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Pipeline Licensing

On January 23, 2020, the IRIS Pipeline Module was fully launched, providing pipeline operators with functionality to submit pipeline licensing, other approvals and reporting online.

The Ministry of Energy and Resources initially implemented the Pipeline Module on a limited basis on July 15, 2019, following 18 months of consultation with an industry Business Change Advisory Group. Until January 23, 2020, operators had view only access into the IRIS pipeline functionality and submitted the applications using interim application forms. The interim forms are no longer accepted and all submissions must be made online.

In conjunction with the completed launch, revised Pipelines Administration and Licensing Regulations (PALR) and a new Directive PNG034: Saskatchewan Pipelines Code replaced the Interim Pipeline Licensing Guideline. The legislation requires operators to license flowlines and previously exempt pipelines in accordance with time-frames explained below. For licensing exemptions, please see Section 4-1 (2) of the PALR and Appendix 3 of Directive PNG034.

More information on pipeline licensing and approvals can be found at:

  1. Guidance
  2. Eligibility
  3. How to Apply
  4. Apply
  5. Further Information

1. Guidance

Application requirements can be found in Chapter 5 of Directive PNG034.

Legislative Requirements

The following documents provide legal authority to regulate the design, construction, operation, discontinuation and abandonment of oil, natural gas and other pipelines in accordance with the latest CSA (Canadian Standards Association) Z662, for Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems:

It is recommended that you become familiar with these materials prior to initiating pipeline or flowline applications.

New Licensing Requirements

As of January 20, 2020, pipeline operators were able to license previously exempt pipelines, existing flowlines, and new flowlines; however, licensing is not initially mandatory. Additional time has been provided for operators to adjust their business processes in response to the new licensing requirements.

In the case of existing flowlines and previously exempt pipelines, operators have until January 20, 2024, to license these lines using the Retroactive Licensing Template to bulk upload applications into IRIS. Flowlines can be retroactively licensed with the minimum data requirements outlined in Chapter 7 of Directive PNG034; however, operators have the option of providing more detailed data if they choose to do so. Any existing flowlines and previously exempt pipeline not licensed by January 20, 2024, will be subject to administrative penalties under The Pipelines Act, 1998 and the PALR.

In the case of new flowlines, as of January 20, 2021, operators must have a licence for the flowline before they begin construction.

All operators of previously exempt pipelines and existing unlicensed flowlines must complete their retroactive licensing by January 20, 2024. The Well List provides surface locations information on all wells licensed in the province, which can be used as a starting point for retroactive flowline licensing.

Licence holders of legacy licences are also reminded that the deadline for providing any missing spatial data is January 20, 2022. Appendix 1 of Directive PNG034 outlines the requirements for submitting spatial data.

Routine and Non-Routine Pipeline Licence Applications

Pipeline licence applications are determined to be either routine or non-routine by IRIS:

  • Routine: No risk rules were triggered by the application. Upon submission, the applicant has immediate approval to begin field work related to the approval.
  • Non Routine: Data in the application triggered one or more risk rules, meaning that the application requires additional review by a subject matter expert before a determination is made.

Revised Directive PNG034: Saskatchewan Pipeline Code

On August 3, 2022, a revised version of Directive PNG034: Saskatchewan Pipelines Code (Directive PNG034) came into effect. Please ensure that your organization is aware of and follows the requirements outlined in the directive. These changes are a result of stakeholder consultations that took place from November 2021 until January 2022. Townhall presentations were also held to inform stakeholders of the finalized changes. Information on the results of the consultation process and specific changes contained in Directives PNG034 can be found at Revised Directive PNG034: Saskatchewan Pipelines Code in effect.

Retroactive Pipeline Licence Audits

As part of its ongoing compliance verification efforts, the ministry has undertaken audits on the submission of retroactive pipeline submissions. The purpose of these audits is to identify data anomalies in submissions to maintain data integrity as well as to identify potential issues so that licensees can avoid these issues in future submissions. Audit criteria has been provided to assist licence holders to address identified data integrity issues.

2. Eligibility

Before submitting an application in IRIS, applicants must:

  • Have an Integrated Resource Information System (IRIS) account and the appropriate permissions assigned by your Security Administrator to submit a pipeline licence application.
  • Be registered with Information Services Corporation (ISC) as a corporation to do business in Saskatchewan.
  • Obtain any other approvals needed from government agencies or ministries relating to the design, construction and operation of a proposed pipeline.

3. How to Apply

To apply for a pipeline licence:

  • Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements.
  • Log in to IRIS and complete the pipeline licence application process.

4. Apply

IRIS Login

5. Further Information

Detailed information on Pipeline Licensing

For more information:

  • The Pipeline Licensing User Manual provides the applicant information on how the IRIS pipeline module works, data required, risk rules, disclosure questions, attachments and how to populate the available templates (if applicable) for each pipeline business process.
  • Licence transfers applications for Pipe/Flowline, Wells, and Facilities are now completed in IRIS. For detailed information please refer to the Application to Transfer Well, Facility, Pipeline and Flowline Licences webpage.
  • The Pipeline Licensing Online Learning is a tool that outlines step by step how to complete each pipeline application and reporting process in IRIS.
  • The List of Licensed Pipelines in Saskatchewan is a weekly extract that provides information on pipeline licences, and their associated segments.
  • The Well List provides surface locations information on all wells licensed in the province. This information can be used as a starting point for retroactive licensing of flowlines.
  • IRIS Help Screens are available for each business process found in IRIS.

New Pipeline Licence Obligations

  • Obligations may be created at the time of issuance but are currently not billable.
  • Additional obligations may be created within IRIS that the licensee is responsible for meeting.
  • Licensees are encouraged to review IRIS regularly for any new or modified obligations.

Spatial Map

The new Spatial Map enhances the interactive map-based experience for pipeline activities in the IRIS system with the following highlights:

  • Provides a GIS Map screen within the IRIS application for authenticated IRIS users.
  • Map viewer can be accessed from the main menu in IRIS.
  • Map layers panel allows you to effectively switch from one layer to another.
  • Leverages the Enterprise GIS (eGIS) data warehouse for the display of spatial features.
  • For specifically configured layers, provides context-sensitive action links that navigate users to existing screens within the IRIS application.
  • Provides most standard industry mapping tools: pan, zoom, feature selection, feature query, measurements to name a few.

Further information and assistance for the new mapping feature can be found in the Spatial Map Help Document.

Saskatchewan GeoPlanner

The GeoPlanner tool is a web-enabled geo-spatial planning and decision tool that identifies base, site sensitive features from multiple ministries and agencies data, to assist with pre-planning and development of oil and gas wells, pipelines and facilities. It provides users the ability to view and map their proposed project and generate a report that lists potential areas of concern to be addressed or that may require additional approval(s) or other land uses requiring provincial government approvals.

Saskatchewan GeoAtlas

The Saskatchewan Mining and Petroleum GeoAtlas application is intended to provide a portal to public geoscience, minerals- and petroleum-related information.

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