Social licence for oil & gas industry slipping? AER to the rescue, lays charges against Apache. How many criminal charges would Encana get if AER & Alberta Environment looked under their cover-up hood?

For immediate release

Charges have been laid against Apache Canada Ltd. for the January 21, 2014, pipeline spill near Whitecourt, Alberta. The company faces a maximum penalty of $2.5 million.

Apache has been charged with five counts for contraventions of the Pipeline Act, and the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.

The charges follow a January 21, 2014, pipeline spill of approximately 1 900 m³ of produced water into a nearby creek about 40 km northwest of Whitecourt. The first court appearance is scheduled for February 9, 2016, in Whitecourt.

This is the third penalty in the past seven months that the AER has issued against Apache for pipeline spills. In October 2015, charges were laid against Apache for a pipeline spill approximately 33 km from Zama City that occurred in the fall of 2013. And on July 7, 2015, the AER directed Apache to address issues with its pipeline integrity management system. The fine and four orders were a result of an AER investigation into the company for its failure to follow provincial legislation and AER requirements.

The Alberta Energy Regulator ensures the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of hydrocarbon resources over their entire life cycle. This includes allocating and conserving water resources, managing public lands, and protecting the environment while providing economic benefits for all Albertans.

Backgrounder: Apache pipeline spill and AER investigation process

FOR BROADCAST USE

Charges have been laid against Apache Canada Ltd. for the January 21, 2014, pipeline spill near Whitecourt, Alberta. The company faces a maximum penalty of $2.5 million. First appearance is scheduled for February 9, 2016.

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For more information, please contact:

Tracie Moore, AER Office of Public Affairs
Phone: 403-297-2833
E-mail: email hidden; JavaScript is required
Media line: 1-855-474-6356

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[Refer also to:

2015 07 08: What’s AER Chair, Ex-Encana-VP Protti going to fine Encana for fracing Alberta drinking water supplies? $16K fine for 2013 Apache pipeline spill not even a slap on wrist; Why is AER suddenly spurred into waving? Trying to look like a regulator?

“Best in Class” AER: Shut the frack up!

2016 01 15: Is AER a regulator or abusive enabler of deadly harm? ]