The failure of the Nexen pipeline rupture safety system has many environmentalists and local residents concerned, and there are still few answers about why the system did not send out an alert earlier than it did. The pipeline and safety equipment are fairly new, not one of the old and outdated systems with a high risk of failure. Senior vice president of operations for Nexen, Ron Bailey, held a press conference last Friday. Bailey stated “This is a modern pipeline. We have pipeline integrity equipment, in fact some very good equipment. Our investigation is looking at exactly why that wasn’t alerting us earlier.” Alberta Energy Regulator officials were on the spill site soon after it was discovered. Some are concerned because the ruptured pipeline was only discovered by chance, because a contractor happened to walk by the site and noticed the spill.

Some are concerned that the failure of the Nexen pipeline rupture safety system shows that the environment is at risk even with new and advanced equipment because a failure is always a possibility. Bailey explained that none of the emulsion had reached any of the waterways or the lake. “One of our key responses is to protect the lake. We are deeply concerned with this. We sincerely apologize for the impact that this has caused.” Coun. Jane Stroub, the representative for part of Anzac, told the media “It’s unfortunate this incident happened but I am confident in the cleanup protocols, and the safety and environmental investigation. Nexen has always been fair to the people of Anzac.” Mayor Melissa Blake commented “I want to make sure everyone is taking the right response. Ensuring it doesn’t happen again is a key priority. There is always concern for the people in the area.”