CALGARY, Feb. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - I wish to correct some factual inaccuracies in a media story on the NEB's investigation report into a 2009 pipeline rupture on TransCanada's Peace River Mainline that was published on February 4, 2014.
Following the July 20, 2009 pipeline rupture, the NEB immediately began its investigation by deploying members of its emergency response team to the incident site. This investigation continued until June of 2010. Before the investigation was concluded, the Board issued a Safety Order on July 31, 2009. The Board also issued two further amendments to the Safety Order in October of 2009 and June of 2010.
Together, these three documents set the conditions for the safe operation of the Peace River Mainline. Among other things, the safety order imposed a 20 percent pressure restriction on the pipeline and outlined actions TransCanada must take to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
There was a delay in publishing the final version of the report due to an administrative error, however this delay in no way, and at no time, compromised the safe operation of the Peace River Mainline or the NEB's response to the incident. We have corrected internal processes to ensure this type of a delay is not repeated.
We believe it is important that Canadians understand how we hold companies accountable for public safety and protection of the environment and take swift and appropriate action when they do not. These powers range from safety orders, temporary pressure restrictions and strict operating conditions, to shutting the pipeline down completely.
Since the time of the incident the NEB has improved the way it shares information with Canadians. In 2011, the NEB began proactively posting all of its compliance and enforcement actions to its public website. These enforcement actions are only one click away from our home page and are intended to be easily accessible to all those interested. We will continue to find ways to increase our transparency around our role as Canada's energy watchdog.
Gaétan Caron is Chair and CEO of the National Energy Board of Canada
A copy of this letter can be found on the NEB's Internet site at www.neb-one.gc.ca under What's New!
SOURCE: Government of Canada
Rebecca Taylor
Communications Advisor
Phone: 403-299-3371
E-mail: [email protected]
Share this article