Apache Canada Ltd. has applied to the National Energy Board (NEB) for leave to abandon a pipeline in place in Alberta. In its application, Apache advised that it had "abandoned" the line in 2005, and is at this time only really applying for a change of corporate name. The application can be viewed at: Apache Canada Ltd. Section 74(1)(d) Application.
Yesterday, the NEB wrote to Apache requiring additional information to be filed, including information about what consultation will be undertaken with affected landowners. In its application, Apache had said that no consultation was necessary because the line was already abandoned in 2005. The Board's letter can be viewed at: NEB Letter to Apache with information requests.
This application raises interesting an interesting question - just how many "abandoned" pipelines are sitting out there? In spite of the law prohibiting the abandonment of a pipeline without NEB approval, Apache "abandoned" its pipeline nearly five years ago with no consultation with landowners.
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