Released on September 9, 2016
The Ministry of the Economy will be implementing a province-wide inspection of all oil pipelines that cross Saskatchewan rivers or lakes where a potential failure could pose a threat to municipal water supplies.The inspection program is in response to public concern over the safety and integrity of municipal water supplies in the wake of the July 21 spill at a Husky Oil facility on the North Saskatchewan River that affected several communities.
“The specific cause for the July 21 spill is still undetermined at this point, and we cannot speculate on the factors involved in that incident,” Energy and Resources Minister Dustin Duncan said. “However, this does not prevent us from being proactive in our role as the provincial regulator of this industry and responsive to public concerns. Pipelines remain the safest and most environmentally sound method for transporting oil to refineries. As a regulator, we will continue to work with our partners and stakeholders in making sure that they are operated to the highest standards.”
The water crossing inspections that are currently underway will include a physical assessment of each crossing, starting with the North Saskatchewan River and then expanding to other watercourses. The ministry will be collaborating with the National Energy Board, which is responsible for regulating all of the pipeline crossings on the South Saskatchewan River.
Along with the physical inspections of each crossing, the ministry will also be working with the operators of these pipelines to ensure that the pipelines are being maintained to the appropriate regulatory standards. Where issues are identified, licensees will be directed to take action to address them.
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For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca