Alberta Energy Regulator Responding to PennWest Pipeline Release Near Red Earth

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - June 21, 2013) - The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is responding to a pipeline failure near Red Earth, AB. The failure has resulted in the release of produced water into a nearby unnamed wetland.

The pipeline is operated by PennWest Petroleum, has been shut in and isolated. There were no injuries as a result of the incident. PennWest has estimated that volumes released are between 400 and 600 m3. The AER has not confirmed these volumes.

All information is preliminary and may be changed as updates are available.

During an incident, the AER works with the company, local authority, and other provincial agencies to coordinate efficient and effective response by all parties involved. The AER expects the responsible party to respond immediately and effectively to all energy incidents and to limit impacts to the public, property, and the environment. The AER will hold the responsible party accountable for the incident and its impacts.

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.