Enbridge to restart portion of BC Pipeline after rupture

Enbridge received approval from Canada’s National Energy Board on Oct. 10 to restart one of its natural gas pipelines following response to a rupture in a transmission pipeline 13.5 km north of Prince George, BC.

The Enbridge-owned and operated BC Pipeline comprises two parallel lines, one 36-in. and the other 30-in., that move gas into the US Pacific Northwest. Both pipelines were shut down following the rupture that occurred Oct. 9 at 5:45 pm PST on the 36-in. line that ignited at the rural site. The fire was extinguished the same day and the line isolated and fully depressurized. There were no reports of injuries resulting from the incident, Enbridge said, but about 100 members of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation evacuated the area as a precaution. Some have since returned to their homes.

Following “a comprehensive integrity assessment” that included a search for evidence of pipe damage, geotechnical and ground disturbance, and other potential integrity issues, approval was granted to begin the multi-hour process to return the 30-in. line to service. Enbridge said it will gradually bring the line’s pressure up to 80% of normal operating capacity.