By Angela Brown

Husky working on cleanup after steam and oil release at Edam site

Dec 3, 2017 | 8:18 AM

Husky Energy’s Edam East thermal heavy oil production plant experienced an uncontrolled release at one of its wells Friday, spewing steam and a small amount of oil into the atmosphere.

Company spokesperson Mel Duvall said there were no injuries as a result of the release, and the cause is under investigation.

“It’s primarily steam that’s coming out of the well … but that steam does contain some oil,” Duvall explained.

The incident occurred as one of the wells was being serviced at the plant near Edam. The release started at around 10:15 a.m. Friday, and was brought under control by about 2:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Duvall adds how public safety “has been ensured.” 

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“While there will be some oil that will need to be cleaned up, it’s not thought to be a great amount,” he added.

The roads were closed off in the area near the site until the release was controlled. Duvall said the RCMP were notified, as well as the province, the RM of Turtle River, and other related authorities.

Husky was to start site clean up on Saturday morning. Ministry of the Economy regulatory staff has also been on-site monitoring the situation.

The province said in a statement, Friday, “the reservoir does have sour gas attributes, but air monitoring systems are in place to monitor air quality around the well site, and at this time there is no risk to the public and no H2S is being released.”

Duvall said there is only one home near the facility and the residents were advised of the release. There was no need for them to evacuate.

Garry Blanchette who lives near the Husky site with his wife said he was notified by Husky and has no concerns. Blanchette has worked in the oil industry for 25 years, and, based on his experience, isn’t worried about the release. 

“I was outside all day,” he said. “Working in the oil patch, I know these things happen. It’s not the first one I’ve been around.”

Blanchette said he appreciates the company’s efforts.

“It had no bearing or effect on us,” he added. “They handled it the way it should be handled. If there was an issue with health or anything we would be the first to know.” 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow