CALGARY, Nov. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - The National Energy Board (NEB) has issued an Inspection Officer Order in response to the release of an unconfirmed volume of vapour at the Pine River Gas Plant on November 26, 2015. The vapours released originated from a gas "sweetening" system, a process that is used to remove carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide from natural gas.

The plant in Northeastern BC is operated by Westcoast Energy Inc. carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission. The plant was shut down when the release was identified and the incident is over. No injuries have been reported by the company. The Pine River Gas Plant is located approximately 45 km west of Chetwynd, BC.

The NEB Inspection Officer Order directs the company not to restart the plant without approval of an NEB inspection officer. The NEB'S extensive safety and engineering expertise will be utilized in determining if and when the plant is safe to restart.

Public safety and protecting the environment are the NEB's top priorities and the NEB will not hesitate to take further enforcement action if required.

The National Energy Board is an independent federal regulator of several parts of Canada's energy industry with the safety of Canadians and protection of the environment as its top priority. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest. For more information on the NEB and its mandate, please visit www.neb-one.gc.ca.

SOURCE National Energy Board