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News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EUB COMPLETES INVESTIGATION OF SHELL SCOTFORD UPGRADER INCIDENTS
Calgary, Alberta (December 27, 2006) The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) has completed its investigation related to two separate incidents that occurred at the Shell Scotford Upgrader near Fort Saskatchewan on September 7 and September 12, 2006.
On Thursday, September 7, 2006, Shell Canada Ltd.’s Scotford Upgrader experienced a release of high pressure H2S gas from a sulphur recovery unit during maintenance which then ignited. No members of the public or Shell employees were injured as a result of the incident.
On Tuesday, September 12, a gas release, containing small quantities of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), occurred within the Shell Scotford heavy oil upgrader. The release occurred in a residue hydro conversion unit that was subsequently taken out of service. No members of the public or Shell employees were injured as a result of the incident.
As a result of the investigation, the EUB has directed Shell to complete the following: Shell must schedule an exercise to test a new automated call-out system and provide a report to the EUB upon completion; Shell must conduct an emergency response plan exercise and provide the appropriate 30 day notification to the EUB when scheduled, and; Shell must provide a report to the EUB when updated resident information for 2007 is completed to ensure all members of the public are fully informed of the process of how to shelter during an incident.
The EUB ensures that the discovery, development, and delivery of Alberta’s energy resources and utility services take place in a manner that is fair, responsible, and in the public interest.
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For more information, please contact:
Davis Sheremata
EUB Communications
Phone: 403-605-4216
Davis.Sheremata@eub.ca
NR 2006 - 58
