The government of Manitoba is working to lessen the potential impact on the province’s economy after Imperial Oil Ltd. announced it has temporarily stopped a pipeline that provides gasoline, diesel and jet fuel to Winnipeg and the surrounding area.
The province announced that the pipeline runs between Gretna, Man., at the U.S. border, and Winnipeg, and it stated that Imperial decided to shut it down for repairs after proactive inspections found integrity concerns in a section of pipe just south of St. Adolphe, Man.
The pipeline was not compromised and no materials were spilled into the environment, according to the news release.
Imperial stated that the unplanned maintenance work involves replacing a section of the pipeline that is located under the Red River south of Winnipeg.
As a result of the work, the line will be out of service for about three months, according to the company.
Petroleum Bulletin #1: Incident Command Activated in Response to Pipeline Maintenance https://t.co/pxrlbGNby9 pic.twitter.com/DXfRUsmIvo
— Manitoba Gov News (@MBGovNews) March 17, 2024
The province has formed a “supplier table” with Manitoba’s largest fuel suppliers to help manage the fuel supply being brought into the province.
The province’s release on Sunday afternoon stated that the industry partners are using their extensive supply networks to minimize customer and end-user impacts by maintaining Manitoba’s fuel supply through other methods such as rail and truck.
It also mentioned that the government will oversee the repair work to ensure all precautions are taken to protect the surrounding environment.
Imperial also said that in addition to using trucks and rail, they are identifying alternative terminal locations where customers can pick up their products, including at the terminal in Gretna, which is still connected to the pipeline supply.
Imperial’s news release stated, “We sincerely regret the inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers and the community.”
Imperial's priority is the integrity of the pipeline and ensuring the continued protection of people and the environment, while minimizing disruption to customers and the local economy.
