Across North America there are 500,000 kilometers of gas transmission pipelines with approximately 45,000 kilometres running throughout Canada in both urban and rurals settings. Over 5 million homes and business across Canada safely use natural gas for heating and other needs. Natural gas is the source of heating for 48% of Canadian homes, 51% for industry and 39% for commercial businesses.

The design and construction of the Brunswick Pipeline and all transmission pipelines in Canada are guided by regulations made by the National Energy Board (NEB) and the Canada Standards Association (CSA). These standards regulate operating pressures, pipe wall thickness, protective pipe coatings, depth of burial, public safety and system integrity management.

All steel pipe is manufactured to CSA standards. The outside of the steel pipe is coated with a protective epoxy coating before the pipeline is installed. Throughout its installation, non-destructive testing of each weld is completed to inspect and ensure pipe joints meet the required specifications.

Brunswick Pipeline prides itself on safety measures that meet or exceed federal regulations which are considered among the highest industry standards in the world. We will exceed the regulations by designing the pipeline to meet the most stringent of these classifications for Brunswick Pipeline – Class 3 – for the entire 31-kilometre section of pipeline within urban Saint John. Regulations also require us to bury the pipeline 0.6 metres below ground. For added safety, we plan to exceed the regulation by at least 50 per cent and bury the pipeline to a depth of 0.9 metres.

Prior to receiving approval to commence commercial operation, the entire pipeline must undergo and pass a pressure-test for strength and integrity. Hydrostatic testing is completed by filling the pipeline with water and raising its pressure above its intended operating pressure.

Once the pipeline begins service, our staff monitor computerized control systems at our Gas Control Centre which measure pressures and deliveries 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The gas control staff have the ability to open and close system valves to isolate gas flow from a section of a pipeline, should this be required. In addition to marking the location of the pipeline, the pipeline company carries out an active "Call Before You Dig" program and conducts regular aerial and foot patrols of the pipeline easement.

An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is also very much a part of our industry’s culture of safety and preparedness. Development of the Brunswick Pipeline ERP will include extensive involvement of local emergency officials. We have already had preliminary discussions regarding emergency response capabilities in Saint John. We will continue to work in collaboration with local emergency officials.