Suncor Energy Confirms Steam Leak at Firebag Oil Sands Site, Says Incident is Resolved

• Canada’s Suncor Energy confirmed on Wednesday that an uncontrolled steam leak occurred from a well at its Firebag oil sands site in northern Alberta last week.
• A Suncor spokesperson said the well issue is now resolved and production at the site is unaffected. Firebag produces up to 215,000 barrels per day, according to Suncor’s website.
• Suncor said the release of steam resulted in “mist” falling onto the associated well pad and migrating onto property outside of the Firebag site.
• The company did not say what caused the incident or how long clean-up efforts will take.
• The Alberta Energy Regulator said on Wednesday it is on site at Firebag working to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Firebag is an in situ oil sands operation, meaning steam is used to loosen the heavy bitumen so that it can be pumped to the surface via wells.
• Last year, Suncor rival Cenovus also reported an uncontrolled steam release. In Cenovus’ case, the incident forced the company to temporarily shut in production at its Rush Lake 2 facility in Saskatchewan.

Reporting by Amanda Stephenson in Calgary and Arathy Somasekhar in Houston; Editing by Nia Williams

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