[IPSM] Apparently no Blast at pipeline leak: Sun Correction

[Macdonald Stainsby]

Two injured in B.C. pipeline leak
Canwest News Service
February 20, 2009


FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Two people have been injured and taken to hospital 
following a sour gas leak in northeastern B.C.

The incident happened Friday morning at a Spectra Energy facility at 
Mile 111 of the Alaska Highway.

"They were conducting some routine maintenance at the site, so they were 
taken to a local hospital just as a precautionary measure. But we've 
received reports that they are doing just fine," said company 
spokeswoman Rosemary Silva.

Hydrogen sulphide, also known as sour gas, can be toxic in large 
concentrations.

Silva said the company was notified of the leak around 8 a.m. local time.

"We immediately mobilized our crew and have since isolated the line, so 
there is no gas flowing," she said.

The National Energy Board and the Transportation Safety Board will 
conduct an investigation into the leak.

"We have no indication of external forces or factors such as sabotage or 
anything like that," Silva said. "Until a full investigation is 
complete, we won't know for sure what the cause is."

RCMP temporarily closed the highway but is not involved in the 
investigation.

"At this point we don't believe this is suspicious, so the RCMP is not 
actively investigating," said Const. Jackelynn Passarell.

Earlier reports said there had also been an explosion and fire at the site.

"There was neither a fire nor explosion," Silva said.

Last year RCMP investigated three explosions at natural gas pipelines in 
northern B.C.

Silva said "we have no indication at this time," that Friday's leak 
could be connected to those explosions.
© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service