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DEH CHO
At least one community along the Enbridge pipeline is concerned about what the company might find as it starts a series of digs to inspect the infrastructure.

Chief Tim Lennie of Pehdzeh Ki First Nation in Wrigley expects the worst from the integrity digs. - NNSL file photo

Enbridge Pipelines Inc. is preparing to conduct seven integrity digs in the Deh Cho along its pipeline that runs from Norman Wells to Zama, Alta. The areas for the digs were identified by an in line inspection tool, commonly known as a pig, that was sent through the pipeline, said Jennifer Varey, a director of corporate business communications with Enbridge.

As part of its integrity management program, Enbridge runs tools through the pipeline annually. The inspections measure the size, frequency and location of changes in the walls of the pipes. After experts analyzed the data from the most recent inspection, they identified seven areas in the Deh Cho worth examining more closely, Varey said.

"These are not leaks," she said.

Varey said the features identified by the in-line inspection tool could be a number of things including a change in the thickness of the pipeline.

Once the pipeline is dug up, the protective coating around it is removed and the pipe examined. Depending on what is found, a section of the pipeline could be replaced or a sleeve could be installed over the affected portion of the pipe to restore its integrity. The pipeline will then be recoated and reburied, Varey said.

Work to open two camps along the pipeline and gain access to the seven areas is scheduled to begin within a week. In addition to the seven areas, the pipeline segment near Willowlake River where the oil leak occurred last May will be cut out and replaced.

Chief Tim Lennie of Pehdzeh Ki First Nation in Wrigley said he's been concerned about the integrity and safety of the pipeline since the leak occurred.

"We're preparing ourselves for the worst," Lennie said about the outcome of the integrity digs.

Lennie said he expects Enbridge will have to do even more digs between Norman Wells and Zama pending the results of the upcoming digs. The only way to find out exactly what is happening to the pipeline is to conduct these digs, he said.

Ledcor Pipeline Ltd., a specialized contractor from Alberta, will be doing the work. Ledcor has obtained equipment and labour services from contractors in the Tulita and Wrigley area where the work is being done, Varey said.

Varey said increased vehicle and helicopter traffic will be the only signs most Deh Cho residents will see in relation to the work. Meetings to inform First Nation and municipal governments in communities along the pipeline about the winter work were held in December and January, she said.

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