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Compliance Glossary Term

Surface Use Plan

A document outlining how land above a wellsite or pipeline corridor can be accessed and used during operations. Subcontractors must follow it to avoid disturbing restricted areas or triggering landowner disputes. Non-compliance can result in work stoppages or liability on your crew.

Related Terms

FTA (Federal Transit Administration)

Compliance

A U.S. federal agency that funds and regulates public transit infrastructure projects. Subcontractors working on federally funded transit construction must meet strict FTA compliance requirements. These include labour standards, safety protocols, and Buy America provisions for materials.

Environmental Permitting

Compliance

The process of obtaining government approvals before starting work that may impact land, water, or air. Subcontractors must confirm permits are in place before mobilising — delays can halt work without pay. Missing or expired permits can expose your company to fines and contract termination.

Hazmat-Permitted Storage

Compliance

Designated facilities licenced to store hazardous materials such as fuel, chemicals, or drilling fluids under strict regulatory approval. Subcontractors must verify their storage sites hold valid permits before mobilising hazardous goods to a worksite. Non-compliance can trigger project shutdowns, fines, or loss of contract eligibility.

Nepa (national Environmental Policy Act) Review

Compliance

A U.S. federal environmental assessment required before major project approvals on public lands. Subcontractors may face work delays or scope changes while reviews are completed. Mobilisation schedules should account for potential NEPA-related hold periods.

Oilsands Emissions Framework

Compliance

A federal and provincial regulatory structure capping greenhouse gas emissions from oilsands operations. Subcontractors may face new equipment standards, fuel restrictions, or reporting requirements on-site. Clients may pass compliance costs or operational constraints down through contracts.

Fitness-For-Service (ffs)

Compliance

A formal engineering assessment that determines whether aging or damaged equipment is safe to keep operating. Subcontractors may be required to conduct or document FFS evaluations before resuming work on pressure vessels, pipelines, or structural components. Results directly affect your scope of work, liability exposure, and project timelines.

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