Wapiti Valley, Saskatchewan. Photo courtesy of Enns Kivin, Facebook.
A report into last summer’s Husky oil spill into the North Saskatchewan River reveals the pipeline’s dual alarm leak detection systems were issuing notices of problems prior to the spill, and continued issuing alarms until the system was shut down for regular maintenance the next day on July 21st.
Husky’s decision not to shut down the system on July 20th, when there were indications of problems earlier, is now being reviewed by the Justice Department. Minister of Economy spokesman, Doug MacKnight, says he can’t say much more about the investigation at this point.
“The branch will now conduct a thorough review of the findings to determine what charges if any should be presented,” he said. “The review might also identify other areas for further investigation.”
At this point, the investigation revolves around regulatory, not criminal charges.
The provincial government was informed of the spill by a member of the public at about 8:30 in the morning on July 21st. Husky officials did not issue any notice until it had been contacted by the province about an hour and a half later.
Husky has been sent a bill for $1.1 million dollars for its share of the cleanup as of December 31st.
About 225,000 litres of oil spilled during the pipeline break, causing major contamination of the North Saskatchewan River, which impacted drinking water supplies for a number of communities, including North Battleford, Prince Albert and Melfort.
Recent tests of the water indicate there are no problems. All but about 15,000 litres of the oil was recovered. Clean up work will continue this spring.
The Ministry of the Economy will also immediately begin work on a compliance audit of the integrity management programs of companies that operate pipelines near major waterways.