Development of a Pressure Equipment Integrity Management Program in a Multi-Jurisdictional Liquids Pipeline Environment

Demonstrated public safety and environmental responsibility is key to the reputation and success of pipeline companies. This sentiment extends not only to pipelines themselves, but to all facility equipment as well. That is why Enbridge Liquid Pipelines (Enbridge) developed a Pressure Equipment Integrity Management Program that is designed to ensure the safety, integrity, compliance, and operational reliability of all pressure vessels and boilers in Enbridge’s liquid pipeline facilities. A unique aspect of Enbridge’s Pressure Equipment Integrity Management Program is how it must identify and comply with regulatory requirements in a multitude of both federal and provincial/state jurisdictions in Canada and the United States. Depending on the type of pressure equipment and its location, it may be federally regulated, locally regulated, or potentially both if there is no clear delineation between regulatory authorities. These different requirements can be complex and difficult to follow for personnel tasked with maintaining pressure equipment integrity across the entire pipeline system. This paper will describe how a liquids pipeline company can structure a successful Pressure Equipment Integrity Management Program that is entrenched in the overall company Integrity Management System. The program must utilize clear, effective, and action-based processes and procedures that identify and comply with multi-jurisdictional requirements and are based on industry best practices. Stakeholder responsibilities shall be clearly outlined as well as process steps and required actions to be taken to effectively manage hazards and risks and maintain compliance.