Pengrowth oil spill update

Pengrowth Energy Corporation has been fined due to a 537 000 l oil spill from its pipeline in northern Alberta (Canada) over the period of 48 days.

The Alberta Energy Regulator stated that Pengrowth had been unsuccessful in accurately detecting, reporting and dealing with the oil emulsion spill.

It was announced by the regulator that the spill was a concoction of oil and oilwell salt water. It was discovered that the pipeline had leaked from 1 December 2013 and 18 January 2014.

A fine of CAN$250 000 has been issues to Pengrowth for breaching Alberta’s laws on the environment and public land.

Rob Borth, the regulator’s Director of Enforcement, stated in a report: “Aggravating factors include indicators of the poor performance and operation of the pipeline were not well understood, incorrect assumptions were made by field staff and procedures were not followed. I find Pengrowth lacked diligence concerning the failure to report the release, failure to remediate and for the loss or damage to public lands.”

Officials at Pengrowth were not immediately available for comment.

Edited from various sources by Stephanie Roker

Sources: Blackburn News, 680 News, Edmonton Journal

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/15012016/pengrowth-oil-spill-update/