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DATE ISSUED: June 21, 2020

EFFECTIVE DATE: June 21, 2020

The BC Energy Regulator (Regulator) has completed the 2020 audits for both Pipeline and Facility Integrity Management Programs (IMPs).

This year’s program consisted of 20 IMP audits. A summary and analysis of the 2020 audit results are compiled in a report on the Regulator’s website. Auditing of IMP programs allows the Regulator to evaluate the compliance of individual programs and identify areas for improvement. Companies are required to develop and implement Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) to address any audit findings. The Regulator monitors the implementation of CAPs until they are complete.

Based on the results of the 2020 audits, the most common areas for improvement include:

  • Scope of Facility IMPs. The Facility IMP must address all equipment types located at the permit holder’s facilities.
  • Contractor oversight. If a third-party is contracted to manage and oversee portions of a permit holder’s IMP, the permit holder must develop processes and procedures to ensure the work being performed by the contractor meets expectations, is reviewed for accuracy and completeness and records are available for the life of the asset.
  • Management of inactive pipelines. Permit holders are required to monitor the operating status of their pipelines and ensure compliance with section 9 of the Pipeline Regulation, for inactive pipelines.
  • Assessment of training and competency. IMPs must include a process for assessing the effectiveness of training and competency programs.

For more information on 2020 IMP audits, refer to the 2020 Pipeline and Facilities Integrity Management Program (IMP) Compliance Assurance Summary.

IMP audits are one of the tools the Regulator uses to ensure compliance of the companies we regulate. For more information on Compliance and Enforcement activities and data, please visit bcogc.ca.

If you have any questions regarding this Industry Bulletin, please contact:

Bushra Waheed, Phd, P.Eng.
Senior Integrity Auditor
Bushra.Waheed@bcogc.ca
250-980-6061

Shani Steinhubl, P.Eng.
Senior Engineer, Integrity
Shani.Steinhubl@bcogc.ca
250-980-6087