Natural gas pipeline safety
Natural gas is a safe and reliable energy source, and thanks to our comprehensive approach to safety—including regular inspections, maintenance and system upgrades—our transmission and distribution pipeline system continues to have an excellent safety record.
We renew and upgrade our system in accordance with Canadian codes and standards, and our dedicated, highly-trained employees ensure our pipelines and surrounding areas are well-protected from potential damage.
FortisBC’s Integrity Management Plan
Our Integrity Management Plan is the main tool we use to ensure the integrity of our transmission and distribution systems. It’s our comprehensive, systematic approach to effective detection and remediation activities, and is frequently reviewed to ensure continued public safety. The Integrity Management Plan outlines our regular safety and maintenance activities, including:
- renewing and upgrading our system
- monitoring line pressures, flows and temperatures 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
- conducting aerial, ground and marine inspections of the rights-of-way to check for erosion, stability and third-party activity near the pipelines
- installing highly visible pipeline markers
- checking our corrosion protection system
- conducting internal pipeline inspections using highly sophisticated electronic equipment
- operating a vegetation management program along our rights-of-way
- providing awareness information to the public and landowners
- practicing responding to events, such as a flood, by applying our emergency response plans
- practicing emergency response and recovery efforts with first responders, government and other agencies
- educating landowners, excavators and the public on how to stay safe around our pipeline system and rights-of-way through our gas and safety awareness programs