The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, June 19, edition that the National Energy Board has slapped new conditions on Enbridge's Line 9, delaying shipments of Alberta crude to Quebec refineries owned by Suncor Energy and Valero Energy. The Globe's Jeff Lewis writes that the NEB on Thursday said Enbridge must conduct additional integrity tests on three segments of the 639-kilometre pipeline before commencing deliveries, as well as increased inspections during the first two years of operations. The board also placed a temporary pressure reduction on the pipeline, a move that could reduce the amount of crude that can be transported on the line once it starts up. The NEB said Line 9 "is located in a heavily urbanized area with a large number of waterways, any release would travel rapidly to the water systems and affect a large number of people. ... A higher degree of confidence in the integrity, or condition, of the pipeline is required to show that the pipeline is safe to operate." The order marks another potential setback for Line 9 and comes days after two of the project's biggest customers questioned the regulator over delays that they say are driving up costs.