Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Husky Energy pays City of Prince Albert in Saskatchewan $5 million to cover pipeline spill costs

By Nicolas Torres -
August 16, 2016

Husky Energy has given a city in the province of Saskatchewan a $5 million payment to begin covering costs related to a July pipeline spill.

The City of Prince Albert said in a statement on Tuesday that it received $5 million as part of a payment installation plan to cover direct costs and indirect losses the city has incurred from the pipeline spill.

The City of Prince Albert was forced to shut the intake at its water treatment plant in late July after a Husky Energy pipeline released oil and dliutent into the North Saskatchewan River.

The city also installed two temporary water pipelines after the spill.

The city said on Monday that the spill left it “scrambling to find alternative water sources and footing the bill for two temporary water pipelines to continue to provide water to the residents of the city.”

The funds will also cover losses in revenue caused by the spill such as a loss in water revenue, the temporary closing of several city facilities and paying additional staffing costs during the crisis.

The city deposited the funds into a dedicated bank account that was opened for receiving and paying out bills directly related to the oil spill.

The city has invoiced around $2.5 million to Husky Energy to date.

The city added that it’s expecting over $2 million per month in costs to maintain the operation of its two temporary water pipelines until the North Saskatchewan River is cleared for potable water consumption.

The city did not disclose further information about potential future payments.

“Husky Energy had promised from the onset that they would take full responsibility for the oil spill and pay all associated costs, and this payment is a good indicator that they are delivering on that promise,” City of Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne said on Monday.

Husky Energy confirmed last month that the pipeline released between 200 to 250 cubic meter of fluid.

The company said on Monday that shoreline cleanup is ongoing and that water sampling and analysis is continuing.

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Second Saskatchewan city shuts down water intake after Husky Energy oil spill

The Canadian Press | July 25, 2016 1:36 PM ET

Canadian Press/Jason FransonCrews work to clean up an oil spill on the North Saskatchewan river near Maidstone after between 200,000 and 250,000 litres of crude oil and other material leaked into the river on Thursday from a Husky Energy pipeline.

PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. — The sighting of an oily sheen on the North Saskatchewan River from last week’s Husky Energy pipeline leak has prompted the City of Prince Albert to shut down the intake at its water treatment plant.

City manager Jim Toye said the slick was spotted near the Saskatchewan community of more than 35,000 shortly after 6:00 a.m. Monday.

“Right now, we are not receiving any water into our plant from the North Saskatchewan River.”

Toye said the city’s reservoirs had a two-day supply of water and the city could get permission from Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency to tap its storm retention pond for treatment and distribution.

That would add another four to five days worth of water.

Work was already underway to lay out a temporary pipeline stretching upwards of 30 kilometres to draw water from the South Saskatchewan River, should the water emergency continue for a much longer period. It was hoped work on the line could be completed within the next two days.

Prince Albert city council was also holding a special meeting Monday to discuss what Toye called “drastic” water conservation measures that would include no watering of private lawns, golf courses, city parks and water fun parks.

Car washes, laundromats and any other businesses that consume high volumes of water would also be closed. Toye pointed out that anyone caught breaking the rules would face a $1,000 fine.

“We need a deterrent. This is a very serious situation,” said Toye. “We don’t want anyone thinking this doesn’t apply to them.”

North Battleford, which is further upstream on the river, shut off its water supply intakes on Friday and is relying on a limited supply from wells.

The oil pipeline that leaked near Maidstone, Sask., last Thursday runs from Husky’s heavy oil operations to its facilities in Lloydminster and carries oil mixed with a lighter hydrocarbon, called a diluent, that’s added to ease the flow. Between 200,000 and 250,000 litres escaped.

Husky has been working since last week to clean up the spill. But Wes Kotyk with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment said Sunday that about 100,000 litres had been collected so far.

Kotyk also said officials don’t know how long the cleanup could take, since the plume of the spill has broken up and slicks can get hung up on bends and take time to move along the river. Environment and Climate Change Canada was to use aerial surveillance to help build a model to determine the spill’s impact.

