Greenpeace hopes AER Nexen suspension will send a larger message

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has ordered the suspension of 95 pipelines in the Alberta oil sands. The AER issued a suspension order to Nexen with respect to the non-compliances on Friday, August 28.

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) said it received information that indicated noncompliance with pipeline safety rules on multiple lines in the course of its investigation at the site, southeast of Fort McMurray.

“We are preparing to comply with the AER’s order as we work to compile the necessary information and documentation”, Nexen said in a news release Saturday.

Curran said Nexen provided the AER with a letter on Tuesday as part of the investigation into the July leak.

AER spokesman Bob Curran said the regulator is aware the closure of so many pipes will have an impact on production.

In early July, the company, taken over recently by Chinese energy company CNOOC, discovered inadequate records after it began an “internal audit of our corporate pipeline integrity management system”.

The order suspends 15 pipeline licenses for 95 pipelines that carry a range of products including crude oil, natural gas, salt water, fresh water and emulsion, the regulator said.

“What we need from them now is that assurance that those lines have been properly checked and that they are in compliance with the Pipeline Act”. “Hopefully this sends a message to the entire pipeline industry in Alberta that lax pipeline safety standards are no longer going to cut it, and it’s time to really put our communities and our environment first”. The break occurred just over a kilometre from the Long Lake plant.

The AER is continuing to investigate into Nexen’s Long Lake pipeline incident.