Plains Midstream Canada must submit a plan to Alberta Energy Regulator by the end of September to deal with an abandoned pipeline sticking out of Gleniffer Lake.
“Work to re-abandon the line is expected to be conducted in November when the water recedes,” said Alberta Energy Regulator spokesperson Bob Curran on Monday.
Curran said there are no environmental or public safety concerns. There is no product in the pipeline.
The steel pipeline, abandoned in 1982, is secure and there has been no release of hydrocarbons.
“It’s fortunate it’s in an area of the lake that’s apparently not well utilized. Really in terms of risk or impact, it’s quite low. But obviously we don’t want to see this kind of thing occurring either.”
About 100 metres of pipeline is floating on or sticking up above the surface of the lake.
He said the pipeline was discovered by a boater on Aug. 24. The boater contacted Alberta Parks, who put buoys out that day.
Alberta Energy Regulator, the body responsible for ensuring the environmentally responsible development of Alberta’s energy resources, found out about the pipeline on Aug. 27 and immediately contacted Plains Midstream.
Booms have been installed at the site as a precautionary measure.
“It’s important for people to know that if they see an issue with oil and gas infrastructure, the AER is actually the entity they should be contacting first. We have a 1-800 number that’s operational 24/7 across the province,” Curran said.
Calling the Energy and Environmental Emergency 24-Hour Response Line, at 1-800-222-6514, will ensure the AER can respond quickly, he said.
Plains Midstream could not be reached on Monday for comment.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com