After a pipeline ruptured and sparked a massive fire north of Prince George this week, Enbridge Inc. says it will begin cleaning up the site.
The Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation, has opened the area for Enbridge to begin site-safety work and begin planning for site clean-up.
Big fire north of #Princegeorge. Smoke up to 10k feet. pic.twitter.com/mdbgjbnzvd
— Greg N (@gregnoel) October 10, 2018
The company says that planning regarding repair work is underway, however, they have no timeline on when that will commence.
The BC Pipeline system consists of two lines—a 76-centimetre line and 91-centimetre line—connecting B.C. and Pacific Northwest consumers with the gas producing region of Northern B.C.
Fire north of Canfor pulp mill in Prince George, explosions were heard according to witnesses. On our way now, will be updating. pic.twitter.com/U5i6D6JOv1
— Lady Cole (@Fairladycole) October 10, 2018
The 91-centimetre line ruptured on Tuesday, temporarily shutting down the system. The other line was returned to service following an assessment and approval from the National Energy Board.
Enbridge says that after the incident they reduced the operating pressure of the remainder of the southern portion of the system, and will not return to normal pressure until it is safe to do so.
FIRE near Salmon Valley Prince George pic.twitter.com/bUnxWcyWlK
— Rockybeach (@rockybeach67) October 10, 2018
The incident has lead several major industries and institutions to switch energy sources, reduce operations or shut down temporarily.
“We recognize this incident has had a significant impact on the communities where we operate and we are working with those communities to make sure their needs are being met,” Enbridge said in a release today.
“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.”
With files from The Canadian Press
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