Oil Spill Biggest in Alberta Since 1975

More than four million litres of oil have leaked out of a pipeline in a remote corner of northwest Alberta.

A rupture in a pipeline in northern Alberta has leaked more than 28,000 barrels, or 4.4 million litres, in the worst oil spill in the province since 1975, when the Bow Valley pipeline leaked some 40,000 barrels. The Rainbow pipeline, which is operated by Plains Midstream Canada and carries oil from the tiny town of Zama to Edmonton, sprung a leak near the city of Peace River sometime late last week. The leak has been plugged, provincial officials say, and the oil spilled into nearby sloughs, avoiding flowing water. But the effect on the remote swath of land is still unclear. At least four beavers and 10 birds had to be put down because they were covered in oil.

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