POUCE COUPE, B.C. - The BC Energy Regulator (BCER) is investigating a pipeline incident involving a release from a gas emulsion pipeline on private land southwest of Pouce Coupe, that has affected a nearby creek and local wildlife.
According to the regulator, the release flowed into a nearby watercourse, with impacts to fish and wildlife confirmed.
BCER officials say personnel have attended the site to assess the situation and are continuing to oversee the response.
The pipeline operator, Ovintiv, has implemented containment measures and is carrying out remediation work in the affected area, the regulator said.
Ovintiv said there is no current risk to the public. The incident occurred on August 12th roughly 6.5 km southwest of Pouce Coupe.
The Calgary based company said nearby residents were notified within hours of the release,
“The cause of the incident is under investigation, and we are still working to determine the volume of the release. The release has been contained and remediation work is actively underway,” Patricia Posadowski, Media Relations Advisor
BCER stated it is verifying that appropriate actions are being taken as part of the company’s response.
No information has been released regarding the volume of the release, the cause of the incident, or the extent of environmental impacts beyond the confirmed effects on fish and wildlife.
An emulsion pipeline typically transports a mixture of bitumen, hot water and steam.
Industry experts note that such pipelines can be susceptible to a number of damage mechanisms, including cracking and stress-corrosion cracking, which are recognized causes of pipeline failures.
The BC Energy Regulator said the investigation remains active and no further details are being released at this time. The regulator directed inquiries about the incident to Ovintiv.
The incident occurred in an area west of Pouce Coupe, a rural community just south of Dawson Creek in northeastern British Columbia.