Decommissioning & Abandonment Programs

Overview

TC Energy continually reviews the performance and condition of our pipeline system to continue providing reliable service and meeting customer and community needs. As part of this ongoing stewardship, we assess how each asset fits within our broader system and identify when certain pipelines or facilities are no longer required.

As our system evolves, we modernize infrastructure where it provides long term value and responsibly transition pipelines and facilities at the end of their service life. This includes planning and carrying out decommissioning or abandonment activities safely and responsibly, in accordance with regulatory requirements and with environmental and community considerations in mind.

Many of our rights-of-way have more than one pipeline or facility providing natural gas service. Decommissioning typically occurs when a pipeline or co-located facility is permanently taken out of service, while another pipeline or facility located in the same right-of-way continues to operate and provide service to the area. Abandonment occurs when a single pipeline or facility, or the last operational pipeline in a shared right-of-way, permanently stops operating and is no longer required to provide service to an area. Both processes are planned and carried out with safety, environmental protection and community considerations at the forefront.

Lifecycle of a pipeline

TC Energy considers several factors when identifying facilities that are no longer required for service, including the ability to meet customer requirements, the integrity of the facility and operating costs. All aspects of a pipeline’s lifecycle – from design and construction to operation, decommissioning and abandonment – are regulated by the Canada Energy Regulator (CER). When TC Energy proposes to decommission or abandon a pipeline or facility, we submit an application or notification to the CER that includes detailed information on safety, environmental protection and engagement . We do not begin on-the-ground work until we have received all required regulatory approvals.

Lifecycle of a pipeline

CER guidelines

Decommissioning and abandonment plans are guided by four key principles, consistent with the CER:

• Safety – minimize risk to the public, employees and contractors
• Environmental protection – minimize long-term environmental effects
• Cost effectiveness – the safety and environmental protection objectives are met in a cost-effective manner
• Rights and interests – rights and interests of those potentially-affected

Stakeholder engagement

Engagement is an important part of our planning process. When planning decommissioning or abandonment activities, TC Energy seeks input from landowners, Indigenous communities and environmental specialists to help inform our approach. This helps us reflect local knowledge, environmental considerations and community perspectives in our planning and decision-making.

Our goal is to share information, minimize disruptions and address questions or concerns throughout the program. Engagement begins early in the planning process and continues through the lifecycle of the program, allowing for ongoing dialogue as work progresses. We invite anyone with questions or concerns to reach out to us at public_affairs_ca@tcenergy.com or 1-855-895-8754.

Environmental care

We are committed to respecting the diverse landscapes where we work. As part of the CER regulatory process, we develop an Environmental Protection Plan to address and mitigate potential environmental effects.

TC Energy remains responsible for the right-of-way after facilities are abandoned or decommissioned and continues to monitor for ongoing safety and regulatory compliance. At the end of a pipeline or facilities lifecycle, the asset is taken out of service with the same care and consideration applied during proposal and construction. To learn more about environmental stewardship, protection and performance at TC Energy, please visit TCEnergy.com/ Sustainability/Environment.

Taxes

TC Energy pays taxes to several municipalities that may be impacted by the abandonment and decommissioning applications. These tax payments support schools and hospitals, emergency services, recreation facilities, recycling programs and other local programs vital to sustaining communities.

• Once abandonment and/or decommissioning work is complete on pipeline assets, the licensed lines are removed from our property tax assessment.
• Once abandonment and/or decommissioning work on above-ground facilities (i.e., meter stations) is completed, tax assessments may be revised accordingly.

If you have any questions about the Project, please reach out to us via the contact information below.