Kotyk also said Sunday that three birds are confirmed to have been affected. He said Husky has established a program for recovery with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan.

Jan Shadick of Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation said three birds were brought to them on Saturday coated in oil. She said one died and the other two are recovering.
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Saskatchewan Pipeline Incident Updates

Husky is responding to a pipeline incident in Saskatchewan. Our primary focus continues to be the safety of the public and the protection of the environment.
A toll-free line has been set up for claims, and a team is standing by to assist with questions and to help people through the process. The number is 1-844-461-7991. People can also email: info@braemar.com.
Anyone encountering an impacted animal or bird should call Husky’s 24-hour emergency line at: 1-877-262-2111.
For regular updates, follow us on Twitter: @HuskyEnergyInc

August 15

Shoreline cleanup is ongoing and uses several techniques, including low pressure washing and vegetation trimming and raking.
Cleanup of the primary focus area is steadily progressing in Division 1, with approximately 28 percent of the shoreline cleaned.
Water sampling and analysis is continuing.
Focus Wildlife has rehabilitated and released an additional two birds, for a total of 17 animals.
An insurance clinic was held in North Battleford on Aug. 12 and 13 to facilitate claims.

August 12

North Battleford Claims Clinic
Clinics are being hosted Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:
Don Ross Centre (enter through Door 4)
891 99th St.
We will be taking appointments online and seeing people on a drop-in basis, however those waiting times may vary. Tea and coffee will be available.
In order to process your claim, please bring suitable evidence such as receipts/invoices for the costs incurred (copies are acceptable). In addition, please bring banking details, including: bank name and address, branch number, transit number, account number, SWIFT Code. A blank/void cheque will also suffice.

August 11

Water Quality Evaluation Update – Aquatic Life
This update and map are posted on behalf of a technical expert working group providing scientific analysis of water quality.
The technical working group includes engineers, environmental specialists, toxicologists, biologists and public health specialists representing the Ministry of Environment of the Province of Saskatchewan, Husky Energy, Matrix Solutions Inc., and the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health, LLC (CTEH).
Water sampling is ongoing and recommendations will be forthcoming as the final assessment is completed. The Water Security Agency has initiated an independent sampling program.
North Battleford Claims Clinic
Clinics are being hosted Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:
Don Ross Centre (entre through Door 4)
891 99th St.
We will be taking appointments online and seeing people on a drop-in basis, however those waiting times may vary. Tea and coffee will be available.
In order to process your claim, please bring suitable evidence such as receipts/invoices for the costs incurred (copies are acceptable). In addition, please bring banking details, including: bank name and address, branch number, transit number, account number, SWIFT Code. A blank/void cheque will also suffice.

August 9

Shoreline assessment is continuing, with almost 50 kilometres assessed to date.
Cleanup, including high pressure washing and some vegetation removal using whipper snipper-like devices and raking, is making steady progress.
Twelve booms are deployed on the river. An additional 35 check booms are in place to further support cleaning operations.
Water monitoring and testing is ongoing, and subsurface oil detection devices are in place.
Wildlife, amphibian and bird deterrents have been deployed. These include placement of pennant flagging, wildlife and amphibian fencing, aural deterrents and human, eagle and coyote figures.

Husky continues to support the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan and its partners. Anyone encountering an impacted animal or bird should call the 24-hour emergency line at: 1-877-262-2111.
The toll-free line for claims is 1-844-461-7991 or email info@braemar.com.

August 8

Eleven booms are deployed on the river.
An additional 35 check booms are in place to further support cleaning operations.
Aerial and shoreline surveillance is continuing to support the ongoing shoreline assessment process.
Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (SCAT) is continuing.
Water monitoring and testing is ongoing. Subsurface oil detection devices are in place.
Wildlife, amphibian and bird deterrents have been deployed. These include placement of pennant flagging, wildlife and amphibian fencing, aural deterrents and human, eagle and coyote figures.

