Highlights
– Attacks target rural natural gas pipeline near Dawson Creek, British Columbia
– Second attack creates small leak, releasing small amounts of toxic hydrogen sulphide; however does not threaten residents
– Anonymous letter received by media preceding the attacks demanded halting of all natural gas operations in area
– Additional attacks likely to occur in the near to mid-term
Twin attacks targeting a natural gas pipeline owned by Canadian oil company EnCana occurred on or around October 12, and October 16, 2008 near Dawson Creek, British Columbia. In each incident, portions of the pipeline were damaged, however not severely.
The first explosion occurred sometime during the weekend of October 11-12th near a rural area popular with local hunters. The second attack location was found on Thursday October 16th, by EnCana officials. This second location is currently the focus of law enforcement personnel who are gathering forensic evidence and methodically searching the crime scene, consisting of a large crater below a section of pipeline. The second attack also caused a minor leak of a toxic substance, known as hydrogen sulphide, which was quickly contained and the contamination level assessed as non-threatening to local residents.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have not identified a possible perpetrator in the explosions, however a letter sent to local media outlets prior to the attacks has garnered the attention of police officials. The investigation into the attacks is continuing, with some of the focus also concentrating on a truck seen in the area around the time of the second blast. While the case is being investigated, EnCana has increased security of the pipeline in several areas. However, due to the number of miles of pipeline, and vulnerability of several above ground and unprotected locations, additional attacks targeting the pipeline are likely to occur in the near to mid-term.
Threatening Letter Precedes Attacks
Police are currently investigating a connection between the two attacks and a letter sent to the Dawson Creek Daily News prior to the first attack. The letter warned of a possible attack and also blamed EnCana for poor environmental practices. The letter said in part,
“We will no longer negotiate with terrorists, which you are, as you keep endangering our families with crazy expansion of deadly gas wells in our lands.”
The expansion of the pipeline, and efforts by other companies located in the region’s growing energy resource operations have concerned some local community members. However, most operations have generally been viewed favorable by local residents. As a result, officials claim it is too early to label the explosions as an act conducted by environmental terrorists. Currently no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. However, RCMP’s anti-terror unit is part of the ongoing overall investigation, indicating officials believe the attacks could be terror related.
Vulnerabilities Remain
Despite the security enacted as a result of the recent attacks, Canada’s natural gas infrastructure remains vulnerable to further targeting. Due to the isolated, rural and extensive miles of above ground pipelines, further attacks are likely to be committed in the near to mid-term. If attack capabilities are improved, with improved targeting and larger explosions, the ability to disrupt overall operations will likely increase.
As seen with previous targeting in both Mexico and Nigeria by militants determined to disrupt oil supplies, the ability to keep pipelines—oil or natural gas—safe is often difficult (Previous Report). Due to unprotected above ground pipelines, the ability to fully safeguard vulnerable pipelines is dependent on sufficient manpower or technology to patrol the extensive infrastructure. Because of the current security liability environment, determined militants set on disrupting Canada’s pipelines will likely continue to execute future attacks, with or without prior warning.
