(1)  Within 7 days after an application for a consent to operate a pipeline is lodged, the Minister must decide whether to grant the consent.

(2)  A failure by the Minister to comply with subregulation (1) in respect of an application does not of itself invalidate a decision to grant or to refuse to grant the consent.

(3)  The Minister must grant the consent if there are reasonable grounds for believing that –

(a) a pipeline management plan in force for the pipeline provides for the operation of the pipeline; and

(b) a validation of the proposal to operate the pipeline is in force; and

(c) the pipeline licensee is maintaining insurance in compliance with section 97 of the Act.

(4)  If the Minister decides to grant the consent, the Minister must, as soon as practicable, give the applicant the consent in writing.

(5)  If the Minister decides not to grant the consent, the Minister must, as soon as practicable, give the applicant, in writing –

(a) advice that the consent has not been granted; and

(b) a statement of the reasons for the decision.