August 7

Eleven booms are deployed on the river.
An additional 35 check booms are in place to further support cleaning operations.
42 boats are involved in sampling and cleanup of the shoreline and islands.
Aerial and shoreline surveillance is continuing to support the ongoing shoreline assessment process.
Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (SCAT) is continuing.
Water monitoring and testing is ongoing. Subsurface oil detection devices are in place.
Wildlife, amphibian and bird deterrents have been deployed. These include placement of pennant flagging, wildlife and amphibian fencing, aural deterrents and human, eagle and coyote figures.
Focus Wildlife Canada has rehabilitated and released five waterfowl.

August 6

Eleven booms are deployed on the river (ten booms are in place between the point of entry and Highway 21, approximately 18 kilometres).
An additional 35 check booms are in place to support active shoreline cleaning operations.
Over 40 boats are involved in cleanup of the shoreline and islands.
Aerial and shoreline surveillance continues to support Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (SCAT) activities.
Water monitoring and testing is ongoing. Subsurface oil detection devices are in place.
Wildlife, amphibian and bird deterrents have been deployed. These include effective placement of pennant flagging, wildlife and amphibian fencing, aural deterrents and human, eagle and coyote figures.
Prince Albert public insurance clinic continues through August 6 to facilitate claims. An additional two public clinics are planned in North Battleford on August 12-13.

August 5

Eleven booms are deployed on the river (ten booms are in place between the point of entry and Highway 21, approximately 18 kilometres).
An additional 22 temporary booms are in place to further support cleaning operations.
About 40 boats are involved in cleanup of the shoreline and islands.
Aerial and shoreline surveillance is continuing to support the ongoing shoreline assessment process.
Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (SCAT) is continuing with preliminary work underway in the North Battleford area.
Water monitoring and testing is ongoing. Subsurface oil detection devices are in place.
Wildlife, amphibian and bird deterrents have been deployed. These include effective placement of pennant flagging, wildlife and amphibian fencing, aural deterrents and human, eagle and coyote figures.
Two insurance clinics will be offered in Prince Albert on August 5-6 to facilitate claims. An additional two clinics are planned in North Battleford on August 12-13.

August 4

Eleven booms are deployed on the river (ten booms are in place between the point of entry and Highway 21, approximately 18 kilometres).
Shoreline booms continue to be placed during ongoing cleanup so as to contain any oil.
Shoreline cleanup is ongoing, and island cleanup continues.
Information is being collected beyond Highway 21 to assess shoreline cleanup requirements; 41 kilometres of shoreline has been assessed to date.
Water monitoring and testing is ongoing.
Wildlife deterrents have been placed along approximately 30 kilometres of shoreline downstream from the point of entry.

August 3

WATER QUALITY EVALUATION UPDATE
This update and accompanying map are posted on behalf of a technical expert working group providing scientific analysis of water quality.
The technical working group includes engineers, environmental specialists, toxicologists, and public health specialists representing the Ministry of Environment of the Province of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Water Security Agency, Health Canada, Husky Energy, Matrix Solutions Inc., and the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health, LLC (CTEH).
Water sampling is ongoing and recommendations will be forthcoming as the final assessment is completed. The Water Security Agency has initiated an independent sampling program and will be doing more in the coming days.
1:30 PM

Eleven booms are deployed on the river (ten booms are in place between the point of entry and Highway 21, approximately 18 kilometres).
Shoreline booms continue to be placed during ongoing cleanup so as to contain any oil.
Approximately nine kilometres of shoreline, including islands, has been cleaned.
Information is being collected beyond Highway 21 to assess shoreline cleanup requirements.
Water monitoring and testing is ongoing.
Wildlife deterrents have been placed along approximately 30 kilometres of shoreline downstream from the point of entry.

