Alberta regulator slams Plains Midstream over massive 2011 oil pipeline spill

CALGARY – Alberta’s energy regulator is sharply critical of a company responsible for a massive 2011 oil pipeline spill that fouled land in the northwest part of the province.

The Energy Resources Conservation Board has issued four high-risk enforcement actions against Plains Midstream Canada.

The board has cited the company for not properly digging the pipeline, inadequate operating and maintenance as well as inadequate leak detection and response.

It also cited Plains Midstream for failing to test its emergency response plan.

The April 2011 breach caused 4.5 million litres of oil to spill onto the landscape, closed a school in the nearby community of Little Buffalo and created some health problems for people in the area.

To prevent future spills, the company has been ordered to assess all of its other pipelines of the same type.

News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms.