CNRL given go-ahead despite continued leaks

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. has resumed pumping high-pressure steam into wells on its Cold Lake lease near four sites where bitumen continues to leak to the surface uncontrolled. The Alberta Energy Regulator has yet to determine the cause of the leaks, which totalled almost 12,000 barrels in the past year. However, last month, AER approved the company’s application to resume steam injection, with lower steam pressures, to keep its Primrose wells producing. AER spokesperson Tracey Moore said the risk of more leaks is reduced by using lower steam pressure and requiring the company to check well bores for potential leaks. Jesse Cardinal, with Keepers of the Athabasca, took exception to the ruling, stating in an email, “Instead of AER pulling the company’s operating licence, they have instead, allowed them to continue to steam, in the same formation, near the spill that is still happening and can be stopped.”