Enbridge Pipelines Inc. received permission from Canada’s National Energy Board to reverse the flow on a segment of its Line 9 crude oil pipeline, subject to 15 conditions, mainly related to pipeline integrity. On Aug. 8, 2011, Enbridge applied to reverse about 194 km of Line 9 between the Sarnia terminal (at Sarnia, Ont.) and the North Westover pump station (near Hamilton, Ont.) to flow in an eastward direction.
Enbridge said a 50,000-b/d expansion of its 490,000-b/d Line 5 and reversal of Line 9 would increase access for light crude produced in western Canada and the US to refineries in the upper Midwest and Ontario (OGJ Online, Nov. 11, 2011). Line 5 runs from Superior, Wis., to Sarnia. Enbridge expects its expansion to be in service first-quarter 2013, with the Line 9 reversal following in late 2013. Line 9 has a 240,000 b/d capacity in its current direction.
During the public hearing process regarding the Line 9 application, the NEB heard concerns regarding the integrity of the pipeline and impacts resulting from any possible accidents or malfunctions.
The $16.9 million (Can.) project involves infrastructure additions and modifications at four existing sites along the pipeline.
Contact Christopher E. Smith at [email protected].
