Husky Energy said it has more than 400 people on the ground in Saskatchewan responding to an oil spill and committed itself to a transparent investigation.
About 1,500 barrels of oil were released near the banks of the North Saskatchewan River after a pipeline rupture last week. Husky Energy said its monitoring systems recorded a pressure anomaly, but no leak, on the pipeline system the night before the spill.
Chief Operating Officer Rob Peabody said the company has more than 400 people deployed in the region who are involved in cleanup operations.
“A full and thorough investigation is now underway, in active cooperation with the relevant authorities,” the company said in a statement. “Husky is committed to working openly and transparently through the process.”
The city government of Prince Albert declared a state of emergency this week, calling for strict conservation efforts for water. Local intakes for a water treatment plant along the river are closed because sheen had migrated toward its systems
It is “absolutely critical” that water consumption is limited, the city said in a statement. Work is ongoing on a new system to bring water in from alternate sources with pipeline construction slated for completion before the end of the week.
Provincial leaders have erected river barriers and other containment features to control the spill. The city government said Husky has made arrangements for water treatment experts to visit the city during the weekend and coordination was ongoing with provincial Premier Brad Wall.
“The city of Prince Albert is focused on the operational side of the response right now and I believe these two officials would serve us better in Regina as they continue to supply the City with all of the necessary support needed,” Mayor Greg Dionne said in a statement.
[Source:- UPI]
