Enbridge cleaning up pipeline leak of 200, 000 litres of oil condensate in Strat

Cleanup continues at the site of a pipeline spill near 92 Avenue and Anthony Henday Drive in Edmonton, Alta., on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017.

Enbridge is cleaning up a pipeline leak of 200,000 litres of oil condensate in Strathcona County.

The leak, released from line 2A near Anthony Henday Drive and 92 Avenue, happened  3 p.m. on Friday night and the spill has been put into a privately-owned excavation pit where construction work was being done.

The National Energy Board learned of the incident at 8:30 p.m.

“The line strike took place during construction activity by a third party contractor, unrelated to Enbridge but crossing Enbridge’s Right of Way,” reads a statement from Enbridge. “The construction activity was being done by TransCanada Pipelines and its contractor Ledcor.”

Enbridge is coming up with a site-specific contaminated soil remediation plan.

The Enbridge pipeline control centre shut down Line 2A as well as nearby lines as a precaution. The other lines are in the process of being restarted.

Darin Barter, spokesman for the National Energy Board, said three inspectors are on site – one environmental expert and two operations inspectors.

“We require regulated companies to adhere to strict standards for clean up and remediation,” Barter said in a written statement to Postmedia.

“We have inspectors onsite to monitor these aspects of the incident.

“NEB will also assist the TSB as necessary with the investigation. Our own review of the incident will determine if enforcement action necessary. If it is, we will not hesitate to do so.

“The NEB can potentially fine Enbridge or any culpable third parties under the NEB act, which will be part of the review from inspectors.”

Barter said with the caveat that he is not an environmental scientist or health professional, there is sour gas associated with oil condensate.

Transportation Safety Board pipeline experts are investigating the cause. The TSB investigates incidents or mishaps involving pipelines that cross provincial or international borders and may make recommendations.

Genevieve Corbin, a media relations specialist from the Transportation Safety Board, said two investigators are en route to the scene and a pipeline expert is expected to be on scene Sunday.

A statement from TransCanada spokesperson Terry Cunha says the company is co-operating and that regulatory agencies have been notified.

“TransCanada is currently investigating an incident that occurred along its Grand Rapids pipeline project right-of-way,” Cunha said.

No injuries have been reported because of the spill and Enbridge says there is no risk to public safety.

Air quality is being monitored.

The RCMP is not investigating.