Monitoring and Remediating Past Actions

Throughout our Canadian and United States Liquids Pipeline systems, we conduct programs to assess historic leak sites. Some of these sites have been in existence for more than 50 years and, in many instances, the contamination has resulted from practices that were the standard of the day but are no longer acceptable. We assess historic release locations systematically and take further actions where warranted.

Our Performance

Some examples include:

  • In Canada, Enbridge continued to work on its mainline leak site remediation program. During 2005, delineation/monitoring/remediation continued at 22 contaminated sites. We progressed one of these sites to the point where we deemed no further action is required. In addition, we carried out initial investigations at three historic leak sites. Results indicated the need for additional investigation at two of the sites and continued monitoring at the third site.
  • In the United States, Liquids Pipelines initiated an assessment – including file review, mapping and risk analysis – of historic leaks on our Mid-Continent Liquids System, which we acquired in 2004. In 2006, we are taking additional steps, including site visits and possibly additional investigation and remediation if warranted at any locations. We are also initiating a review of historic releases along our Spearhead Pipeline system. Enbridge acquired this pipeline in 2003, refurbished it in 2004 and 2005, and placed it in service in March 2006 after reversing the direction of flow.
  • Our United States Natural Gas Business’s plant in Springtown, Texas, treats and processes gas. Past operations at the plant, before Enbridge ownership, released hydrocarbons, which have been detected in local groundwater. In 2005, we completed an evaluation that confirmed there is hydrocarbon contamination in the soil and groundwater of the site and adjacent properties. We are now working with state regulators to have a remediation program approved and implemented.