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Nexen can resume more oilsands pipeline operations: Alberta regulator

The site of a Nexen pipeline leak that spilled roughly five million litres of emulsion. Photo taken during a tour on July 22, 2015. Shallima Maharaj, Global News

CALGARY – Alberta’s energy regulator says Nexen Energy can resume more oilsands operations after it was forced to shutdown pipelines for not complying with maintenance and monitoring rules.

Last month the company, a subsidiary of Chinese state-owned CNOOC Ltd., was ordered to cease operating 95 pipelines.

READ MORE: Nexen responds to regulator’s order to suspend operations at 95 Alberta pipelines

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The suspensions came as the regulator was investigating a July 15 pipeline spill at Nexen’s Long Lake operation that leaked about five million litres of bitumen, produced water and sand into muskeg.

The regulator says on Sept. 6 it lifted most of the suspension order and on Wednesday lifted the order on another 10 production pipelines.

READ MORE: What is bitumen emulsion?

But it says some pipeline operations remain suspended and will not be allowed to return to service until Nexen can show they can be operated safely.

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Nexen says it is committed to managing its operations in a safe, environmentally and socially responsible manner.

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