CALGARY�A crude oil pipeline spill in the Pine River in northeastern British Columbia has been fully contained and efforts are now focusing on cleanup and long-term recovery planning. Operator Pembina Pipeline Corp., Calgary, expected the line to be back in limited operation today.
Provincial officials confirmed the spill is securely contained behind a second boom 16 miles downstream of the original spill. The containment averts a threat to the water supply of the town of Chetwynd, about 60 miles downstream. The District of Chetwynd has tested water in the area, and there is no contamination.
An investigation is under way into the cause of the pipeline break July 31, which released up to 6,000 bbl into the river (OGJ Online, Aug. 2, 2000). Pembina officials said earlier the break was likely caused by a severe electrical storm and soil movement due to heavy rains. The electrical storm disrupted communications between field operations and a control center in Calgary.
A segment of the ruptured pipe has been sent to federal and provincial regulatory agencies for laboratory analysis.
Pembina says it is working with local residents to meet immediate needs and with industry and government personnel to develop a full remediation program for the area.
The pipeline runs from Taylor, BC, to a Husky Oil Ltd. refinery at Prince George, BC. Pembina took ownership of the pipeline Aug. 1.
