Circle Does: Pipelines
Large linear projects in Alberta are facing evolving Historical Resources Act requirements. These changes can significantly affect field hours, construction flexibility, and regulatory certainty.
In April 2024, the Historic Resources Management Branch (HRMB) released updated procedures for Large-Scale Pipelines. Projects that meet the index threshold (diameter in mm × length in km ≥ 2690) or are undergoing provincial or federal environmental assessment must now follow a four-phase approval pathway, including an Archaeological Sensitivity Model (ASM), pre-construction HRIA requirements, and a Constraints Mapping Tool to manage route changes during construction.
When the process works as intended, it provides a predictable framework. But not all projects are flagged correctly.
This year, one of our clients submitted what clearly qualified as a large-scale pipeline. It wasn’t identified as such by the regulator, meaning no ASM, no buffer, and no Constraints Mapping Tool. The result? We had to walk every metre of the alignment, and the client temporarily lost the ability to make even minor route adjustments without new approvals.
Working with ACSW, we were able to negotiate a practical solution that allowed bundled modifications and restored construction flexibility, but this is exactly the type of issue early foresight can prevent.
Pipeline regulatory requirements are nuanced, and expectations can shift depending on location, project scale, or regional archaeological and palaeontological potential. Early engagement helps us identify risks and recommend only what is truly warranted, supporting your schedule, budget, and compliance needs.
Talk to Us Before You Break Ground
If you’re planning a pipeline, transmission line, telecom route, or other large linear project, we’re always happy to review your alignment early and help you build efficiently and confidently.
Reach out anytime: info@circleconsulting.ca or 403.984.8189
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