Two inspections officers and pipeline sections

Fact sheet: Leave to open

Fact sheet: Leave to open [PDF 157 KB]

Companies must apply for lea to open (LTO) before a pipeline, pipeline section, or associated facilities such as pump stations or tanks can operate. This process allows the Commission to determine whether the pipeline or facilities are safe to use.

A few things that companies must include when submitting a pipeline and facilities LTO application are:

  • a description of how the pipeline and facilities were designed, constructed and tested
  • a pipeline and facilities pressure-testing summary that includes temperature readings
  • a summary of all piping, welds and valves that were not pressure tested following installation with justification
  • a statement that all control and safety devices were or will be inspected and tested for functionality
  • details regarding any unsuccessful pressure tests, including the cause of the test failure

A few things that companies must include when submitting a tank LTO application are:

  • a description of how the pipeline and facilities were designed, constructed and tested
  • a statement confirming that post-weld vacuum tests were conducted and acceptable
  • a statement that hydrostatic testing was completed and found acceptable

The timeline for reviewing LTO applications can vary depending on the complexity of the installation.

A complete list of what companies must include in LTO applications can be found in our Filing Manual.

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