August 2

Eleven booms are deployed on the river (ten booms are in place between the point of entry and Highway 21, approximately 18 kilometres).
Shoreline booms continue to be placed during ongoing cleanup so as to contain any oil.
Approximately nine kilometres of the shoreline has been cleaned.
Information is being collected beyond Highway 21 to assess shoreline cleanup requirements.
The results of comprehensive monitoring and water sampling are being analyzed by a team of experts.
Wildlife deterrents have been placed along approximately 30 kilometres of shoreline downstream from the point of entry.

August 1

Eleven booms are on the river to contain the oil so it can be recovered. (Ten booms are in place between the point of entry and Highway 21.)
Booms continue to be placed as necessary.
Approximately seven kilometres of the initial shoreline cleanup is complete.
Data collection for the Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (SCAT) analysis continues beyond Highway 21.
The results of comprehensive monitoring and water sampling are being analyzed by a team of experts.

We continue to support the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan and its partners. Anyone encountering an impacted animal or bird should call Husky’s 24-hour emergency line at: 1-877-262-2111.
The toll-free line for claims is 1-844-461-7991 or email info@braemar.com.

July 31

We continue to work closely with all levels of government and downstream communities as we respond to this event.

About 95 percent of the initial phase of the Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (SCAT) analysis has been completed from the point of entry to Highway 21. Data collection has moved beyond Highway 21.
Approximately seven kilometres of the initial shoreline cleanup is complete from the point of entry towards Highway 21.
Surveillance of the river and the shoreline is continuing.
Twelve booms are on the river to help contain the oil so it can be recovered. Crews and equipment are collecting oil trapped by the booms.
The results of comprehensive monitoring and water sampling are being analyzed by a team of experts.

July 30

We continue to work closely with all levels of government and downstream communities as we respond to this event.

About 95 percent of the initial phase of the Shoreline Cleanup and Assessment Technique (SCAT) analysis has been completed from the point of entry to Highway 21.
Approximately six kilometres of the initial cleanup is complete from the point of entry towards Highway 21.
Surveillance of the river and the shoreline is continuing.
Eleven booms are on the river to help contain the oil so it can be recovered. Crews and equipment are collecting oil trapped by the booms.
About 70 boats are on the river today.
The results of comprehensive monitoring and water sampling are being analyzed by a team of experts.

July 29

We continue to work closely with all levels of government and downstream communities as we respond to this event.

Shoreline cleanup is underway.
Ten booms are on the river to help contain the oil so it can be recovered. This is part of a larger strategy of containment and recovery.
Crews and equipment are collecting oil trapped by the booms.
Comprehensive monitoring and water sampling continues, with results being analyzed by a team of experts.
Surveillance of the river and the shoreline is ongoing.
We continue to support the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan and its partners.

Anyone encountering an impacted animal or bird should call Husky’s 24-hour emergency line at: 1-877-262-2111.
The toll-free line for claims is 1-844-461-7991 or email info@braemar.com.

July 28

Our response to this event continues, with a focus on assisting all affected communities, and advancing the cleanup.

We continue to work closely with all levels of government and are actively engaging with First Nations and downstream communities.
Ten booms are installed on the river to help contain the oil in place so it can be recovered. This is part of a larger strategy of containment and recovery that will take place in the days ahead.
Surveillance of the river and the shoreline continues, as well as water monitoring and sampling.
Water-based hydrovacs and boats are collecting oil trapped by booms.
We continue to support the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan and its partners.

Anyone encountering an impacted animal or bird should call Husky’s 24-hour emergency line at: 1-877-262-2111.
The toll-free line for claims is 1-844-461-7991 or email info@braemar.com.

July 27

As we move forward with our response, our priorities continue to be assisting all affected communities and progressing the cleanup.
“In addition to Husky personnel, we have more than four hundred people on the ground, including experts involved in cleanup operations,” said Chief Operating Officer Rob Peabody. “We realize this has impacted people, businesses and communities, and have established a toll-free line for claims. A team is standing by to help people through the process.”
If you have a claim, call 1-844-461-7991 or email info@braemar.com.

