Nearly 175,000 litres of oil and water leak from Alberta pipeline

EDMONTON Approximately 175,000 litres of oil and salt water have leaked from a pipeline in an isolated area of northern Alberta near Red Earth Creek.

On July 7 at around 4:31 p.m., an initial spill of 150,000 litres (150 cubic metres) of emulsion was reported to the Alberta Energy Regulator by Predator Oil Ltd. According to the AER, the spill affected an area of wetlands measuring about 142 metres by 142 metres.

But more spills were recorded a week later, including two leaks of 5,000 litres (five cubic metres) and 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) on July 13, and two smaller leaks of 1,000 litres (one cubic metre) and 4,000 litres (four cubic metres) on July 14. The AER said all four subsequent leaks are related to the first one.

According to the AER, the emulsion was made up of approximately 25-30 per cent oil and 70-75 per cent water.

Last Friday, the AER issued an environmental protection order to Predator. According to the report, on July 7 AER inspectors observed dead vegetation at the site from aerial photos provided by Predator, which was confirmed by the AER during an inspection on July 11.

The AER said in an email that the pipeline has been shut-in but the break points are in remote locations, so temporary roads made of rig mat are being constructed to gain access to the site and reduce damage to the ground.The AER said wildlife fencing has also been installed.

Predator Oil said it began cleaning the site, approximately 70 km northeast of Red Earth Creek, on Monday. Predator says there are no known impacts to wildlife or water bodies.

The cause of the spill is under investigation. Red Earth Creek is approximately 420 km northwest of Edmonton.