Suncor Energy is taking steps to comply with an environmental protection order issued today by Alberta Environment. The order relates to emissions at Suncor’s oil sands plant that have exceeded air quality standards and which are resulting in increased odours from the operation.

“We take this situation very seriously and are committed to getting it resolved as quickly as possible. We’re focused on generating safe, reliable production and that includes resolving issues that contribute to odours,” said Kirk Bailey, Suncor’s executive vice president, oil sands.

The cause of the odours is primarily being attributed to reliability issues with emission control equipment, as well as increased emissions from Suncor’s tailings ponds.

To correct the problem, Suncor is upgrading its emission control equipment and reducing discharges to the tailings ponds. The company has also introduced processing changes and is undertaking a more comprehensive air monitoring program.

The work to control emissions is expected to occur without impacting production.

Tags: Suncor Energy