AER suspends Nexen operations at Long Lake

The Alberta Energy Regulator has suspended 15 pipelines licences, shutting in 95 pipelines that Nexen Energy operates at its Long Lake oilsands operations. The suspensions were ordered when, during AER’s investigation of the Long Lake pipeline failuru| AER received information indicating noncompliance in operating a number of pipelines. “Given that this company has already had a pipeline failure at this site, the AER will not lift suspension until Nexen can demonstrate that they can be operated safely and within all regulatory requirements. We will accept no less than concrete evidence,” said Jim Ellis, president and CEO of AER.

The suspension orders were issued Aug. 28. The spill was discovered July 15 by a contractor. About five million litres of bitumen, sand and produced water covered a 16,000-square metre area.