Enbridge Ozark Pipeline temporarily idled for precautionary assessment

HOUSTON, Texas - Enbridge Energy Partners, L.P. announced on Oct. 2 that the Enbridge Ozark Pipeline will be temporarily idled while a precautionary assessment is completed on the pipeline at its crossing of the Mississippi River near Wood River, Ill.

The pipeline was shut down on Sept. 30 and isolated with valves on both sides of the river after an underwater survey revealed that an area of the pipeline was exposed on the bottom of the river. Affected Enbridge shippers and the Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) were apprised of the shutdown and that a full engineering assessment is under way.

This river crossing was inspected last October, but high water conditions in summer 2011 resulted in a re-inspection and the discovery of an exposed section of the line.

"While there is no leak, we decided that it was prudent to shut in and isolate the pipeline in this area until we can complete a detailed assessment," said Steve Wuori, president of Enbridge Liquids Pipelines. "This work should be completed in the next few days."