Dust from pipeline blast not a threat to health, sample testing shows

The company that owns the natural gas pipeline that ruptured and burned in British Columbia a week ago says the dust that settled on homes near the blast site does not pose a health risk.

The latest post on the Enbridge website says earth sampling near Prince George shows mineral and metal composition is well below provincial and federal standards for urban and residential areas.

Enbridge also says construction of an access road to the damaged line continues, and repair crews may be able to reach the scene this week, although the company has already said there is no timeline to return the 91-centimetre pipeline to service.

FortisBC, which distributes natural gas to about one million homes and businesses in the province, is urging customers to limit non-essential use of the fuel while the line is shut off and a second, smaller pipeline is running at reduced capacity. The Vancouver park board says it is turning down thermostats in parts of city-run buildings where there will be a minimal impact to the public.

Jen Fretz, civic operations director for the City of Kamloops, says the temperature of all pools and tubs will be lowered, as will the temperature in utility and heated storage buildings, and the temperature of the hot water for Zambonis. Radiant heaters will not be available for spectators at the city ’s four arenas until further notice, measures that may end up saving taxpayers money in the long run.

“This has really caused us to look at our operations and in some cases we may want to keep these new temperatures,” she says, adding most of the natural gas used by the city is for heating.