We continue to work closely with all levels of government and are actively engaging with First Nations and downstream communities.
Nine booms have been installed on the river to help contain the oil in place so it can be recovered. This is part of a larger strategy of containment and recovery that will take place in the days ahead.
Water-based hydrovacs and boats are collecting oil trapped by booms.
Surveillance by air, land and on the water continues, as well as water monitoring and sampling.
Deterrent devices, including flagging, are being used to keep wildlife away from the shoreline.
We continue to support the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan and its partners.
Anyone encountering an impacted animal or bird should call Husky’s 24-hour emergency line at: 1-877-262-2111.

A full and thorough investigation is now underway, in active cooperation with the relevant authorities. Husky is committed to working openly and transparently through the process.

July 26 - 3:15 PM

We would like to provide further detail and clarification regarding our initial report (IRIS) filed with the Saskatchewan government this morning and the sequence of events.
The following is the currently understood sequence of events leading up to the identification of the release.

On Wednesday, July 20 at approximately 8 p.m. the pipeline monitoring system indicated pressure anomalies as several segments of the pipeline system were being returned to service. This is common during startup operations.
As per our normal procedures when we note such anomalies, we immediately began reviewing data and operating characteristics.
As a precaution, crews were dispatched along the gathering system and did not identify a leak.
As a further precaution, aerial surveillance was also organized overnight to fly the length of the pipeline at the first available daytime opportunity.
As our analysis continued through the night, we decided as a further precaution to start safe shutdown procedures at about 6 a.m. The valves on either side of the river shut in automatically as a part of the shutdown procedures.
Subsequently, on Thursday morning we received reports regarding a sheen on the river.
Also on Thursday morning we initiated our emergency response plan and dispatched crews to site.
Based on the industry-standard SCADA system which we use to monitor the pipeline, we confirmed the released volume was between 200-250 cubic metres.

Husky is committed to completing a full and thorough investigation, in active cooperation with the relevant authorities.

July 26

As we move forward with our response, we have taken action to help the people, businesses and communities that have been affected by the incident.
A toll-free line has been set up for claims, and a team is standing by to assist with questions and to help people through the process.
The number is 1-844-461-7991. People can also email: info@braemar.com.
We continue to work closely and coordinate efforts with all levels of government, First Nations and with downstream communities and our neighbours.
We can provide the following progress update:

Our clean-up efforts are continuing on the 20 kilometres of river immediately downstream of the release.
Booms have also been installed in the area. This is part of a larger strategy of containment and recovery that will take place in the days and weeks ahead.
Deterrent devices, including flagging, are being used to keep wildlife away from the shoreline.
Surveillance by air, land and on water continues, as does water monitoring and sampling.

July 25

Shoreline cleanup is underway near the pipeline site, starting along the first 20 km stretch
Deterrent devices, including flagging, are being used to keep wildlife from the shoreline and river and wildlife monitoring continues
Husky is providing the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan and its partners with assistance and support
Anyone encountering an impacted animal or bird should call Husky’s 24-hour emergency line at: 1-877-262-2111

July 24

Cleanup at the pipeline site is complete
Containment booms are in place:
- Two booms at the City of North Battleford; with one at the water intake
- About 50 km downstream from North Battleford
- Near the Paynton ferry crossing
- At the water intake at the City of Prince Albert
Assessment of additional booms and recovery actions continue
Surveillance by air, ground and on the water continues
Discussions and coordination with all levels of government continues, including downstream communities and our neighbours
Water monitoring and sample testing programs remain in place
Three birds impacted by the release were recovered near the initial spill site on Saturday, and are now with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan. One has died.
Husky is providing the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Saskatchewan with assistance and support.
Anyone encountering an impacted animal or bird should call Husky’s 24-hour emergency line at: 1-877-262-2111.

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MEC&F Expert Engineers

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Husky Energy pays City of Prince Albert in Saskatchewan $5 million to cover pipeline spill costs

Saskatchewan Pipeline Incident Updates

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