Pipeline integrity

Cenovus identifies the location of its pipelines with ground markers and provides information to the public, first responders and government agencies on how to work safely on or near its pipeline right-of-ways.

Pipeline Integrity Management Program

The company monitors and manages its pipelines through a Pipeline Integrity Management Program. It patrols right-of-ways, conducts pipeline inspections, maintenance, and risk assessments, and minimizes ground disturbance. Regular emergency response training events and exercises are held, and area first responders, regulators and local authorities are invited to participate. Cenovus provides residents in the area of its pipeline right-of-ways with location and safety information.

Emergency management

Damage prevention

Excavation & installations

Pipeline markers indicate the general location, not how deep a pipeline is buried or how many lines are underground. Never assume the location or the depth of a pipeline.

Federal and provincial regulations require anyone planning to excavate near a pipeline right-of-way to first call the appropriate provincial One-Call toll-free number. The call should be made at least three days before any excavation work is planned.

The One-Call operator notifies all utilities – including the owner of the pipeline – of the excavation location and any underground utilities are marked above ground, free of charge.

Cenovus must be notified of any planned excavation on or near its right-of-way and a representative must be on-site to supervise.

For any installations across a Cenovus right-of-way, written permission from the company is required. Written permission could take up to 10 business days.

Crossing pipelines with agricultural vehicles & equipment

Operating agricultural vehicles and equipment across Cenovus pipeline right-of-ways is permitted for the purposes of normal farming operations, such as plowing, cultivation, planting and harvesting. If equipment falls outside normal farming operations, Cenovus must be contacted to determine whether it can safely cross the right-of-way.

Guidelines

• Canadian Energy Regulator Onshore Pipeline Regulations
• Agricultural Activities
• Residential and Commercial Landowners
• Pipeline Damage Prevention Regulations - What you need to know
• Alberta Energy Regulator – Ground Disturbance Requirements
• Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance – Best Practices
• Utility Safety Partners (formerly Alberta Common Ground Disturbance Alliance)
• British Columbia Common Ground Alliance – Best Practices

Safety information FAQ