CALGARY – An energy company with a troubled safety history is facing seven charges related to a 2013 pipeline spill that leaked roughly 1.8 million litres of contaminated water near Zama City, Alta.
Apache Canada Ltd. has been charged under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, the Public Lands Act and the Pipeline Act.
READ MORE: Environmental groups say $16K fine for pipeline spill not even a slap on wrist
An investigation earlier this year by the Alberta Energy Regulator found that between June 2013 and October 2014 the company had six pipeline incidents that caused loss or damage to public lands and potential environmental impact.
Between 2009 and late 2013, the company had 12 high-risk enforcement actions against it for non-compliance with regulations.
In depth, interactive: Explore 37 years of Alberta oil spills
After its investigation, the energy regulator fined the company in July the maximum administrative penalty of $16,500 and issued four orders the company had to comply with.
The October 2013 spill of industrial waste water that led to the charges affected an area of more than 3.8 hectares. The company’s first court appearance on the charges is scheduled for Dec. 7 in Provincial Court in High Level. Alta.
READ MORE: How does Apache’s 9.5-million litre Zama City spill stack up?
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