AER Issues Environmental Protection Order to Nexen

The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has issued an Environmental Protection Order to Nexen, pertaining to a pipeline failure approximately 36 km south east of Fort McMurray. The company reported that an initial estimated emulsion volume of 5000m3 was released as a result of the pipeline failure.

The order directs the company to:

• Contain the spill, identify affected parties and notify them, and conduct testing in the area for hydrocarbons and chlorides.
• Develop a Water Body Management Plan, Wildlife Mitigation Plan, and Detailed Delineation and Remediation Plan.
• Develop daily public reports and publish them to the Nexen website.
• Submit a final report to the AER within 30 days of the completion of all work required in compliance with the Order.

The AER notes that some of the work required in this Order has already begun. Environmental Protection Orders are not enforcement; they are remedial orders, directing the company to provide a plan to ensure the natural environment is reclaimed.

An AER investigation is also underway. Once the investigation is complete, the AER will publish its findings. AER staff remain on site to oversee the company's response.

The AER publishes information about Orders and incidents on its Compliance Dashboard. It will be updated as new information becomes available.

The Alberta Energy Regulator ensures the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of hydrocarbon resources over their entire life cycle. This includes allocating and conserving water resources, managing public lands, and protecting the environment while providing economic benefits for all Albertans.