In the past three years, incorrect operation, which covers everything from failing to follow procedures to using equipment improperly has caused an average of 20 leaks per year, show figures compiled by the National Energy Board.
Human error is increasingly a factor contributing to pipeline leaks, federal data suggests.
The consequences of the improper management of pipelines have come to bear in several spills in recent years, resulting in oil coursing down rivers, gushing onto city streets and contaminating many hectares of Canadian wilderness.
Mark Fleming, a professor of safety culture at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax said even as companies make improvements on safety, getting pipelines towards the higher safety standards of industries like airlines will likely require significant financial sacrifice.