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

Regular emergency response training events and exercises are held, and area first responders, regulators and local authorities are invited to participate. The company's Emergency Management Program contains elements critical for protection of the public, workers and the environment.

Cenovus's Emergency Management Program Information (PDF)

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

Safety information FAQ

  • How are pipeline incidents involving third parties prevented?

    Cenovus identifies the location of its pipelines with above ground markers and provides information to the public, first responders and government agencies about how to work safely on or near this infrastructure.

    Third parties who wish to work near Cenovus pipelines should notify both the company and the One-call service in their province (refer to the industry links on this page).

  • How deep are Cenovus pipelines buried?

    At the time of construction, Cenovus's pipelines are buried to a depth that meets, and in some cases exceeds, legal requirements. If there are concerns about a pipeline’s coverage, please contact the company (refer to the contact information on this page).

  • What is a pipeline right-of-way?

    A right-of-way is a strip of land, typically between 15 metres and 20 metres wide, which allows workers access to a pipeline. It also identifies the area where certain activities are prohibited, to keep the public and environment safe and to protect the integrity of the pipeline.

  • What steps should be taken if a leak occurs?

    If a leak is suspected, protect yourself by leaving the area immediately and, if possible, moving upwind, or crosswind and uphill.

    • Warn others to stay away from the area.
    • Do not attempt to operate any pipeline valves.
    • From a safe distance contact 911 and Cenovus’s 24-hour number (1-877-262-2111).
    • Do not light a match, start an engine or use a telephone, camera or any device that may produce a spark.
  • What is the Canadian Energy Regulator’s safety zone?

    The CER’s safety zone is a 30-metre zone on either side of a pipeline’s right-of-way. It protects people, the environment and the pipeline. CER’s regulations govern activities on or within that safety zone:

24-hour emergency contact
1-877-458-8080
Ground disturbance requests

Contact McElhanney
Phone: 403-346-7555
Email: gdp@mcelhanney.com
Online portal: Log On (mcelhanney.com)

To request a line crossing agreement please email: thirdpartyrequests@cenovus.com

Environmental Emergency (E2) - Public Notification

Cenovus owns oil and gas facilities containing regulated substances and has created emergency response plans to maintain the safety and well-being of local residents.

More Information (pdfs)


24 Hour Emergency Number: 1-877-458-8080