More inspections ordered for pipeline that leaked

Plains Midstream Canada must conduct more inspections of its Rainbow pipeline before it is allowed to resume operations, Alberta's energy regulator announced Tuesday.

Operations on the pipeline were suspended April 29 when 28,000 barrels of crude oil leaked in a remote area about 100 kilometres northeast of Peace River, Alta.

The break was repaired and the company was seeking permission from Alberta's Energy Resources Conservation Board to restart the line.

However, ERCB first wants the company to dig up and inspect other sections of the line to determine the integrity of the pipeline.

The company also must submit an inspection plan after acrack was found near a weld-on sleeve on the pipeline about 25 kilometres downstream from the original leak site. The crack is under repair and no leaks were found.

However, the ERCB wants Plains Midstream to submit a plan for inspecting similar sites along the line.

"While the ERCB recognizes there are many people affected by delays in pipeline operations, the ERCB will only consider approving the resumption of operations when it is confident the line can be safely returned to operation and operate within all regulatory requirements," the news release said.

About 10,500 barrels of the spilled oil were removed from the site before the company was forced to suspend the cleanup because of wildfires in the area.