At ATCO Pipelines, a commitment to excellence is guiding the continual evolution and progression of our Emergency Response Plan in order to maintain a robust, agile, and modern emergency response capability.

The purpose of an emergency procedures manual or emergency response plan (ERP) is to protect public safety, minimize impacts to the environment, and limit facility damage and operational downtime. An ERP addresses worst-case emergency scenarios, potential hazards to the public, and systems required for adequate response.

Provincial regulations provide direction as to the development and implementation of an ERP. An effective ERP:

• must be well organized to ensure quick access to critical information;
• coordinates activities among industry responders, emergency services, local authorities, governments, and others who have a role in providing an effective response; 
• ensures communication with all parties involved in or potentially affected by the emergency; 
• assists personnel in determining and performing remedial actions; 
• clearly establishes roles and responsibilities of all responders; 
• identifies response organizations and command control structures; 
• identifies predetermined resources, required personnel, equipment, and services; and 
• increases public confidence in the ability of industry to handle emergencies.

ATCO Pipelines has such a plan, which is updated quarterly and is regularly tested using mock emergency scenarios.