Energy firm charged over failing to properly abandon pipeline near Jenner

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on May 3, 2023.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

An energy company has been charged with six counts of failing to abandon a pipeline near Jenner, several years after it was ran afoul of regulators for failing to properly clean up well sites in the area.

The Alberta Energy Regulator announced the charges against Aeraden Energy Corp., under the Pipeline Act and Pipeline Rules, on April 28, one year after an inspection by AER officials.

The first court appearance is set for June 14 in the Brooks Court of Justice.

The company previously had 59 reclamation certificates from the AER revoked after nearby landowners complained about slumping soil and berms left on the well sites, located about 10 kilometres southwest of the hamlet of Jenner.

Charges include failing to discontinue or reactivate pipeline not in active service for 12 months, isolate it from an active facility, remove surface infrastructure, permanently plug and erect regulatory signs.

Those have not been proven in court, nor has a plea been entered.

Penalties for contravening the act are a maximum of $500,000 for a corporation and a maximum of $50,000 for individuals.