Alliance Pipeline flaring sour gas in Saskatchewan

Alliance Pipeline LP has started flaring to evacuate hydrogen sulfide that entered a section of its mainline pipeline from an upstream operator, the company said. The mainline will remain shut for several days.

A more precise timeline was expected to be released after mitigation plans are finalized, the company said (OGJ Online, Aug. 7, 2015).

Flaring is being done at Alliance’s Alameda compressor station in Saskatchewan and at a mainline block valve upstream from the Alameda station. The second location was added to more effectively flare the H2S and minimize the duration of the shutdown, Alliance said.

Landowners and local officials in the vicinity of the flaring sites were notified.

“Alliance is committed to resolving this matter as soon as possible in order to minimize the disruption for our customers,” said Daniel Sutherland, Alliance vice-president, commercial operations. ”As always, safety remains our top priority and all of our activities will adhere to strict safety protocol.”

Seven Generations Energy Ltd. and RMP Energy Inc., both of Calgary, reported all or nearly all of their production temporarily was shut in as a result of the pipeline closure.