Lloydminster MLA and Minister of Energy and Resources for Saskatchewan says Cenovus’s Rush Lake operation near Paynton remains partly shut down as the company continues investigating a well casing failure that caused an uncontrolled surface release earlier this year.
According to Young’s Facebook post, Production at one section of the site has been suspended since May, when muddy water and vapours escaped from a well. The release was stopped in mid July, and the specific well pad involved remains closed with no plan to restart it.
She toured the site recently to review the ongoing investigation, cleanup work, and Cenovus’ well integrity program.
In a public update, she said preliminary findings point to a casing failure as the cause, and she noted that the company has been engaging with nearby residents and landowners throughout the process.
“Cenovus has taken this issue seriously. They have cleaned the site and have engaged with local residents and land owners,” said Young.
Under the Ministry of Energy and Resources’ regulatory requirements, Cenovus must conduct a full investigation and submit its findings to the province. Once the review is complete, the report will be made public.
Young said Saskatchewan’s oil and gas industry remains a major contributor to the provincial economy, generating $13.5 billion in production value last year and supporting more than 26,000 jobs.
Read more: Saskatchewan responsible for nearly half of Lloyd’s potential tax increase
