(Newswire.net — June 27, 2013) Calgary, AB — Kinder Morgan (NYSE: KMI) has experienced a small pipeline leak approximately 40 kilometers east of Hope. This is the second small leak experienced by the company in recent weeks.
Andy Galarnyk company spokesman for Kinder Morgan explained that, “We saw some oil staining in the soil. We initiated a precautionary shutdown of the line as was required by regulation and we are continuing to investigate further.”
An update from Kinder Morgan shows, “Crews are working to complete repairs on the Trans Mountain pipeline approximately 40 km east of Hope BC. The source of the seepage was from a small defect in the pipeline that was detected by the company’s pipeline integrity program. Crews were on site yesterday to investigate this anomaly resulting in the discovery of a small amount of oil found at the dig site. The Company notified regulators, area First Nations, local businesses and the media after the oil was discovered and initiated an immediate and thorough cleanup response.
Contaminated soil is being safely removed and the company now estimates the total volume of oil released is estimated to be between 20 and 25 barrels. There are no safety or health risks identified and no waterways or wildlife have been affected. Site remediation will continue to ensure that the surrounding area is restored to its previous condition. The company continues to work cooperatively with its regulator, theNational Energy Board.
We are working towards a restart later today subject to consultation with the regulator. Despite the small volume of oil released, the Company response continues to be immediate and thorough with safety as a top priority in protecting people, and the environment as it works toward repairing and bringing the pipeline back into service.
We have an aggressive and ongoing integrity program that uses advanced tools and techniques designed to find anomalies and lead to their investigation and repair such as in this instance.”
The Trans Mountain pipeline system (TMPL ) has been in operation since 1953 and carries crude oil, refined and semi-refined products together in the same line to the west coast. The pipeline has a current capacity of approximately 48 000 m3/d (300,000 barrels per day).
The previous spill reported June 12, 20 km south west of Merritt, BC has been repaired and the same procedures to ensure public safety and environment protection have been completed.
Kinder Morgan works in cooperation with its regulator the National Energy Board (NEB). The NEB is onsite and confirms there is no immediate danger to the public.
At present Kinder Morgan is proposing expansion of the TMPL. In fact today there will be an open house in Vancouver to discuss the proposed expansion of the TMPL pipeline from Alberta to Vancouver port.
Media Contact Info:
Oil and Gas Directory – Oilfield Directory Publications
10301 104th Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J-1B9
Phone: 780-701-7282
Sources
http://www.kindermorgan.com/business/canada/transmountain.cfm
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