How to Apply for Pipeline Licence Amendments

Overview

Pipeline licence amendments are required when certain details of an approved pipeline change. Common examples include a substance change, such as changing from natural gas to oil effluent, or a flow reversal. These amendments are submitted through AER OneStop and should be prepared carefully so the correct pipeline licence and line segments are selected.

This guide summarizes the general OneStop workflow for applying for pipeline amendments and highlights practical checks before submission.

When This Process Applies

This process applies when an operator needs to amend an existing pipeline licence rather than apply for a new licence. The training video focuses on substance change and flow reversal amendments. It also notes that it is recommended to complete one amendment at a time. For example, an operator may first apply for a substance change and, once approved, apply for a flow reversal.

Separating amendments can help reduce confusion and make the review process cleaner.

OneStop Application Workflow

Begin in OneStop and initiate a pipeline amendment application. The general application information section will ask whether the application involves items such as participant involvement and emergency response planning. Answer each question based on the proposed amendment and the operator's project information.

The application then requires the operator to identify the existing pipeline asset. Use the existing assets search to locate the correct authorization, asset reference, asset name, location, or related information. The training video shows searching for existing assets, selecting the applicable pipeline line, and adding it to the application.

After the correct line has been added, continue through the application sections and complete the required amendment information. For a substance change, provide the proposed substance and any supporting details required by the application. For a flow reversal, confirm the proposed direction of flow and any related operational changes.

Key Considerations

The most important step is selecting the correct pipeline asset. Before proceeding, verify the authorization number, line number, location, and asset details. Selecting the wrong line can create application delays or require resubmission.

Operators should also confirm whether the amendment affects emergency response planning, participant involvement, mapping, operating conditions, or other licence information. If supporting documents are required, they should be complete and consistent with the information entered in OneStop.

Need Assistance?

Benoit Regulatory supports operators with pipeline licence amendments, OneStop applications, substance changes, flow reversals, and supporting regulatory documentation. If you need help preparing or submitting a pipeline amendment, our team can assist.

Practical Tips

Before submitting, review the amendment package against the approved licence and current operating conditions. Confirm that the proposed amendment is limited to the intended change and that supporting information does not conflict with existing licence data. Where multiple changes are required, consider whether separate submissions will make the application easier to review and reduce the risk of confusion. It is also helpful to save screenshots or notes showing the selected asset and line segment, especially where a licence includes multiple lines or where similar assets exist in the same area. This reduces the chance of selecting the wrong pipeline during the application workflow.