SARNIA, ON, Nov. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - Sun-Canadian Pipe Line welcomed the restart of its pipeline in Sarnia today following the TSSA's approval, granted on November 18, 2013. The approval was granted following the release of an independent laboratory analysis conducted by Kiefner and Associates of Ohio (USA) regarding the cause of the September 10, 2013 diesel spill at the Vidal Street and Churchill intersection. The report found the cause of the failure to be attributable to external metal loss due to corrosion. The presence of a magnetic corrosion product under locally thick coating at this location may have influenced the results obtained from a specialised tool that was used during the most recent in line inspection of this pipeline.
The restart is taking place under strict conditions imposed by the TSSA related to the initial start-up, the ongoing operation of the line and regular monitoring to ensure the integrity of the pipe line. This work will include multiple in-line inspections and detailed analysis of those results to determine any at risk areas along the pipe line. Investigative digs will take place to expose these areas and make any necessary repairs.
Remediation work at the spill site in Sarnia continues with good progress being made. "I am very pleased with the work being done and the level of support we have received from the City of Sarnia, the Ministry of Environment and the numerous contractors/consultants and industry partners who have contributed to a safe rehabilitation of the site. The end is in sight with roughly 80% of the remediation done - there is still some work in the area of the key city water main located at the intersection. This will take a few more weeks to complete," stated Sun-Canadian Pipe Line General Manager Tony Waters.
"In addition, I would like to thank the residents of the City of Sarnia, St. Clair Township, Aamjiwnaang and Walpole Island First Nations for their patience during the remediation of the Vidal Street and Churchill intersection. I want to reassure you that we take the safety and integrity of our pipe line seriously, and will be working closely with regulators to ensure this does not happen again."
Sun Canadian will continue to reach out to the local communities to keep them informed of developments by participating in various information sessions in order to provide local communities with the opportunity to voice their concerns and get answers to questions they have relating to this incident.
The safe and reliable delivery of fuels to key destinations in the province enables Ontarians to drive their cars, heat their homes, and travel by airplane. The return to service of the pipeline ensures that other less safe modes of delivery can be avoided. Sun-Canadian Pipe Line is committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and environmental protection, having operated without a major incident on this pipeline in more than 26 years. To continue to meet these high standards, we will be working very closely with our regulators to conduct multiple in-line inspections and tests to ensure the integrity of the line.
SOURCE: Sun-Canadian Pipe Line
Area residents with questions are encouraged to call: 1-800-263-6641 or email: [email protected]
For media requests, contact: Melanie Paradis 1-416-399-7400
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