A province-wide inspection of pipelines that cross Saskatchewan lakes and rivers is being implemented by the provincial government.
Ministry of the Economy officials said the inspection will target pipelines that could pose a threat to municipal water supplies.
READ MORE: Independent report looks at Husky response to Saskatchewan oil spill
Government employees have already begun inspecting 22 of the 35 high-priority pipelines crossing rivers. Once those are completed inspections will begin on 90 other pipelines which cross tributaries leading into municipal water supplies.
“We just want to ensure that Saskatchewan people can feel secure in their potable water sources, that they are in fact safe, and that the crossings and companies are in compliance,” Energy and Resources Minister Dustin Duncan said.
The inspections come after a Husky Energy (TSX:HSE) oil leak from a pipeline near Maidstone, Sask., in July.
Approximately 225,000 litres of blended crude oil mixed with a lighter hydrocarbon spilled into the North Saskatchewan River, affecting water supplies to a number of communities downstream, including North Battleford and Prince Albert.
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“The specific cause for the July 21 spill is still undetermined at this point, and we cannot speculate on the factors involved in that incident,” Energy and Resources Minister Dustin Duncan said in a release.
“However, this does not prevent us from being proactive in our role as the provincial regulator of this industry and responsive to public concerns. Pipelines remain the safest and most environmentally sound method for transporting oil to refineries.
“As a regulator, we will continue to work with our partners and stakeholders in making sure that they are operated to the highest standards.”
READ MORE: Saskatchewan auditor wants to see better pipeline regulations from government
Crews are currently inspecting pipelines crossing the North Saskatchewan River, which will include a physical assessment.
Ministry officials will work with the National Energy Board (NEB) for the inspection of pipelines crossing the South Saskatchewan River. The NEB is responsible for regulating crossings on this river.
Officials said they will also be working with the pipeline operators to ensure they are being maintained to the appropriate regulatory standards.
“We’ll be taking the information back and analyzing it and then we’ll have to make some decisions about whether we need to make changes on the regime here in Saskatchewan,” Duncan said.
A final report on the cause of the Husky pipeline leak is expected in the coming weeks.
To date, 80 per cent of oil has been recovered from the spill.
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