Local officials and agencies are still baffled after spending hours last night attempting to locate the source of a stench in the community. Social media lit up with questions about the odour yesterday evening as it became more apparent in town.
As of the last update from Lloydminster at 9 p.m. Nov. 26, officials could confirm they knew the places it wasn’t but not what it was. They did not disclose a list of places it wasn’t.
County of Vermilion River Fire Chief Kurt Hughes spoke with the Meridian Source this morning. After communicating with the Lloydminster Fire Department, an odour investigation commenced.
“Local gas utilities were contacted and checked their lines. None reported any abnormal readings. Local fuel companies were also checked, and no suspicious readings were recorded. Patrols were made to locate any potential spills/releases from transport trucks or railcars, with negative results,” said Hughes. “County Public Safety Officers were out early this morning checking on permits for burns and recent oil well drilling activity, again, with negative results.”
He also said that Alberta Environment and Dangerous Goods investigators were following up on reports.
“Everything that holds propane in our community has been checked and is in good working order,” stated Hughes.
The Ministry of Environment in Saskatchewan is looking into our request for any reports or information from incidents last evening.
Additionally, Natural Resources Canada confirms that no seismic activity caused a release of any naturally trapped gasses.
Both Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City confirmed it was no issue with any of their railcars in the Lloydminster area after speaking with operations staff in Lloydminster.
Cenovus Energy also provided a statement regarding their facilities in the area.
“We did reach out to the operations people in Lloydminster and they did a thorough check and it was determined that Cenovus facilities were not the source of the odour in the community,” said their media relations department.
Meanwhile, inquiries with city officials and ADM have not been returned. We will update the story as further information is provided.
Read more: Breaking: Smell poses no current risk
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