Article Author:
The Canadian Press
Emily Blake
YELLOWKNIFE — Imperial Oil is investigating the causes and effects of a pipeline spill in the Northwest Territories, residents say they are concerned. potential impact.
The Calgary-based oil and gas company found about 55,000 liters of product water spilled on July 27 before shutting down the N.W.T.'s Norman Wells pipeline. reported that it did.
The water produced is treated water, which is pumped back to the surface during oil recovery and reused in operations, the company said. Transport Canada says the by-products of oil and gas extraction are generally salty and may be contaminated with other substances.
Imperial said to investigate the spill, it hired biologists to complete bird nest surveys, locate buried pipeline flanges and pressure test them in fresh water. He said it included things to do.
The company is trying to determine if the produced water entered the Mackenzie River. It said water quality monitoring showed no risk to public health or wildlife.
However, downstream of Fort Good Hope, some residents removed their fishing nets from the river as a precautionary measure after observing the sheen on the surface.
Edwin Eltze, president of Yamoga Land Corporation, said, ``This is currently affecting our traditional economy as it is the time when people are setting up nets to catch fish.
Erutse said he has received an update from Imperial and hopes to meet with the company to discuss the matter further.
In response to concerns about the glossiness of the water surface, an Imperial spokesperson said One Kellis Covey said oil seepage could occur naturally in the Mackenzie River.
"This is a known natural phenomenon among indigenous communities in the area." and how Imperial discovered oil here almost 100 years ago," she wrote in a statement.
Canada's energy regulator said it continues to follow up with Imperial to ensure people and the environment are protected. Regulators are expected to complete environmental inspections this month.
This Canadian Press report was first published on August 8, 2022. fellowship.
