Pipeline Applications

Companies submitting new pipeline applications must meet our stringent public safety, participant involvement, notification, and technical requirements. Our requirements are detailed in the following:

We now process new pipeline applications using OneStop, our new automated application review technology. OneStop is a part of our Integrated Decision Approach, which is changing the way we review energy projects in Alberta.

Where to Submit Related Applications

At this time, only applications relating to new pipeline licensing and construction can be submitted through OneStop. Companies must submit related applications through our other application business processes.

When submitting new pipeline application, applicants are encouraged to submit related applications at the same time (i.e., as bundled applications). This helps us consider all aspects of the project through one decision-making process, rather than repeating the process for each related application.

Submit an Application Through OneStop

Application Scope 

An application can include up to three rights-of-way (ROWs) that are not in contact with each other. Each ROW may include multiple pipelines, and, together with all pipelines in the ROW, they must be a part of the same gathering system or transmission line.

Increased Efficiency 

OneStop uses two review levels to process applications: baseline (automated) and additional (manual). The baseline review ensures that the application is complete and meets minimum technical requirements. All applications go through this process.

The system will determine if additional manual review by our technical experts is needed based on a series of risk assessment rules. Applications that are more complex will also be routed for additional manual review.

Category/Type Labels 

OneStop does not ask the applicant to specify the pipeline category/type labels. The system determines these labels based on information provided in the application.

Schedules 

Applications submitted to OneStop do not include schedules 1, 3, 3.1, or 3.2 under Directive 056: Energy Development Applications and Schedules. The information required under these schedules is entered into OneStop directly.

Base Plan Maps 

Spatial data (base plan maps) must be submitted to OneStop as a digital spatial file (shapefile).

Data Collection 

All applicants will be asked to submit the following information in OneStop. Note that some of this information was not required in our previous application process or was submitted in a different manner:

  • Partial pressure – OneStop collects partial pressure information at the licence level, rather than at the line level.
  • Bi-directional flow indicator – Instead of using a cover letter to indicate if a pipeline will have alternating flow, applicants will now indicate this within OneStop.
  • External protection – Using OneStop, applicants will now indicate the type of coating on the external surface of a pipeline, instead of only having this information available, as required by CSA Z662, but not submitting it.
  • CSA class location indicator –Applicants are now expected to indicate a CSA class location through OneStop, instead of only having this information available, as required under CSA Z662, but not submitting it.
  • Surface crossing indicator –In OneStop, two separate fields are used to indicate if a pipeline crosses a watercourse and if it is a surface line. Using the previous application process, the Environment field in Schedule 3.1 (Envir) only allowed one of these to be indicated.
  • HDD/Bored –OneStop now collects information on whether HDD/Bored methods will be used. This information will be used to indicate if a pipeline crosses a watercourse and where horizontal directional drilling or boring construction methods will be used.
  • Sour service – OneStop includes a data field allowing the applicant to indicate that the pipeline is for sweet service but that it will be designed and constructed to CSA Z662 sour service standards. This will flag that there may be reduced application requirements for any subsequent amendment application to change the pipeline’s service from sweet to sour.

Integrated Applications for Major Projects

For conditionally approved pipelines, companies are required to submit Project Updates into OneStop before they can receive actionable approval. For more information on the submission of project updates under the Integrated Applications for Major Projects, contact IDA@aer.ca.

Contact Us

For questions about OneStop or this process, please contact our Customer Contact Centre.

Learn More

Find out how pipelines in Alberta are performing by reading our annual Pipeline Performance Report.