More than 50 organizations are now calling for Premier Alison Redford to launch an independent, province-wide review of energy pipeline safety.
The organizations represent a broad cross-section of Albertans including farmers, landowners, labour, health, First Nations and environmental groups.
In May, 3.5 million litres of a mixture of oil and salt water leaked into muskeg near the northern community of Rainbow Lake from a Pace Oil & Gas Ltd. pipeline. In June, up to 450,000 litres of light sour crude leaked from a Plains Midstream Canada pipeline that ruptured beneath the Red Deer River sending oil into Gleniffer Lake. Also in June, 230,000 litres of heavy crude oil spilled from a pumping station on an Enbridge Inc. pipeline onto farmland near Elk Point.
Don Bester, president of the Alberta Surface Rights Group, said these major spills have been a wake-up call for Albertans and they have a right to question the safety of pipelines.
He said a review can’t wait until the Energy Resources Conservation Board concludes its review into recent spills.
“We don’t want to see some major lines to go in under the same regulations. We want some proper regulations that fit the day, especially with the age of some of our pipeline system,” Bester said on Thursday.
“We want a report that gives us some real teeth in regulations and real teeth in investigation.”
He said oil spills impact the environment and a variety of organizations are concerned — from Nature Alberta to Public Interest Alberta to United Nurses of Alberta — and more are expected to join the call for a review.
The Alberta Surface Rights Group, Greenpeace Canada, Council of Canadians, and the Sierra Club also launched a pipeline spill tipline to encourage people to report pipeline spills.
In 2010 according to the ERCB, there were over 600 spills and leaks from energy-related pipelines in Alberta. Two of the last three major spills were undetected by its companies and were reported by third parties.
An update on the cleanup at the Red Deer River Plains Midstream spill will be released today. As of July 6, cleanup activities in the spill area were continuing.
A total of 28 fish, birds, geese and one beaver died at the Plains Midstream spill as of Monday according to Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. They will be tested to determine cause of death.
Twelve animals were treated if necessary and released.
One adult beaver escaped from Medicine River Wildlife Centre by gnawing through two doors.
“She self-released,” said the centre’s executive director Carol Kelly.
A rescued baby Canada goose and baby crow died at the centre. An orphaned baby muskrat was released and a baby beaver is recovering.
Kelly said the babies, who can’t get away, are those who are at the most risk.
“The beavers cleaned up really nicely. Fur is easier, it seems to clean better than feathers.”
To report a spill call 1-855-23-SPILL (1-855-237-7455). Tips can be anonymous.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com