May 19, 2006 by Walter Schneider.

James Stevenson
Canadian Press

Saturday, May 19, 2006

CALGARY (CP) - The planned grand opening next week of Syncrude Canada’s $8.4-billion expansion has been “significantly modified” in the wake of a government-ordered shutdown, as the oilsands giant focuses on finding the cause to noxious fumes escaping from the plant.

Syncrude’s so-called Stage 3 expansion, which would reinstate the joint venture as Canada’s largest oilsands producer, was in start-up mode when Alberta Environment ordered the shut down Thursday due to urine-like smells apparently emanating from new technology designed to eliminate sulphur-dioxide emissions…. (Full Story — off-site)

Posted in Emission Incidents & Issues, Sulphur Logistics, Sulphur-Related Construction Costs | Print | No Comments »

May 19, 2006 by Walter Schneider.

Less-than-wholesome smells caused by recently installed coker on the fritz

Ben Gelinas
The Edmonton Journal; with files from Canwest News Service

Friday, May 19, 2006

EDMONTON - An $8.5-billion expansion by Syncrude Canada Ltd. has been idled after the oilsands giant was ordered to shut down new equipment Thursday because of noxious odours.

A new desulphurization unit at Mildred Lake 35 kilometres north of Fort McMurray was to have been officially opened next week.

But the strong smell it is not supposed to emit, like cat urine or body odour, continues to linger over Fort McMurray and Fort MacKay, causing eyes to water, heads to ache and Alberta Environment to issue an environmental protection order. (Full Story — off-site)

Posted in Emission Incidents & Issues, Sulphur Logistics | Print | No Comments »