SWAN HILLS — The Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board estimates a burst pipeline in the northwestern part of the province has leaked 1,000 barrels of oil and water.
Spokesman Darin Barter said tests show 97 per cent of the spilled liquid is saline or salty water and 3 per cent is oil.
“It’s a fairly minor spill,” Barter said. “Cleanup is ongoing. And all the right agencies are on site that need to be there.”
The spill and a subsequent explosion happened Sunday afternoon at a Pengrowth Energy Corp. (TSX:PGF) facility near Judy Creek, south of the town of Swan Hills.
The conservation board was unable to estimate the amount of the leak until Tuesday.
The 1.5 kilometre-long pipeline transferred product from wells to a process station.
The line remained shut down Tuesday, but the company’s main production facility continues to operate.
Cleanup of the surrounding area is ongoing, said Trevor Gemmell with Alberta Environment. He said initial tests along Judy Creek show declining levels of salts or chlorides related to the spill.