What is pipeline decommissioning or pipeline deactivation?

A decommissioned pipeline in Canada—known as a deactivated pipeline in the United States—is a line that is taken out of service safely and permanently, but is left in place while other existing or new pipelines in the same right-of-way continue to provide service to end users.

When Enbridge decommissions a line, we must first seek and receive approval from the appropriate regulator. We wipe and clean the inside of the line, disconnect the line from our system and segment the line where necessary.

When we decommission a line, we leave the pipe in the ground. This practice minimizes the effect on communities and the environment, and the stability issues that surround soil disturbance.