The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) launched its inaugural transmission pipeline industry performance report Committed to Safety, Committed to Canadians, on Nov. 3. The report shares CEPA member company pipeline performance from 2010 to 2014 and details what Canada鈥檚 transmission pipeline companies are doing to improve safety, lessen environmental impacts and achieve operational excellence.聽
It also highlights CEPA鈥檚 Integrity First program, one that enables the industry to work together to define and implement best practices that improve industry performance in pipeline safety, environmental protection and socio-economic practices.聽
鈥淲e know we need to build public confidence and trust in our industry and we think this report will play a big part in that,鈥� said CEPA president and CEO Brenda Kenny. 鈥淭he shared vision of CEPA and our member companies is zero pipeline incidents and to demonstrate to Canadians that we鈥檙e serious about earning and keeping their trust.鈥澛�
In the spirit of openness and transparency, the report shines a spotlight on how the transmission pipeline industry is performing in various areas and tells a comprehensive story of industry collaboration and co-operation. This is important because despite an excellent 99.999 per cent safe delivery record, the industry is acutely aware of the risks associated with its operations.聽
鈥淧ublic safety, the protection of our natural environment and being able to respond effectively and efficiently to emergencies are key priorities for us. They matter as much to us as they do to the Canadian public,鈥� said Terrance Kutryk, CEPA鈥檚 board chairman. 鈥淥ur industry鈥檚 safety and environmental performance are core to our values as an industry and the peace of mind of Canadians.鈥澛�
Some key statistics found in the report include a note that in 2014 there were 122 liquids and natural gas spills and releases, with four of them being categorized as significant.聽
There was also $2.9 billion invested in maintaining and monitoring member pipeline systems in two years (2013 and 鈥�14).聽
The report also indicated there was 45,306 kilometres of pipeline inspected in 2014 using sophisticated in-line inspection devices and there were 335 emergency response exercises held in 2014 alone. The rate of injuries to employees of member companies declined by 29 per cent over the past five years.聽
CEPA represents companies that operate about 117,000 kilometres of pipeline in Canada. These lines moved approximately 1.2 billion barrels of liquid petroleum products and 5.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas last year. The members transport 97 per cent of Canada鈥檚 daily natural gas and onshore crude oil from producing regions to markets in North America. 聽聽
