Updates to the Pipeline Act Proposed

Proposed changes to the Pipeline Act will help bring Nova Scotia's regulations in line with other provinces and give the Utility and Review Board more options to ensure compliance.

Energy Minister Bill Estabrooks said the current act dates back to 1989, and he wants to develop regulations that reflect current regulatory approaches in the field.

The UARB has authority to regulate certain pipelines under the Pipeline Act. These changes give the board more flexibility with:

• permit and licence applications
• monitoring and enforcing orders for pipelines and public safety.

Mr. Estabrooks said draft regulations are expected to be shared for public comment this spring, if the amendments are passed.

The Pipeline Act covers Heritage Gas pipelines and the onshore Sable natural gas liquids line that runs from Goldboro, Guysborough Co., to the Strait area. It does not cover private gas lines in homes and businesses nor the Maritimes and Northeast pipeline. Private gas lines in homes are covered by the Fuel Safety Act. The Maritimes and Northeast pipeline is regulated by the National Energy Board.