The Nexen Energy Long Lake facility will remain open and some of the pipelines that were shut down are being restarted now that the suspension on 40 pipelines has been lifted by the Alberta Energy Regulator. 55 additional pipelines are still not in operation because these are still under suspension until Nexen can show the regulator that these additional pipelines can be responsibly and safely operated by the company. A recent announcement by the regulator expressed confidence that there was a low public safety and environmental risk, and this conclusion was reached once documentation and proposed company initiatives were reviewed. The facility and pipelines were inspected on August 31 an September 1. The pipelines which are still under suspension carry emulsion, fresh water, crude oil, salt water, and natural gas.
The Alberta Energy Regulator released a statement about the Nexen Energy Long Lake facility. The statement read in part “Nexen has demonstrated to the AER that these utility lines can be operated safely and within all regulatory requirements. Nexen is required to implement its action plan for improved operations including a rigorous inspection plan and daily and weekly inspections of the affected lines. Nexen is also required to provide the AER with regular updates on inspection results.” Neither the regulator or the company would name the initiatives which will be taken to ensure pipeline safety, maintenance, and safe operation. The review of the pipeline operation suspensions at the Long Lake facility was not influenced in any way by the plan to shut the facility down, and the AER stated “The AER recognizes the impact regulatory decisions can have, however we must ensure that all areas of concern are addressed.”
