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This page provides guidance to pipeline permit holders on how to develop and implement an effective IMP program.

Pipeline and facility permit holders are expected to anticipate, prevent, mitigate and manage the risks associated with construction, operations and decommissioning of pipelines and facilities. A tool for managing this is the permit holders' Integrity Management Program (IMP). This documented program provides a systematic approach for assuring asset integrity throughout the full life cycle of the asset. An IMP specifies the practices that should be used by a permit holder, owner and/or operator to ensure public safety, environmental protection and operational reliability. An IMP is an integral part of an overarching management system, such as a Safety and Loss Management System (SLMS).

Pipeline IMP Compliance Assurance Annual Report

To provide an overview of the compliance assurance process, a summary and analysis of audit results, and insight into operators’ performance and compliance, the BC Energy Regulator publishes an annual report.

Pipeline IMPs

IMPs for pipelines have been a regulatory requirement since 1999. As per Section 7 of the Pipeline Regulation, every pipeline permit holder must have developed and implemented an IMP prior to operating a pipeline. The BCER's Compliance Assurance Protocol (IMPP) is available to assist permit holders in developing pipeline IMPs.

An IMP self-assessment questionnaire is available for pipeline operators to appraise the scope and effectiveness of their IMPs.

Pipeline IMPs Documentation

Name Date Published
Compliance Assurance Protocol Integrity Management Program for Pipelines (v2.3)
The Compliance Assurance Protocol Integrity Management Programs for Pipeline Systems (formerly, Integrity Management Self-Assessment (IMP) Protocol) is a protocol that details the Regulator's IMP compliance assurance process and provides guidance to pipeline permit holders how to develop and implement an effective IMP program for their pipeline system to meet the requirements of the Pipeline regulation Section 7 and CSA Z662.
Effective Date: Dec 4, 2023
Dec 4, 2023
Self-assessment questionnaire
An IMP self-assessment questionnaire is available for pipeline operators to appraise the scope and effectiveness of their IMPs.
Effective Date: Dec 21, 2023
Dec 21, 2023

Facility IMPs

The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facility Regulation and the Drilling and Production Regulation require facility permit holders to develop and implement facility IMPs. This allows for the permit holder to assess and manage risks over the entire life cycle of a facility, to reduce incidents, and to ensure safe, environmentally responsible and reliable operation of the asset. The BCER has developed a new Compliance Assurance Protocol - Integrity Management Program for Facilities (IMPF).

An IMPF self-assessment questionnaire is available for facility operators to appraise the scope and effectiveness of their IMPFs.

Facility IMPs Documentation

Name Date Published
Compliance Assurance Protocol Integrity Management Programs for Facilities (v1.4)
Effective Date: Dec 6, 2023
Dec 6, 2023
Self-assessment Reporting and Declaration for Integrity Management Program for Facilities (IMPF)
Effective Date: Dec 21, 2023
Dec 21, 2023

Questions related to the Integrity Management Program (IMP)?

Please contact us.

Email integrityengineering@bcogc.ca

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