Terasen Gas repairs natural gas pipeline in Victoria

SURREY, BC, Jan. 12 /CNW/ - Terasen Gas crews have completed repairs to a natural gas intermediate pressure pipeline near the Pointe Ellice (Bay Street) Bridge in Victoria that was damaged at approximately 10:30 p.m. on January 10, 2010 by a third-party undertaking construction works.

Public safety is the number one priority for Terasen Gas. When the emergency response crews arrived on site, their first job was to make the site safe and determine the best way to deal with the gas leak. Natural gas is lighter than air. When it vents or leaks from a pipe, it rises and dissipates safely. Allowing gas to vent into the atmosphere is often the safest solution and impacts the fewest number of customers until we determine the best way to stop the leak.

A considerable amount of excavation and construction work was required, in challenging circumstances, prior to safely stopping the escaping gas from the damaged pipeline. Terasen Gas crews then began to fully assess the damage and make necessary repairs which were completed by approximately six a.m. on January 12, 2010 .

The Terasen Gas transmission and distribution pipeline system has an excellent safety record. Terasen Gas takes all possible steps to ensure that its pipelines and surrounding areas are well-protected. The company also conducts regular inspections of natural gas mains, service lines, valves, meters and regulator stations throughout the system and provides information to the public on precautions to take when working around the natural gas system.

Terasen Gas reminds the public to always "Call Before You Dig" to obtain information on the location of buried gas lines and other utilities by contacting BC One Call at 1-800-474-6886.

Terasen Gas would like to thank the City of Victoria, the Victoria Fire Department, the Victoria Police Department and the public for their patience and support while repairs were being made to the damaged pipeline.

Terasen Gas is mainly composed of the operations of Terasen Gas Inc. and Terasen Gas ( Vancouver Island) Inc., both indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Fortis Inc. Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada , serves more than two million gas and electric customers and has total assets approaching $12 billion . Its regulated holdings include Terasen Gas and electric utilities in five Canadian provinces and three Caribbean countries. Fortis Inc. owns non-regulated hydroelectric generation assets across Canada and in Belize and upper New York State. It also owns hotels and commercial real estate in Canada . Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com

For further information: Media Contact: Carol Greaves, Community Relations Manager, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]