Enbridge suffers leak on Alberta Clipper crude pipeline

Enbridge Inc. shut down and isolated a section of its 450,000-b/d Line 67 (Alberta Clipper) crude oil pipeline south of Regina, Sask., Jan. 19 after a 125-bbl release from piping within the Rowatt pumping station. The 36-in. OD pipeline between Hardisty, Alta., and Superior, Wisc., is part of the Enbridge Mainline system.

An initial investigation determined that all free product was contained on site. High winds blew some spray onto the snow of an adjacent farm field, which the company picked up. All regulatory and provincial officials, including emergency response officials, were notified and the source of the release promptly contained.

Enbridge restarted Line 67 about 10½ hours after shutting it down. An investigation into the incident by Enbridge and regulators is under way. There was no impact to the public, wildlife, or waterways, according to Enbridge. The company expects cleanup to be completed this weekend.

Enbridge received approval from Canada’s National Energy Board in February 2013 to expand Line 67’s capacity to 570,000 b/d. The expansion project includes installing a new pump at eight existing stations, adding four new pumps and an electrical substation at Metiskow Station, and adding a metering terminal and booster pump at Hardisty. Work on the expansion began late-June 2013 and is expected to be completed by July.