For the second time in three days an Encana natural gas pipeline that runs through northeastern BC near the Alberta border has been bombed and this has officials calling it an act of domestic terrorism.
The latest attack on the pipeline network marks the sixth bombing in the past nine months. All of the bombings have taken place along a 15-to-20 kilometre stretch of pipeline near the small community of Pouce Coupe.
RCMP say several resources are being devoted to the investigation, including the national anti-terrorism unit.
Investigators believe the suspect has a grudge against EnCana and lives near the site of the bombings. However RCMP are asking residents to be patient, as they say investigations like this take a lot of time and effort.
"It can be a matter of frustration as to the length of time this is going on for, however, this is not something that is akin to a television show that can be solved in 22 minutes," said RCMP spokesman Cpl. Dan Moskaluk
EnCana crews were repairing a leaking gas well at the site of Thursday's bombing when they heard a loud bang early Saturday morning.
The explosion caused a small sour-gas leak before safety valves cut off the flow. EnCana officials say the bombing was less than one kilometre from Thursday's blast site.
Nearby residents were evacuated from the area, but EnCana says this was merely a precaution because the gas quickly dissipated.
All of the recent bombings began after an anonymous letter was sent to a Dawson Creek newspaper and to EnCana. The letter called oil and gas companies terrorists and demanded EnCana stop natural gas development in the area.
However, the incident has left residents scared and on edge once again.
EnCana is now offering a $500,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
RCMP are hoping tips generated from the latest round of bombings will help investigators catch the bomber.
With files from The Canadian Press
