4/17/13 - Enbridge Energy says the loud banging noises heard near its pipeline yesterday were the result of work being done to remove a lodged inspection tool. According to a Enbridge, the tool became stuck inside the pipe near Stockbridge on April 13th, restricting the flow of natural gas. The company has declared force majeure and restricted transportation on the pipeline until the object can be dislodged and removed. The banging noises heard by residents are being attributed to work at a nearby valve facility. Work crews were purging the gas from a section of the pipeline to conduct maintenance, and the noise of the gas escaping the pipeline is described as very loud. The gas was released into the atmosphere, and Enbridge says because it is lighter than air it will dissipate without any negative environmental or health effects. That portion of the operation should be over, but air movers will be working on the pipeline around-the-clock for about five days. The company says the activity will produce a hissing noise that should not be loud enough to disturb residents. The entire process should be completed by Saturday. (TD)
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