A well casing failure likely caused the recent release at the Rush Lake thermal facility, according to Cenovus Energy in a July 2 update.
Cenovus is hosting an open house on Thursday, July 10, from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the gymnasium of the RM of Paynton offices. The company and experts will answer questions from the public.
Read more: Province says Rush Lake leak still active
The release involved mostly water vapour with small amounts of H2S and hydrocarbons. The H2S caused strong odours in the area; however, the company stated that H2S levels are well below health-risk levels.
“We are aware of the nuisance the smell has caused,” the company said.
Officials are monitoring the air at many sites and report that levels of the harmful gas are very low.
Furthermore, they’re using a drilling rig to isolate wells at the site and continue to check nearby waterways and groundwater. Officials have found no impacts so far.
They are also meeting with residents within a 10-kilometre radius of the site, speaking with local officials and sending daily updates to the Ministry of Energy and Resources.
The company states that it will continue to collaborate with local RMs, Indigenous groups, and the province.
Anyone with questions can call 1-877-697-4480.
Read more: Cenovus reports Rush Lake “stabilized”
