EnCana Hit Again Near Pouce Coupe

By 250 News

Dawson Creek, B.C. - RCMP confirm that early on July 4, 2009, between 2:00 am and 3:00 am, a 6th bombing against a natural gas pipeline infrastructure occurred at an EnCana site. The latest, which was in the immediate vicinity of the most recent blast on July 1st, 2009. The last two bombings occurring, near Pouce Coupe approximately eight kilometers south of Dawson Creek. There were no injuries to residents or EnCana staff.

The RCMP were alerted after receiving a report from a concerned resident in the area, stating that a loud bang had just been heard. EnCana security and site workers who were working nearby on the previously damaged wellhead from July 1st, , were within a kilometer and also heard the blast. Immediate attendance was made by both the RCMP and EnCana. EnCana activated its emergency response plan for the site to ensure the public safety and that of the EnCana workers and RCMP members in attendance. RCMP officers at the scene confirmed that the incident was a result of a blast.

“ EnCana has advised us of the following technical information:” stated Cpl Moskaluk:

That the explosion hit a section of pipe, causing a leak and escape of gas. Due to the drop in line pressure at the time of the explosion, the safety valves on the pipeline immediately shut in the line, isolating the damaged section and the leak stopped. There was no harm to workers, the public or the environment. The natural gas flowing through this line is slightly sour – containing a very small amount of hydrogen sulphide – approximately 0.07 percent. Air monitoring equipment was placed at the nearest residence, about 2.5 kilometres from the site of the leak, and no sour gas has been detected in the air. No evacuation was required as the leak was stopped and area contained for insurance public safety.

 “The elements of this incident thus far, are consistent with the previous blast sites and the RCMP considers this latest bombing linked to the others. This does change the dynamics of the events in certain terms, the main being our heightened concern for public safety, given that this explosion went off in close proximity of working crews and within a couple of kilometers of a populated rural area.

In regards to the investigation, we were able to respond to this latest blast very quickly, this made possible by receiving the immediate public report of suspicious activity. Rapid response permits us to conduct a forensic examination of a fresher scene before natural elements or human contact disturbs or eradicates evidence, greatly increasing the scope and success of the collection of fresh physical evidence. Supplemental resources are headed to and have arrived in Dawson Creek today July 4th in order to further bolster the resources already in place. The RCMP “E” Division Integrated National Security Enforcement Team INSET will continue to be assisted by the RCMP Forensic Ident Section, with the RCMP post blast forensic examination team, Police Dog Service teams and explosive disposal team mustering today.

 In order to bolster current resources at the Dawson Creek Detachment itself, to conduct expanded rural patrol and coverage, two additional Constable positions have been allocated to the detachment strength”, stated Cpl Moskaluk. 

“We are greatly encouraged by the quick response from the public in this latest incident with the receipt of an unsolicited report. Nearby residents also wasted no time after hearing the blast and noting police and EnCana staff responding generating a self initiated evacuation of the area of a small number of residents. We are thankful, that the community took this cautious step which again displays the horrible stress that those responsible for these criminal acts are inflicting on the Communities of Pouce Coupe and Dawson Creek”.

If anyone one has any information in regards to this latest incident or the previous, that may be an interest to investigators, we ask them to please contact the dedicated tip line at 1-866-994-7473, your local police services, the Dawson Creek RCMP at 250-784-3700 or Crimestoppers 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or go to www.dawsoncreekbombings.com.

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