CALGARY – Enbridge Inc. says it received U.S. government approval to restart a pipeline Tuesday that was shut down July 27 after leaking more than 1,200 barrels of crude oil onto a Wisconsin field.
The oil and gas company said it received approval Monday from the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to restart Line 14.
The 750-kilometre segment is part of the Calgary-based energy distribution giant’s 3,000 kilometre-long Lakehead Pipeline system, which transports hazardous liquid from North Dakota to Chicago, with an extension to Buffalo, N.Y.
“Communities across the country deserve to know that the pipelines running underneath their homes, streets and businesses are safe. That is why we are requiring Enbridge to commit to such a thorough safety plan,” stated U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
The secretary said he plans to hold weekly meetings with his team to ensure Enbridge ensures the safety of the pipeline in the Lakehead System.
Enbridge (TSX:ENB) spokeswoman Lorraine Little said the safety of people who live and work along our pipelines as well as the protection of the environment are our top priority.
“We will continue to work closely with PHMSA to ensure that the pipeline is safely restarted,” she stated.
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