• Strategic Advice and Project Management
• Environmental Assessments
• Route Selection and Siting
• Environmental Protection Plans
• Regulatory Applications
• GIS and Spatial Database Management
• Natural Resource Studies
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Aboriginal Engagement
• Historical/Heritage Resource Assessments
• Environmental Inspection and Monitoring
• Pipeline Abandonment Planning
• Expert Witness Testimony

Pipeline Abandonment Planning

TERA has been involved in pioneering several decommissioning and pipe replacement projects for various clients. Although pipeline decommissioning and abandonment are relatively new issues, TERA's experience in this field dates back to 1995 when we teamed up with H.R. Heffler Consulting Ltd. in preparing a report entitled "Environmental Issues Concerning Pipeline Abandonment: Topical Report submitted to the Pipeline Abandonment Steering Committee."

We are currently working with different clients on pipeline abandonment, replacement or relocation projects in Alberta. Our pipeline abandonment experience includes desktop and land use studies to determine the most appropriate abandonment method as well as end-of-life liability assessments. TERA has placed an observer on the National Energy Boards(NEB) Pipeline Abandonment Physical Issues Committee to contribute to the advancement of the Pipeline Abandonment Policies, while also keeping TERA current on the related new technologies and protocols. TERA also recently supported the preparation of "Pipeline Abandonment Scoping Study" by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) for the NEB. As a result, TERA has gained unique insight into the environmental concerns for the different pipeline abandonment options.

Some of this insight can be viewed in a paper, co-authored by two TERA staff, presented at the 8th International Pipeline Conference (IPC) entitled "Environmental Considerations for Pipeline Abandonment: A Case Study from Abandonment of a Southern Alberta Pipeline."