Cenovus sets up community phone for Rush Lake questions

Residents near the Rush Lake 2 site, where Cenovus Energy reported a release on May 9, can call a community phone line for answers to any questions they may have.

The number is at 1-877-697-4480.  

The Rush Lake 2 thermal facility, which is about 80 kilometres southeast of Lloydminster, suffered a release of what the energy company termed as “primarily water vapour.” 

Residents noted a foul odour in surrounding communities like Payton, and Maidstone. 

Cenovus says it’s testing for H2S, or hydrogen sulfide. The gas which smells like rotten eggs is a highly toxic, flammable and colourless gas. It poses significant risks in various industries. 

“Our testing indicates that while the H2S levels may be detectable as an odour, they are not considered to represent a health concern,” says Cenovus. 

The company is testing and monitoring air quality, and nearby water bodies  

“Berms remain in place to isolate the impacted area, and there is no evidence of any impact on nearby water bodies or wildlife,” says Cenovus. 

The company adds it is updating the Ministry of Energy and Resources, “residents and landowners living and operating within a five-kilometre radius of the facility.” 

Staff and crews are on the site as the clean-up remains the focus of the energy company. 

More information on the remediation of a site is available on the Saskatchewan government website.