Imperial Oil : contains release at Cold Lake well site

Imperial crews are working to clean up a release of fluids from a well site at its Cold Lake in-situ operations in northeast Alberta.

The fluid is a mixture of heavy oil and produced water. The release was detected at approximately 8 a.m. on Dec. 4. Response procedures were immediately activated and the release was contained. Less than one barrel of heavy oil was released off the lease area.

Imperial has notified the Alberta Energy Regulator, which has visited the site. Local First Nations and Metis communities have been notified, and some have visited the site.

Wildlife deterrents, including noise cannons and monitors, are being used at the site to keep animals and birds away until recovery efforts are complete. There are no reports of injured wildlife.

Air and water monitoring is in place in the affected area. Initial reports indicate there are no impacts to communities and the release does not pose any risk to human health.

After more than a century, Imperial continues to be an industry leader in applying technology and innovation to responsibly develop Canada's energy resources. As Canada's largest petroleum refiner, a major producer of crude oil and natural gas, a key petrochemical producer and a leading fuels marketer from coast to coast, our company remains committed to high standards across all areas of our business.