The Alberta Energy Regulator recently ordered a pipeline operations suspension for the Nexen Energy Long Lake facility, halting 95 pipelines and preventing operations from continuing. The agency issued the suspension and cited “noncompliant activities” regarding pipeline monitoring and maintenance the reason for the suspension. An emulsion spill that allowed 5 million litres of emulsion to leak into the environment last month caused the agency to investigate the site and the operations. AER CEO and president Jim Ellis stated “Protection of public safety and the environment are the AER’s top priority. Given that this company has already had a pipeline failure at this site, the AER will not lift this suspension until Nexen can demonstrate that they can be operated safely and within all regulatory requirements. We will accept no less than concrete evidence. The AER investigation into Nexen’s Long Lake pipeline incident is ongoing. Once the investigation is complete, the AER will publish its findings.”

The Nexen Energy pipeline operations suspension came about after the regulator reviewed information and documents that the company submitted after the emulsion spill. The regulator said that indicated noncompliance with Pipeline Act and Pipeline Rules for Alberta caused the suspension to be issued. Nexen Energy can not resume operations with the suspended pipelines until they provide the regulator with sufficient documentation that can convince the regulator that the company can operate the pipelines safely and in compliance with all applicable laws. The specific cause of the emulsion spill has not been determined yet and the investigation will continue.