Enbridge Ordered to Stop Line 3 Maintenance Work

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Enbridge Inc. has been instructed by Canada’s energy regulator to halt maintenance work on its Line 3 crude oil pipeline near Cromer, Manitoba, in conclusion to an inspection conducted in early July, which reportedly brought to light several environmental and safety concerns. According to an order issued by The National Energy Board, Enbridge had failed to install measures to conserve topsoil, control erosion and manage drainage, and hence caused damage to wetlands and agricultural lands and posing a safety hazard.

NEB order stated that “the resumption of construction activities by Enbridge without a full assessment of damages would cause further detriment to property, safety of the public and the environment.” It mentioned that Enbridge will be disallowed to resume work on the pipeline until the NEB judges find that the problems have been adequately addressed. Additionally, the company was asked to create safe access for the landowner across the pipeline right of way, complete an assessment of safety and environmental issues by Aug. 4, and revise its environmental protection plan by the end of August.

However, Enbridge spokesman Graham White claims that the NEB order relates to regular maintenance on the pipeline and not in specific to the Line 3 replacement project. He alleged that “flood conditions in the spring and the heavy rainfall in late June prevented us from accessing the area with the equipment necessary to remedy the issues raised by the landowner and known to us as well,” adding that “any issues that the NEB has identified as safety concerns will be addressed immediately.”