No Link Between Garbage Can Blast and Encana

By 250 News

DAWSON CREEK — A recent explosion in BC’s Peace region does not appear to be related to a string of blasts targeting natural gas infrastructure last year.

As the investigation into the blasts continues, the RCMP would like to reassure the public that the garbage can explosion that occurred on June 11 near Pouce Coupe does not appear to be related to the blasts which occurred late in 2008 and early 2009.

“By all appearances the two do not appear to be linked. We recognize that there is still significant concern regarding the blasts, but we are treating the garbage can explosion as a completely separate incident that unfortunately occurred where tensions are high,” says Sgt Tim Shields, “E” Division Media Relations.

The investigation into the infrastructure blasts has been exhaustive and remains a priority for the RCMP and, specifically, the RCMP National Security Criminal Investigations program, confirms Sgt Shields. To date over 300 tips have been investigated; over 1400 exhibits have been collected; close to 20 judicial authorizations have been obtained; over 450 people have been interviewed; and over 250 investigators have been involved in the investigation which has spanned Northern BC, Alberta, Vancouver Island, Central and Eastern Canada as well the United States where inquiries were made with American law enforcement.

RCMP investigators have been unable to determine if 85 sticks of Dyno Nobel “Vibrogel” and 24 blasting caps with detonation cords stolen on July 18, 2008, from a seismic drilling site near Gwilliam Lake south of Chetwynd, BC, were used on the infrastructure explosions.

“Due to the nature of the detonations we have not been able to rule out or confirm whether the two events are linked,” says Sgt Shields. “The Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) has taken conduct of the Vibrogel theft investigation with the objective of locating the explosives due to the threat to public safety.”

RCMP investigators are still seeking tips from the public, and a $500,000 reward remains available through EnCana. If you have any information about these explosions please contact your local police or call the dedicated tip line at 1-866-994-7473.

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