Former CSIS lawyer David Harris says two explosions in less than a week that targeted a natural gas pipeline in northeastern B.C. are likely the work of terrorists.

"Terrorism means the threat or use of violence to influence policy and that's what is happening here," said Harris, director of international and terrorist intelligence for Ottawa-based Insignis Research.

Pipeline workers yesterday morning discovered a large blast hole under the EnCana natural gas pipeline in a remote area just off Highway 2, half a kilometre from the Alberta border.

The pipeline was damaged but did not rupture. A small leak was quickly contained by technicians.

It was the second deliberate blast after a large explosion occurred overnight last Saturday next to the same EnCana Corp. pipeline, at a different site near the town of Dawson Creek, about 50 kilometres from the B.C.-Alberta border.

Before the blasts, northern media received suspicious handwritten letters that branded energy companies as terrorists.

Tomslake store manager Sharon Hahn, just 10 km from the second blast, said crews with gas-emission readers have told residents they are safe for now. Police have told local residents to "be on the lookout" for suspicious people.

"It's hunting season here and it would be easy for anyone to pass as a hunter in camo," said Hahn.

"We may not all be happy with having oil and gas in our backyard, but why would anyone local endanger all our lives with an explosion at a natural gas pipeline?"

Harris pointed out: "We've had sabotage before in projects that impact aboriginal land . . . and there are tensions related to landowners and the extent to which they feel abused by pipelines crossing their property."

The Kelly Lake Metis Society and the Blueberry and Doig First Nations, who have suffered sour-gas flares and leaks in the past, have erected angry blockades in opposition. Some natives, however, have cashed in on the oil boom.

RCMP Sgt. Tim Shields said although he is not using the "terrorism" word, "there is no group or individual that we won't look at."…