Natural gas has been flowing through the Brunswick Pipeline since July 11, 2009 as the Canaport® LNG facility began operations. Although commissioning of the pipeline facilities has gone very well, Brunswick Pipeline has experienced a few small escapes of odorized natural gas at the Red Head meter station. It is not uncommon to have minor mechanical issues during the start-up of a new facility.
Several threaded fittings have or are leaking small amounts of odorized gas, which some Red Head residents have noticed. The first small leak was repaired during the evening of July 22, 2009, and a subsequent inspection of the entire facility located two others which have developed since July 22. It is important to note that none of these leaks affect the safety or integrity of the pipeline facilities.
Replacement of several threaded fittings is required to complete the repairs, which can only take place when natural gas is not flowing. Working with the Canaport LNG terminal operations team, we have identified a twelve-hour period this Saturday, August 1, 2009 as the date that we will affect the repair. Activities will include:
• evacuating odorized natural gas from a portion of the meter station piping;
• flaring the majority of the evacuated gas using a short flare stack, under ten feet in height, and
• replacing the threaded fittings.
Depending on weather conditions and how close a person or residence is to the Red Head meter station near the Canaport terminal, they may smell a “rotten egg” odour as work is carried out. Work will be completed by experienced technicians. There will be no danger to the public or to staff.
Residents with questions are asked to contact Brunswick Pipeline Operations by leaving a message on our toll-free phone line, 1-888-410-2220. The call will be returned to answer questions and address any concerns.
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About Brunswick Pipeline
Brunswick Pipeline is a wholly owned subsidiary of Emera Inc. (EMA-TSX) an energy company based here in the Maritimes. We are proud to support the addition of a new and abundant supply of clean-burning natural gas in our region. Brunswick Pipeline will deliver natural gas from the CanaportTM Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) receiving and re-gasification terminal near Saint John, New Brunswick to markets in Canada and the US northeast. The 145 kilometer pipeline extends through southwest New Brunswick to an interconnection with the Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline at the Canada/US border near St. Stephen, New Brunswick. Maritimes and Northeast Pipeline has been contracted to operate the Brunswick Pipeline. Visit Brunswick Pipeline’s website at www.brunswickpipeline.com.
Media Contact:
Susan Harris
Community Relations Manager
Brunswick Pipeline
506 693-4214
Cell: 506 654-3065
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