A Nova Gas Transmission 12-inch-diameter gathering line explodedSept. 2, causing a fire that injured a pipeline employee. Theemployee was treated and released. The rupture, which occurred onthe northwestern part of Nova’s Alberta pipeline system about 60miles north of Fairview, AB also forced the curtailment of about 50MMcf/d of gas.

Partial service was restored on the NPS 12 Worlsey Lateral earlylast Tuesday morning with about 28 MMcf/d of gas returning toservice. Restoration allowed for the Slims Lake and McLean Creekproduction facilities to be brought back online. The remainingfacilities will remain out of service for an indefinite period, aspokesman said.

As a result of the rupture, Nova was required to isolatesections of the Worsley Lateral and the Worsley Lateral Extension,and to shut in the following production facilities: Worsley East,Ray Lake West, Running Lake, Ray Lake South, Slims Lake and McLeanCreek.

The pipeline was unable to meet some of its transportationobligations as a result of the rupture and declared force majeure.The cause of the rupture and subsequent explosion and fire is notyet known and no estimate of damage is available.

Rocco Canonica

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