Statement – Huge tar sands spill a reminder of the dangers pipelines pose

16 July 2015 – Edmonton – In response to news reports that a Nexen pipeline 36 kilometres south east of Fort McMurray has failed, spilling an estimated five million litres of bitumen, produced water and sand, Mike Hudema, of Greenpeace’s Climate and Energy team said:

“As provincial premiers talk about ways to streamline the approval process for new tar sands pipelines, we have a stark reminder of how dangerous they can be.

“This leak is also a good reminder that Alberta has a long way to go to address its pipeline problems and that communities have good reasons to fear having more built. New pipelines would also facilitate the expansion of the tar sands – Canada’s fastest growing source of carbon emissions – and accelerate the climate crisis even more.

“We need to stop new pipeline projects before they’re built and focus on building renewable sources of energy that are sustainable and won’t threaten communities, our environment, and the planet.”

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For more information:

Peter Louwe, Communications Officer: 778-228-5404

NT3