LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON
The National Energy Board (NEB) is investigating a third incident of contaminated soil found along the Norman Wells pipeline.
The undetermined volume of the contaminated site was found on March 14 as the result of Enbridge's Integrity Dig program, which is a visual inspection done as part of the company's regular monitoring plan.
"The NEB is concerned by these instances of small product releases on this section of pipe," spokesperson Rebecca Taylor stated in an e-mail to News/North.
The NEB and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada were already investigating two leaks along the pipeline when the contaminated soil was reported on the morning of March 14. The soil was found on Line 21, about 65 kilometres south of Wrigley, Taylor stated.
According to Enbridge spokesperson Graham White, the incident is very similar in nature to the previous two which occurred in February. In an e-mail to News/North White stated environmental, inspection, repair and clean-up crews were immediately dispatched to the site. He said the line has been wrapped with additional steel and welded as of March 14 and was restarted at 4 a.m. March 15. This was a sub-surface contamination, White said, there were no surface impacts or impacts to water or wildlife.
Pehdzeh Ki First Nation Chief Tim Lennie was not available for comment as of press time.
Early in February, Enbridge reported finding contaminated soil at two locations along the pipeline, which transports crude oil from Norman Wells to Zama, Alta.
The first site, called KP 457, is about 60 km west of Fort Simpson. The second, KP 391, is about 120 km west of Fort Simpson.
At the time, Enbridge would not confirm whether the contamination was the result of pipeline leaks until an investigation could take place.
Late last week, Enbridge confirmed both contamination incidents were the result of two leaks.
"The source of the leak was the line, I mean it came from the line," said White. "But in terms of what caused it, that will be part of an investigation. The source of the oil was the line, yes."
Enbridge also reported at the time that 30 cubic metres of soil was excavated at KP 457 and 60 to 70 cubic metres of soil was taken from KP 391.
As of March 13, White said a larger amount of soil had to be removed than previously reported.
The final volume from KP 457 was 55 cubic metres of "potentially" contaminated soil. "Potentially" refers to soil removed as a cautionary measure, said White.
"It means if there was any doubt the product was removed, so volumes are generous," he stated in an email.
In total, 110 cubic metres was removed from KP 391.
"Additional volumes needed to be removed at some locations. This was completed by using a Hydro-Vac on March 5, 2013, close to the original release point," an e-mail from White stated. "Soil base sampling was then undertaken to confirm the excavation of all contaminated soil was completed successfully."
After excavations at both sites, samples of remaining soil were tested and deemed to be within guidelines set out by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), White said.
"What that means is that the soil is safe, it's below the federal regulators requirement for a safe sample," he stated.
At site KP 391, contaminated soil was kept in a containment cell until it was taken to Tervita Northern Rockies Landfill in Fort Nelson, B.C., which is a specialized disposal facility. Work was completed on March 7.
Soil from KP 457 was also sent to the Tervita landfill, which was completed on March 5.
White stated that water was not impacted as a result of the leaks.
Fences were constructed around both excavation sites and "no adverse affects to wildlife have been observed," he stated.
The holes will be filled with clean soil from the area, which has also been tested and deemed safe, he added.
White stated most of the work has been completed and representatives from the National Energy Board have visited the sites.
Taylor stated that the NEB is continuing its investigation.
"As a part of our ongoing investigation, the board is examining its options as to what next steps should be taken," she stated. "If during the course of our investigations immediate safety concerns are identified, the board will take immediate action to address them."
Surrounding communities have been notified about the incident.
