Table 1 Pipeline Abandonment Matrix

Pipe Diameter
60.3 to 323.9 mm 355.6 to 610 mm > 660 mm
Land Use
(2" to 12") (14" to 24") (> 26")
Cultivated A A A
Cultivated with special
features (depth of cover
considerations)
R R R Agricultural
Non Cultivated (Native
Prairie, Rangeland,
Pasture)
A A A
Existing Developed
Lands (Commercial,
Industrial, Residential)
A A A
Prospective future
development
(Commercial, Industrial,
Residential)
R R R
Non-
Agricultural
No future development
anticipated (eg, Forest
Areas)
A A A
Environmentally
Sensitive Areas
(including Wetlands)
A A A
Roads & Railways A+ A+ A+
Water Crossings A A A
Other
Areas
Other Crossings
(Utilities)
A A+ A+
Each box in the matrix represents the primary option for pipeline abandonment for each
of the land use categories. It is recognized that there will always be a certain amount of
pipe that will be removed or abandoned in place for each of the categories based on site
specific assessments, but the primary option is the one listed in the matrix. As well, it is
recognized that further development is needed to further refine land use categories. This
development will occur as part of the development of the risk based site specific
assessment process.
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The three recommended options available in the matrix are described in Table 2.
Table 2 Primary Pipeline Abandonment Options
Abandonment
Option
Description
A pipeline is abandoned in place
A+ pipeline is abandoned in place with special treatment to prevent
potential ground subsidence (e.g., fill pipe with concrete)
R pipeline is removed
At the initial stages of any pipeline abandonment project, site specific assessments will be
necessary and will probably determine that a combination of abandonment options be
performed for the various land use categories. In doing so, pipeline companies may
determine a percentage split between the primary option in the matrix and any potential
secondary option. For example, the matrix recommends that all diameter ranges of
pipelines be abandoned in place for a cultivated land use category. However, when the
time arrives to initiate an actual abandonment project for this land use category, there is a
reasonable likelihood that a small amount of pipe will require removal or abandon with
special treatment after the completion of site specific assessments. A similar approach
can be applied for the other land use categories.
3.2. Regulatory Requirements
The 1996 Discussion Paper included an appendix summarizing the regulatory
requirements which prevailed for pipeline abandonment in Canada at that time.
An updated tabular summary of current regulatory requirements has been compiled and
appears as Appendix B of this report.
Any proposed abandonment activity for NEB regulated pipelines has to be approved in
advance by the NEB and other applicable regulatory agencies. Applications for such
approvals have to include the rationale for the abandonment and the measures to be
employed to carry out the abandonment.
Applicable provincial legislation and regulations are also included in the summary in
Appendix B for information purposes.
3.3. Environmental Considerations
The following key fundamental assumptions from the 1996 Discussion Paper remain
relevant and applicable:
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