Plains Midstream reprimanded for 2011 Alberta oil spill
Investigation highlights operational failures at Plains Midstream's Rainbow pipeline
CBC News
Posted: Feb 26, 2013 12:29 PM MT
Last Updated: Feb 26, 2013 12:26 PM MT
The break in the 44-year-old pipeline spilled 28,000 barrels of crude in 2011. (CBC file photo)
Alberta's Energy Resource Conservation Board is issuing a high-risk enforcement action against Calgary-based Plains Midstream over a 2011 pipeline leak northeast of Peace River, Alta.
The 28,000 barrel spill — which leaked from the Rainbow pipeline in northern Sunrise County — was the largest in Alberta in more than three decades.
The ERCB says the company had inadequate leak detection and failed to test its emergency response plan.
While there is no fine associated with the action, Plains Midstream has been told to hire a third party to audit its ability to manage communications during a crisis.
The company also made headlines in 2012 for an oil spill near Sundre, Alta.
About half a million litres of light sour crude spilled into the Red Deer River with some of it washing into the Gleniffer reservoir, which provides thousands of Albertans with drinking water.
Share Tools
Latest Edmonton News Headlines
- Man charged with first-degree murder in Red Deer
- Red Deer RCMP has charged a 30-year-old with first degree murder in the death of Curtis Leroy Rangen. more »
- Talking Keystone, Redford says Canada and U.S. share energy values
- Alberta Premier Alison Redford says the United States and Canada share political and environmental values and must work together to become energy independent of those who do not. more »
- Students and education officials react to EPSB budget
- Impending cuts to staffing facing Edmonton Public Schools has parents, students and teachers worried. more »
- AHS reversals leave many scratching their heads
- As CBC's Kim Trynacity reports, some people are still unclear about what the province hopes to gain through reducing the number of homecare providers. more »
Must Watch
Top News Headlines
- Sopranos star James Gandolfini dies in Italy
- James Gandolfini, whose portrayal of a brutal, emotionally delicate mob boss in HBO's 'The Sopranos' helped create one of TV's greatest drama series, dies of an apparent heart attack in Italy. He was 51. more »
- Top court to reveal if it will hear Rob Ford conflict appeal
- The Supreme Court of Canada will reveal today if it will hear an appeal in a conflict of interest challenge that previously threatened to oust Toronto Mayor Rob Ford from office. more »
- Brian Stewart: Forget the cynics, why the Taliban might just want peace
- One big reason, Brian Stewart writes, is the growing strength of the Afghan army. Without the U.S. and its media around to report on the fighting, the next phase in this conflict could get a whole lot bloodier. more »
- Dozens of children seized from Manitoba Mennonite community
- Child welfare authorities have removed all but one child from a small Mennonite community in rural Manitoba. more »
- Man charged with first-degree murder in Red Deer
- AHS reversals leave many scratching their heads
- Students and education officials react to EPSB budget
- $23,000 in roaming charges 'insane,' says Edmonton woman
- Teepee aims to bring aboriginal, police into same tent
- Preventive health care for unhealthy could save billions
- RCMP identify remains found at Enoch Cree Nation
- Council votes to expropriate City Centre Airport land
- Ex-Rexall bartender in court for alleged theft

