Alberta plans to broaden a safety review of its vast energy-pipeline network to include input from the public.
The province's energy regulator hired a firm in September to conduct a technical review of pipeline safety, spil-response plans and the security of pipelines that cross water.
Energy Minister Ken Hughes says after that report is complete at the end of the year, the government will ask Albertans for their views on pipeline safety. "We do want to engage everybody who has something constructive to contribute to this so there will be wider consultations in the new year," Hughes said. "We all, as Albertans, have a concern that the pipeline industry is performing at its highest level possible. That expectation is set, not just by people who are technicians, but also by ordinary people like you and me who want to have input into policy process."
Hughes said the government hasn't decided how it will consult with the public, or whether the process will include public meetings or hearings.
The Alberta government asked for the technical safety review last summer following three pipeline-related spills.
In one of those spills, a Plains Midstream Canada pipeline leaked about 475,000 litres of oil into the Red Deer River, a major drinking-water source for central Alberta. Since July, more than 50 environmental, land rights, unions, First Nations and other groups have been calling on Alberta to include the public in its pipeline safety review.
Greenpeace spokesman Mike Hudema praised the decision to open the review to the public, but said its success will depend on its willingness to share information and to listen to people's concerns.
