CNRL experience 13th Alberta oil leak this year

Around 70,000 litres of processed water and oil has spilled from a Canadian Natural Resources Ltd (CNRL) pipeline close to Slave Lake, Alberta, Canada. The spill occurred on Monday (March 31st) but is not being classed as an emergency situation. As well as the oil and processed water, small quantities of hydrogen sulphide gas were also detected at the site.

CNRL reported the spill on the same day that it occurred, according to the Alberta Energy Regulator. The spill is not in close proximity to residences, businesses or wildlife and is far enough away from the lake not to be a risk to any water supplies. 

According to an email from the oil company's spokesperson, Zoe Addington, seen by The Canadian Press, the pipeline leaked for less than three hours before the spill the spill was located. A cleanup is currently underway, but it is not yet known how long it will take. 

As the site of the spill is so far removed from any key areas, it does not seem there will be any long-term issues caused by the incidents, although this has not yet been confirmed.

Although the spill is not an emergency situation and is reasonably small, it is another incident that could affect public trust in CNRL. The company has already experienced 13 spills within Alberta this year and reported 2,168 pipeline incidents between the years 2003 and 2012. This was more than any other oil company.  

The firm also had 11 charges charges laid against it by the Alberta government in March of this year. The charges related to a gas leak near Fort McMurray almost two years ago, with one of the charges alleging that CNRL had misled the Fort McKay First Nation.

After the charges were announced, Robin Campbell, Alberta environment minister, said in a statement: “The government of Alberta has a strong regulatory system in place that protects the environment along with the health and safety of Albertans.

"Our government takes this responsibility seriously and companies that do not meet these standards will be held accountable.”

An investigation into this most recent incident has now been launched by CNRL.