www.auc.ab.ca

Calgary - Head Office

Fifth Avenue Place

400, 425-1 Street S.W.

Calgary Alberta, Canada T2P 3L8

Phone: 403-592-8845*

Fax: 403- 592-4406

Edmonton Office

10th Floor, 10055-106 Street

Edmonton, Alberta

Canada T5J 2Y2

Phone: 780-427-4901*

Fax: 780-427-6970

www.auc.ab.ca

A guide to understanding your rights and options for participation in applications to the AUC on gas utility pipeline development in your area.

Understanding Gas Utility Pipeline Regulation in Alberta

Updated December 2009

AUC contact information: Other contacts:

Facilities DivisionPhone: 403-592-4403 and ask tospeak to the Facilities Division

Utility ConcernsPhone: 780-427-4903, orEmail: utilitiesconcerns@auc.ab.ca

Information RequestsPhone: 780-427-9362, orEmail: info@auc.ab.ca

Electronic Filing (E-Filing) ServicesPhone: 780-643-1055, or Email: SystemServices@auc.ab.ca

Surface Rights Board(Land Compensation and Negotiation)Phone: 780-427-2444www.surfacerights.gov.ab.ca

Alberta Environment(Land Conservation and Reclamation)Phone: 780-427-2700http://environment.alberta.ca

*Dial 310-1000 prior to the 10 digit numbers for toll-free access anywhere in Alberta.

Your rights and the company’s rights The gas utility pipeline company must provide information to all parties whose rights may be directly and adversely affected by a proposed gas utility pipeline, so they can fully understand what is being proposed. If landowners or residents are concerned about surface impacts, the company must give them details about how and why it chose the proposed pipeline route. The company should also advise of what to expect during the construction and operation phase of the gas utility pipeline.

The company may provide any agreements landowners or residents make with it, as well as records of discussions, to the AUC during the application process. That material becomes part of the AUC’s record of the application, which is a public record, available to the public. In addition, information provided to the AUC (whether as part of the application process or otherwise) may be available under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Prior to the submission of an application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), a representative from the gas utility pipeline company with a proposed development must consult with local residents. Consultations about the proposed development provide an open dialogue about the potential impact, as well as alternatives and measures to minimize impacts, and an opportunity to negotiate a pipeline right-of-way agreement and discuss compensation.Following the completion of the consultations, the gas utility pipeline company is required to apply to the AUC for the construction, operation, alteration and decommissioning of gas utility pipelines in Alberta, as outlined in Rule 020 (found at www.auc.ab.ca).

The AUCAs the regulator of gas utility pipelines (certain natural gas pipelines), the AUC has the authority to approve or deny the installation of gas utility pipelines in the province of Alberta, and to place enforceable conditions on any licenses issued. The AUC also assists individuals, communities, and other interested groups to understand the regulatory requirements and expectations and how they apply at the local level. The AUC is committed to ensuring that every Albertan whose rights may be directly and adversely affected by a proposed gas utility pipeline is informed of the application, and has the opportunity to have their concerns heard, under-stood and considered in the review process.

IndustryThe gas utility pipeline company is required to notify and consult landowners and residents whose rights may be directly and adversely affected by a proposed gas utility pipeline project prior to the submission of an application to the AUC. “An applicant must develop and complete the participant involvement program prior to filing a gas utility pipeline development application.” (Source: AUC Rule 020.)

Landowner/residentEarly involvement in discussions often help to mitigate potentially negative impacts to landowners. The AUC encourages participation and effective consultation between residents and gas utility companies.

AUC requirements and expectations for participant involvement

Selecting a pipeline location When selecting a pipeline right-of-way, the company must consider potential impacts on present and future land uses. The company must ensure that landowners and/or residents understand what substance the pipeline is to transport, answer questions on its plans for soil handling and reclamation, and address any other concerns parties may have related to the proposed pipeline.

Having your say Landowners or residents with concerns related to the development of gas utility pipelines should become involved as early as possible after they have received initial notification from the gas utility company of the project. Ongoing dialogue between landowners or residents and the company will often build trust and is one way to have greater influence on the develop-ment of gas utility pipelines.

As a landowner or resident, there are several key points in the application process when your questions and concerns may be addressed. However, any reasonable concerns can be expected to be promptly addressed at any point during the process and at any time during the life of a gas utility pipeline.

If objections cannot be resolved, landowners or residents must submit objections in writing to the AUC containing the following information:

• how you may be affected by the proposed pipeline and your claim to the land (owner or residence, or have other rights);

• the potential effect the proposed pipeline may have on your property or property rights;

• to the extent that you may be affected, describe how you may be affected in a different way or to a greater degree than other members of the general public.

The AUC will consider submitted objections to determine if and when a hearing will take place. The public hearing process provides an opportunity for those who were unable to resolve their concerns with the applicant to express their views directly to a Commission panel.