The Transportation Safety Board, the lead on the pipeline explosion investigation, has given Enbridge the go-ahead to begin site-safety work and planning for cleanup at the site of the natural gas pipeline rupture near Prince George.
Enbridge, the Canadian multinational energy transportation company based in Calgary, says while site-safety work and a cleanup plan is drafted, they are unsure when repair work will begin.
The pipeline consists of two lines (a 30-inch diameter and 36-inch diameter), which connects British Columbia and Pacific Northwest consumers with the gas producing region of Northern B.C. The 36-inch line exploded on Oct. 9.
The 30-inch line was allowed to return to service after a thorough assessment and approval from the National Energy Board.
"We thank emergency responders, civic and government officials and others for their ongoing professionalism and diligent efforts," Enbridge says in a press release. "We appreciate the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation for their patience and continued cooperative engagement, and are committed to working together as we move forward."
As a result of the explosion, the Northwood and Prince George pulp mills were shut down immediately. FortisBC also asked gas customers across British Columbia to turn off their thermostats and reduce gas consumption after fears of decreased energy flow and potential loss of services.
The B.C. RCMP completed its investigation shortly after the explosion and deemed the explosion did not consist of any criminal activity.
Enbridge says the 36-inch Loop will not return to service until they are fully satisfied that it is safe to do so.
