TransCanada pipeline safety practices need to improve, finds NEB audit

From:  CBC

Calgary-based company breaking the rules in some areas, says National Energy Board

The report comes as TransCanada awaits a U.S. decision on its controversial Keystone XL pipeline. (Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press)

A National Energy Board audit has found room for improvement when it comes to TransCanada's pipeline safety practices.

Although the federal energy watchdog is "of the view that the processes presently used by TransCanada have identified the majority, and most significant, of its hazards and risks," it says the company is still breaking the rules in some areas.

• Whistleblower forced investigation of TransCanada Pipelines
• National Energy Board announces TransCanada audit

The NEB had scheduled an audit on TransCanada's integrity management programs to begin last spring, but decided to move on it sooner after a then-employee of TransCanada came forward with allegations of safety lapses.

The audit took place between November 2012 and August 2013.

"The audit has confirmed that, in response to these allegations, TransCanada has developed and implemented a program of actions with the goal of correcting and preventing similar occurrences," the NEB said.  MORE