Business Challenge

A major midstream and utility provider undertaking a new pipeline project and expanding an NGL storage and handling facility in Fort St. John required clarity on applicable regulatory requirements. The regulatory landscape for pipelines and NGL processing in British Columbia is complex, involving multiple regulators and overlapping obligations. The client also needed a structured hazard identification (HazID) process to understand project risks and ensure appropriate mitigation planning.

Objectives & Success Criteria

The client sought to:

• Clarify regulatory requirements for the new pipeline and the NGL facility.
• Develop a regulatory road map to support planning, design, and execution.
• Conduct Hazard Identification sessions to identify credible risks.
• Ensure alignment between engineering, operations, and regulatory expectations.

Success was measured by improved project clarity, reduced regulatory uncertainty, and the effective identification of pipeline hazards and associated mitigations.

PMO Solution (What We Did)

PMO’s regulatory and process safety engineering specialists collaborated to evaluate the relevant BC regulatory landscape for both pipeline development and NGL product handling. PMO developed a clear regulatory framework outlining obligations, approvals, permitting pathways, and required compliance controls. PMO then facilitated several HazID workshops with project stakeholders, identifying hazards related to pipeline routing, construction, operation, and interaction with surrounding land use. For the NGL facility, PMO assessed handling, storage, and transfer risks to ensure appropriate safety considerations we reintegrated into project planning.

Key Components / Activities

• Development of a regulatory framework and compliance roadmap
• Review of provincial and federal pipeline and NGL regulations
• HazID workshops for pipeline and facility hazards
• Evaluation of construction and operational risks
• Identification of required permits, approvals, and regulatory interfaces
• Support for engineering and project planning alignment

Outcomes & Impact

PMO provided the client with a clear understanding of regulatory requirements and a structured path to compliance, reducing project uncertainty and supporting more effective planning. The HazID workshops strengthened the client’s awareness of credible risks associated with pipeline and facility operations, supporting improved engineering design and risk mitigation.

Lessons Learned / Challenges Overcome

The complexity of pipeline and NGL regulations in BC required careful interpretation and alignment across regulatory bodies. PMO addressed this through detailed analysis and structured communication with the client. A key lesson learned was the importance of early hazard identification workshops to ensure risks are incorporated into project design rather than addressed reactively. 

Value Proposition Summary

PMO delivered an integrated combination of regulatory expertise and process safety engineering support, helping the client navigate complex regulatory requirements while proactively identifying risks associated with pipeline development and NGL facility operations. This project demonstrates PMO’s ability to provide clear regulatory guidance and high-quality hazard identification for large-scale midstream and utility projects.