Nexen Energy promises daily pipeline inspections
AER says it will continue to investigate, inspect pipelines
Nexen Energy will conduct daily inspections of some of its gas pipelines, part of a plan crafted after Alberta forced the firm to shut down nearly 100 pipelines earlier this month.
The Alberta Energy Regulator ordered the company to shut down 95 pipelines at its Long Lake Oilsands Facility, citing gaps in documentation when it came to how the lines were maintained and monitored.
As a result of the AER suspensions, Nexen temporarily shut down the facility.
Yesterday, the AER allowed Nexen to reopen 40 of those pipelines, saying they were a low risk to the public.
The company told CBC News the order allows them to partially continue operation at the Long Lake Facility.
"AER continues to investigate and inspect those lines," said spokesperson Carrie Rosa, adding the company has agreed to daily inspections of it's above-ground pipelines, as well as performing monthly aerial inspections of its underground lines.
She said the company has also agreed to report any "deficiencies" along the lines.
In July, 5 million litres of water, bitumen and sand spilled from one of Nexen's pipelines in the area.
AER said the other 50 lines will remain closed until they have been deemed safe.