The Canadian Energy Regulator (CER) said in a statement posted on its website Tuesday that it is monitoring the impact of the ongoing wildfires on its regulated facilities.
“We are aware of some companies that have scaled back their operations in Alberta and will follow up with them as necessary,” CER said in the statement.
“Most pipelines regulated by CER are underground, which puts them at lower risk of fire. The pipelines are designed so that they can be quickly shut down in sections if a fire approaches,” added CER.
The CER notes on its site that it works to keep power moving safely across the country. The organization regulates pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest, its position highlights.
As of 5 p.m. local time on May 9, there were 82 active wildfires in the Alberta Forest Protection Area, according to the latest wildfire update posted on the Alberta government website. Of those fires, 24 were classified as out of control, 19 were being held and were not expected to grow beyond predicted limits and 39 were under control, according to the update.
Although evacuation orders have been lifted for some areas, thousands remain evacuated from northern and central Alberta communities, according to the latest update.
In a statement released today on her Twitter page, Alberta United Conservative Party Leader Danielle Smith said “the wildfire situation remains serious.”
“I recently checked on operations at the command center and also met with municipal and Indigenous leaders across Alberta. I thank all the officials, firefighters, civil servants and support staff for their coordinated effort. We will get through this,” he added Smith in the statement.
The forest fire situation is still serious.
I recently checked on the operations of the command center and also met with municipal and indigenous leaders in Alberta.
I thank all the officials, firefighters, civil servants and support staff for their coordinated effort.
We… pic.twitter.com/lI4HXKghbm— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) May 10, 2023
In a statement posted on his Twitter page on May 8, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he had spoken with Smith about the wildfire situation in Alberta.
“We are working together to make sure everyone affected gets the assistance they need,” he said in the statement.
“The federal government will continue to work with provincial officials, with municipalities and with Indigenous communities to support people in any way we can. Please stay safe, everyone,” he added.
I spoke to Premier @ABDanielleSmith today on the wildfire situation in Alberta. We are working together to ensure that everyone affected gets the assistance they need. The federal government will continue to work with provincial officials, with municipalities and with indigenous…
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 8, 2023
Reaction of the energy company
Several Canadian energy companies have responded to the wildfiresincluding Canadian Natural Resources Limited, TC Energy, Cenovus Energy, Crescent Point Energy and Vermilion Energy.
Pembina Pipeline Corporation also noted Monday that wildfires in Alberta and BC have led to evacuation orders in several areas where Pembina has operations.
“Our priority is the health and safety of our people, affected communities and the environment,” the company said in a statement posted on its site.
“Pembina has all of our employees and contractors in the affected areas, and we are working to ensure they stay safe and receive the support they need. Our thoughts are with all affected communities during this difficult time,” added the company
“We are assessing current and anticipated operational impacts and, as part of our emergency response procedures, are working with all appropriate authorities to ensure the necessary protocols are in place to mitigate risks,” the company continued.
Pembina disclosed in the statement that its Saturn I and II gas plants at the Saturn complex north of Hinton, Alberta, and the Duvernay complex west of Fox Creek, Alberta, were shut down. These have a combined processing capacity of 443 million net cubic feet per day at Pembina, the company noted. Several related pumping stations, gathering systems and other supporting infrastructure are also closed, the company said.
The Wapiti Gas Plant, the KA Plant, and the K3 Plant, as well as the Peace Pipeline System’s 20-inch line from Fox Creek, Alberta, to Edmonton, Alberta, were also temporarily shut down, although these assets were ‘have rebooted safely, the company revealed.
“As of today, Pembina is not aware of any material damage to its assets,” the company said in the statement.
“We continue to monitor this dynamic situation closely and as soon as it is safe to do so, operators will begin accessing the other affected sites and implementing a phased restart plan for the affected assets,” Pembina added.
Pipestone Energy Corp. also disclosed Monday that its operations in the Grande Prairie area were being affected by the wildfires.
“As a result of the precautionary shutdown of certain operated production locations and third-party infrastructure, approximately 20,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day of production have been temporarily curtailed since the afternoon of May 5,” said the company in a published statement. in place
“The company is not aware of any significant damage or loss to its own or third-party infrastructure. While the timing remains uncertain, Pipestone is prepared to restart production as soon as the currently closed third-party infrastructure is restarted.” , Pipestone added in the statement.
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