Thursday July 2, 06:00 PM
Canada police probe possible gas pipeline sabotage
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 2 (Reuters) - Canadian police investigated on Thursday if a leak at a natural gas pipeline in northeast British Columbia was linked to incidents of sabotage on energy facilities in the area last year.
The leak at a wellhead near Dawson Creek, British Columbia, was discovered early on Wednesday when EnCana Corp workers noticed a drop in pipeline pressure, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Local media reported the leak was caused by an explosion. There were no reports of injuries.
A police spokesman could not say if the incident was an explosion or linked to last year's bombings at EnCana (ECA.TO - news) facilities in the area, but said more information was expected to be released on Thursday.
Investigators from the RCMP's anti-terrorism unit were part of the investigation.
Four explosions damaged EnCana-owned pipeline facilities near the communities of Dawson Creek and Tomslake last year, and investigators believe they were linked to a letter warning EnCana to leave the area.
None of the explosions caused injuries, but at least two of them caused small leaks.
Police have said the person responsible for the bombings probably lives in the area, and have complained that some residents who may have information about the attacks have refused to cooperate with investigators.
Threatening letters sent to media in the Dawson Creek area complained about the production of 'crazy' natural gas, a possible reference to deadly sour gas that is produced in the area and shipped by EnCana.
EnCana posted a C$500,000 ($431,000) reward for information in January.
($1=$1.16 Canadian)
(Reporting Allan Dowd, Editing by Peter Galloway) Keywords: CANADA PIPELINE/ENCANA
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