At approximately 1am yesterday morning, a break and subsequent fire occurred on a TransCanada PipeLines (TCPL) natural gas pipeline between Otterburne, Manitoba and Hwy 59. The RCMP, along with local fire and EMS, responded and are working with TCPL emergency response staff. The RCMP have evacuated a five-kilometre radius, including three residences, and closed PR 303 west of PTH 59 for precautionary measures.
The TCPL pipeline that is affected is one of two that supply the Manitoba Hydro natural gas distribution system in the area. Although only one pipeline was damaged, TCPL has shut off the gas supply to the second pipeline in order to effect repairs to the damaged pipeline. This means TCPL has ceased to supply Manitoba Hydro with natural gas in the RMs of Hanover, Ritchot and De Salaberry.
As a result, approximately 4,000 Manitoba Hydro natural gas customers will have, or already have had, their natural gas supply curtailed, as gas remaining in the system is burned and pressure drops. Specific communities affected include: New Bothwell, Niverville, Otterburne, Kleefeld, St-Pierre-Jolys, Grunthal, St. Malo, Dufrost, and Ste. Agathe.
No estimate for the resumption of supply has been received from TCPL. Manitoba Hydro is advising customers to prepare for a gas outage for a minimum of one day.
Manitoba Hydro reminds customers to use only approved space heaters indoors and where possible conserve use of electricity during this gas outage. Do not use barbecues or any unapproved heaters indoors as they may produce carbon monoxide. If you are leaving your home, please shut off your water supply, and turn down your thermostat.
For information regarding what to do in the event of a natural gas disruption, please visit the Manitoba Hydro website at www.hydro.mb.ca.
Manitoba Hydro is working with other government agencies to identify critical customers and infrastructure, and mitigate impacts from this outage. Staff are on standby to begin relighting customers as soon as TCPL resumes supplying natural gas to the Manitoba Hydro system in this area.
Manitoba Hydro will provide regular updates on the situation as it develops.
Update
Gas supply could begin to resume in south central Manitoba as early as Monday night.
