Our Environmental Performance

SPILLS & RELEASES

Our goal is to prevent all spills and leaks from our energy transportation and distribution systems. With this in mind, we carry out spill prevention and detection preventive maintenance programs as part of comprehensive integrity management of our pipelines and facilities. Our communication programs also keep property owners and neighbours along our rights-of-way informed about our system and enlist their help in the prevention, detection and safe response to pipeline spills.

OUR IMPACTS AND PERFORMANCE

Despite our best efforts to prevent spills, incidents occur. In 2004, Enbridge recorded 69 reportable liquid spills, totalling 516 cubic metres (3,252 barrels), from our transmission pipelines in Canada and the United States.

In each case, we carried out prompt emergency response procedures to immediately shut down the system, contain the spills and manage potential impacts to the environment and public safety. We also worked closely with landowners, regulatory agencies and other concerned parties to develop remediation and monitoring plans, promptly collecting most of the product and verifying that residual contaminants are appropriately managed. Note that in 2002, the threshold for reportable liquids pipeline incidents in the United States was lowered significantly.

Fort McMurray, Alberta (February 22, 2004) About 1,635 barrels of crude oil were released when a valve failed on the Athabasca pipeline system. The spill was contained to a nearby right-of-way, and about 735 barrels of free product and contaminated debris were recovered, removed and managed at an appropriate facility. Enbridge is working with regulators to develop a mutually agreeable remediation plan for the site.

Grand Rapids, Michigan (February 19, 2004) During a maintenance dig on the Lakehead System, crews discovered a slow leak of crude oil, which resulted from a dent caused by the pipe resting on a rock. A thorough investigation of the site was carried out, through soil excavations and groundwater monitoring wells. These activities revealed contaminated soil and groundwater and the loss of about 1,000 barrels of product. In consultation with nearby landowners and state regulators, we are developing a remediation plan for the site.

Parker County, Texas (March 29, 2004) About 11 barrels of condensate were released into a cattle stock pond from our North Texas natural gas system after a seam failure caused a pipeline leak. Most of the product was recovered, and all contaminated soil and water were safely removed and disposed of.

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At Enbridge, there are no dividing lines between good business practices and being a responsible company — one that is ethical, is a steward of the environment, is safe, engages its stakeholders and is attentive to social needs.

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