Nova pipeline system suffers second leak in six weeks

A pipeline rupture was reported yesterday (November 27th) just outside of Boyle, Alberta, Canada. The National Energy Board (NEB) responded to the incident that was caused by a damaged natural gas pipeline owned by Nova Gas Transmission Ltd (NGTL) and operated by TransCanada Pipelines Ltd (TrabnsCanada). The release of natural gas was reported in the early hours of the morning and officials responded quickly.

The NEB has yet to report on the size of the leak in the pipeline, although there were no concerns over any immediate danger to local residents or property. Officials reported that precautions were taken swiftly to ensure public safety and to speed repair works to the damage pipeline.

In order to stop any further leaking of fuel, the affected section of pipeline was shut down. The area of the pipe that ruptured was located along the pipeline right-of-way.

A member from the NEB's Emergency Response Team was deployed to the site of the rupture to assess the response from NGTL. TransCanada representatives are also on site to assess the pipeline and ensure that it is fully secure. 

NEB is working with territorial, federal and provincial partners to coordinate a response that adheres to current regulations. It will also be working to ensure that the environment is fully protected from possible pollutants from the leak and to make sure safety levels are maintained.

The latest rupture is the second to have occurred on the Nova pipeline system within the last six weeks, reports Reuters. TransCanada had to cut all gas supplies to oil sands projects in October due to a line break that reduced the available gas supplies. 

The most recent leak has not affected any industrial customers, according to Davis Sheremata, TransCanada spokesman. Although Boyle is around 190 miles away from Fort McMurray, an oils sands production hub, current gas supplies to the area are not affected. 

Currently the cause of the pipeline rupture is not known, Reuters reports TransCanada as saying, and only one natural gas customer is likely to be affected as repairs to the pipe are undertaken.