Enbridge shuts down oil pipeline after spill

GlobalPost

Enbridge oil spill in Alberta closes pump station - the second spill this month in the province.

The Canadian energy company shut down a tar sands-derived oil pipeline Wednesday following a leak at a pump station.

According to Reuters, Alberta's Energy Resources Conservation Board reported that Enbridge was forced to turn off the pump station after the spill.

The Athabasca pipeline, which pumps 345,000 barrels per day, spilled about 1,400 barrels between Hardisty, Alberta, and Fort McMurray, Alberta, said the Hook.

In an statement, Enbridge confirmed the spill and estimated how much had leaked.

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"Preliminary volume estimates of the release are approximately 230 m3 (1,400 barrels). The cause of the release appears to be a failure of a flange gasket in the pumping station," said Enbridge in a press release.

This is the second oil spill this month in the province.

Oil company Plains All American had a pipeline spill in western Alberta on June 7 with clean-up still underway, said Reuters.

There is no word on the environmental impact of the spill as authorities are still investigating.

Enbridge is the company behind the controversial Keystone XL pipeline project, which would run from Alberta's oil sands to southern US refineries.

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