Federal government investigates Alberta pipeline company after spill report

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A boom stretches out to contain a pipeline leak on the Gleniffer reservoir near Innisfail, Alta., June 12, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

EDMONTON – The federal government is looking into whether there should be charges against a U.S.-based pipeline company after a damning report by an Alberta regulator about an oil leak.

Environment Canada has confirmed there is an investigation into the 2012 Plains Midstream spill that sent nearly a half-million litres of oil into the Red Deer River.

The department says it is working with Alberta authorities and can’t comment further.

Alberta is also looking into whether charges will be laid.

The province’s energy regulator found the company failed to meet Alberta rules on safety inspections for four years before the pipe finally fractured during a heavy flood.

Governments have until June to lay charges.

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