Chris Teichreb provides a summary of the Plains Pipeline spill in the Red Deer River, June 7, 2012. The response over June 7 and 8 was made during spring flood flows. Gleniffer Lake was the first spot along the river where catch booms could work in the flood waters. One factor in the pipeline break was that 0.3 metres below the riverbed was the old requirement for pipeline bury below rivers. The braided channel at the break location also was highly erodible at flood stage. Water quality sampling began on June 8.
Floating oil was stopped by the booms at Gleniffer Lake. Dissolved product moved beyond the booms. Some hydrocarbons (toluene) were found above guideline levels for protection of aquatic life. Drinking water treatment plants found the hydrocarbons were below drinking water guidelines. But drinking water plants were not effective in removing hydrocarbons. So there is a question of preparedness for hydrocarbon pollution events and drinking water treatment. Chris also describes the follow-up monitoring and replacement of pipeline crossings.
Chris Teichreb is a limnologist with Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development. His presentation was part of the CWRA/WPAC Joint Conference, Red Deer, Alberta, March 13-14, 2013.
