HUMAN ERROR GROWING FACTOR, DATA SHOWS

Human error — whether burying

a pipeline too shallow or not fastening bolts tightly enough — is increasingly a factor contributing to pipeline leaks, federal data suggests. Figures compiled by the National Energy Board show that in the past three years, incorrect operation — which covers everything from failing to follow procedures to using equipment improperly — has caused an average of 20 leaks per year. That’s up from an average of four annually in the previous six years.