TransCanada’s Nova Buffalo West natural gas pipeline violently explodes near Wabasca AB Oct 17 2013
One year ago today, TransCanada’s Nova Buffalo West natural gas pipeline violently exploded near Wabasca AB. The company has had four more catastrophic pipeline failures since then causing the evacuation of hundreds of people and cutting off natural gas supplies to business and communities in the depths of winter.
TransCanada has had more ruptures than any other pipeline company according to National Energy Board statistics.
The five ruptures occurred on both recently built pipelines and pipelines that are up to 40 years old which raises serious questions about TransCanada’s ability to safely build and maintain pipelines.
“ I found that TransCanada had a culture of non-compliance, deeply entrenched business practices that ignored legally required regulations and codes. What I have documented is a mix of politics and commercial interests that has resulted in the false public claims of exceptional industry practice.”Former TransCanada engineer Evan Vokes’ testimony before THE STANDING SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, THE ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES- June 6th 2013
Now, TransCanada is seeking approval to build the largest pipeline in North America. Their proposed “Energy East” pipeline would carry 1.1 million barrels of crude per day, including crude from the tar sands. TransCanada would convert its up to 40 year-old natural gas pipeline from Saskatchewan to Ontario, connecting it with new pipeline through Quebec and on to Saint John, New Brunswick. The 4,400 kilometre pipeline is expected to lead to massive tanker exports from the Atlantic coast to send crude to the much larger and more profitable markets of Europe, India, China and the U.S
Click here to watch Energy East 101, a four-minute video giving a comprehensive background on the controversial Energy East pipeline narrated by Maude Barlow, author and national chairperson of the Council of Canadians.
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