Practical approach to assessing cumulative effects for pipelines

This paper describes a potential approach to the assessment of cumulative effects that may be adopted for larger federally regulated pipelines in Canada. The approach is based on a process originally developed for pipelines in the Rocky Mountain foothills of western Canada; therefore, the environmental components selected reflect some that are common for that region. The approach is based on the author's experiences in conducting cumulative effects assessments in Canada. Conditions or "triggers" are discussed under which cumulative effects need to be considered for a pipeline project, establishing an effects-based approach for assessing only those portions of the pipeline potentially contributing to cumulative effects. This establishes a focused approach that clearly identifies the scope of assessment. Specific pipeline effects that typically contribute to regional cumulative effects issues are identified, and approaches for assessing the significance of project contributions to such effects are broadly discussed.