Enbridge Fined $2.4 Million for Safety Violations in 2007; Still No Restart Plan for Enbridge Pipeline That Ruptured in Michigan

摘要

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) assessed Enbridge Energy Partners LP a $2.4 million civil penalty on 8/17/10 for three-year-old violations of pipeline safety regulations on the same Lakehead pipeline system that experienced a rupture just last month. Lakehead transports light synthetics, heavy and medium crude oil. On 11/28/07 two Enbridge employees were killed when repairs to a segment of pipe in Clearbrook, Minn., caused leaking crude oil to ignite. Enbridge must revise and implement certain pipeline maintenance and repair procedures in addition to training and re-qualifying its employees. Civil penalties must be paid within 20 days unless an operator files a petition for reconsideration, which PHMSA may grant or deny without further proceedings.