRRC on Proposed Pipeline Regulations

Comments have been posted in the Railroad Commission of Texas website in response to recently proposed pipeline regulations (16 TAC §§8.206, 8.207, 8.208) regarding risk-based leak inspection, leak grading, and mandatory removal and replacement program for compression couplings used for gas distribution pipelines. A public meeting was held in January to discuss the proposed rule.…