On June 7, 2012, Plains Midstream Canada responded to a crude oil release on a section of our Rangeland pipeline located near Sundre, Alberta. The release, which is estimated to be between 1,000 to 3,000 barrels, was into the Red Deer River and was contained downstream in the west end of Gleniffer Lake. Emergency response personnel were mobilized to begin containment, clean-up and reclamation activities.
Clean-up and reclamation activities on Gleniffer Lake were completed by June 29, 2012. Following the successful cleanup of the lake, focus shifted to cleanup along the river. Activities included maintaining the containment booms, cutting and bagging vegetation, picking up woody debris and removing bagged debris from the shoreline. To view photos of our activities, visit the Images page under the Our Response menu.
In tandem with clean-up operations, the entire segment of the failed pipe was removed from the river and was signed over to Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD) in late-August. The pipe is being examined and investigation into the cause of the release is underway.
From mid-August to mid-September, all sites along the river were inspected by regulators and received interim closure with minor remedial work to be completed in October. As the river sites received interim closure, crews and equipment were demobilized.
Regulatory agencies, along with Plains, will return to the area in summer of 2013 to re-inspect the sites and evaluate the effectiveness of the clean-up activities.
If you would like to contact us, email our community response team at community.response@plainsmidstream.com or call 1-866-670-8073. Media inquiries can be directed to 1-866-754-7422 or email media@plainsmidstream.com.
