Enbridge shuts down crude oil pipeline in Alberta after leak

Canada-based Enbridge Pipelines has shut down its Line 37 pipeline in the north of Cheecham in Alberta, due to a leakage of light synthetic oil.

Around 750 barrels of oil spilled from the pipeline according to initial reports. The leakage occurred around 2km north of the company’s Cheecham Terminal.

Enbridge has also shutdown all other pipelines in the area as a precaution, including the Athabasca and Waupisoo.

The Athabasca pipeline supplies approximately 345,000 barrels per day (BPD) of dilbit blended crude oil to the Hardisty terminal in Alberta. The Waupiso line carries around 600,000 BPD to Edmonton in Alberta.

Enbridge is investigating the cause of the leak, which it believes is due to ground movement following unusually heavy rains in the area.

The company’s first responders with equipment are on-site and have installed booms to contain oil at the site and protect local water bodies. There have been no reports of harm to local wildlife.

Responders and support resources have arrived from Fort McMurray, Lac La Biche, Edmonton, Hardisty, Alberta and Kerrobert, Saskatchewan.

Constructed in 2006, Line 37 is a 12in diameter pipeline that is approxmiately 17km long. It connects facilities in the Long Lake area to Cheecham, which is part of Enbridge’s Athabasca system.

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Image: Enbridge Pipelines has shut down its Line 37 pipeline in the north of Cheecham in Alberta. Photo: courtesy of Kyle1278.