Alberta Energy Regulator lays charges against Nexen Energy for 2015 pipeline spill

“When we believe that the rules are not followed, we have a variety of tools, including laying charges that we can and do use in an attempt to ensure that potential offenders are held accountable.”

The AER said the company faces a maximum fine of $3 million for the charges.

Nexen spokeswoman Brittney Price said in an email that the company will consider the charges, but will not make any further comment because the matter is before the courts.

The AER’s investigation into the pipeline spill — estimated to have contaminated about 22,000 square metres — is still considered active. AER spokesman Jordan Fitzgerald said the findings won’t be released until after court proceedings are finished so as to not to taint the process.

Nexen conducted its own investigation into the pipeline rupture, concluding last summer that the design was incompatible with the ground conditions and buckled as the temperature fluctuated.

When it released its findings, Nexen said that along with its own deficiencies, it found a number of failings on the part of contractors and subcontractors during the design, construction and installation of the pipeline.

The company estimates that the pipeline leaked for close to a month before the spill was discovered by a field worker, saying that shortcomings in the pipeline’s automation leak-detection system and its ability to manage the system delayed finding the leak.

The Long Lake operation had another major incident in January 2016, when an explosion at the plant killed two workers and knocked the upgrader out of commission. Alberta Occupational Health and Safety continues to investigate.

Nexen, a subsidiary of Chinese state-owned firm CNOOC Ltd., is scheduled to have its first court appearance on the AER charges on Aug. 16, 2017 in Fort McMurray provincial court.

Ian Bickis, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Alberta Energy Regulator lays charges against Nexen Energy for 2015 pipeline spill

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