Oil sands operations restart amid fires

OREANDA-NEWS. June 03, 2015. Cenovus Energy said power has been restored today to its 135,000 b/d Foster Creek oil sands operation in Alberta after provincial officials said nearby forest fires appeared to be less of a threat.

The site was shut down 25 March when out-of-control fires threatened to cut off the plant's only access road. The company regained access to the site Monday but work is still underway to allow more staff to return to the site.

"We're currently inspecting our facilities and re-starting our control, security and safety systems," Cenovus said.

Although 32 fires continue to burn over 31,000 hectares (76,600 acres) in the boreal forest region — five of them out of control — Alberta downgraded the hazards to 'moderate' from 'extreme' in the areas closest to the bitumen producers.

Canadian Natural was also allowed access to its 80,000 b/d Primrose oil sands project on Monday. Canadian Natural said it was implementing a recovery plan, including the inspection of facilities and equipment, and the completion of repairs, if required.

"Following this assessment, pre-start activities towards resuming full operations will begin," the company said.

Workers for MEG Energy have been unable to return to their 80,000 b/d Christina Lake opearations as a nearby 3,000 hectare wildfire continued to burn.

Norway's Statoil ASA also said Monday it hoped to get personnel back to its 20,000 b/d Leismer project this week after evacuating staff 26 March. The Norwegian company said the evacuation would have no impact to production.