Pipeline repaired, Enbridge says
Repairs have been completed on the section of pipeline at the centre of the massive explosion earlier this month, the structure’s owner, Enbridge, said Wednesday.
The company expects to begin returning the segment of the 36inch pipeline to service within 48 hours.
“As part of this multi-hour process, we will gradually increase flows of natural gas through the repaired segment until it reaches 80 per cent of its normal operating pressure,” Enbridge said.
A giant fireball shot up into the air to the city’s northeast and forced a widespread evacuation on the evening of Oct. 9 when the pipeline, part of Enbridge’s TSouth system, suffered a rupture.
A smaller, 30-inch pipeline running next to it has been operating at 80 per cent capacity since Oct. 11.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to safety, we are conducting a comprehensive dig program at select locations along the T-South system,” the company said.
“This work will help further validate the integrity of the entire system, prior to returning both the 30-inch and 36-inch pipelines to full operating capacity.
“Until we are fully satisfied it is safe to operate the lines at full capacity, and subject to regulatory review, both pipelines will continue to safely operate at reduced pressures.”
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation by the Transportation Safety Board.