Imperial Oil says pipeline repairs on schedule

Imperial Oil says repairs to its southern Manitoba pipeline are on track to be completed in June even though the drilling phase of the operation will take longer than planned.

In an update Thursday, it said repairs are still expected to be completed as scheduled, which was estimated at about three months when the shutdown was announced March 17.

The pipeline transports gasoline, diesel and jet fuel from the Gretna area to Winnipeg.

Imperial Oil blamed “characteristics” in the subsoil and bedrock for the prolonged drilling.

The company said it is putting in place measures to mitigate the sound of the drilling, including mufflers and industrial noise-baffling curtains, to keep the disturbance to a minimum.

“We appreciate the patience of the community while we complete this important preventative maintenance and work to re-start the operation of this critical piece of fuel infrastructure,” the company said.

Crews are replacing a section of pipe that runs under the Red River near St. Adolphe.

The unplanned repairs on the pipeline prompted fears of fuel shortages and price increases, though the province has said the supply of gas, diesel and aviation fuel has actually increased.

Supplies are being brought in by truck and rail.

— Staff