Residents near an oilsands site north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, have been dealing with a foul smell following routine maintenance at the Syncrude Mildred Lake facility, operated by Suncor Energy. The smell prompted complaints in nearby communities, including Fort McKay. The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) received reports of the odor on September 8.
Air monitoring stations managed by the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA) near the area did not detect any harmful substances at levels dangerous to human health. The AER confirmed that Suncor Energy, as the operator, has identified the source of the smell and is working to minimize its impact.
Although odors persist in the vicinity and along the nearby highway, air quality remains within safe limits according to off-site monitoring stations. Suncor Energy mentioned that individuals may experience slight discomfort even when air quality levels are deemed acceptable.
Maintenance activities are ongoing at the Syncrude Mildred Lake site, with intermittent odors likely stemming from on-site tank maintenance tasks, as stated by a Suncor spokesperson. The AER disclosed that regulatory and OHS inspectors have been dispatched to the oilsands site to investigate the complaints, with inquiries currently in progress.