Cleanup of an oil battery site on Range Road 225 east of Ponoka is underway after a nearby resident noticed an odour in the early morning on June 2 and reported the leak.
Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) confirmed there was a small release of emulsion (produced water and oil) and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) at Supreme Energy Inc. (located about 13 kilometres west of Bashaw).
After receiving the odour complaint, AER followed up with Supreme Energy, and the release had been stopped, according to AER media relations.
"Supreme Energy activated its emergency response plan and communicated with residents in the area. While odours were detected off site, H2S did not reach levels that were detectable by air monitoring devices, and had dissipated by the time (the) AER inspector reached the site," AER stated.
There were no reported injuries and no public evacuations required, said AER, adding cleanup within the lease site was underway.
Ponoka County resident Brennan Wierzba, who lives on Range Road 224 about a mile from the Supreme Energy site, woke up at 6 a.m. on June 2 with a headache and immediately noticed the smell of sour gas.
Wierzba said he's the one that reported the leak to AER and Supreme Energy, possibly before anyone else was aware of it.
"I just want to draw awareness to the fact that can happen," said Wierzba.
Wierzba added he learned through speaking with AER, that any time residents living in an emergency evacuation zone smell sour gas they should file a complaint.
While he wasn't advised to seek medical attention, as a precaution, he made an appointment with a doctor for the following day.
Sour gas is natural gas that contains hydrogen sulphide - which even the smallest amount of causes a 'rotten egg' smell.
An oil battery is a facility that collects oil from one or more wells and passes it through equipment to separate out the entrained gas, water and other impurities before piping the oil, according to Pembina Institute's Landowners' Guide to Oil and Gas Development.
"There may be flaring from an oil battery and fugitive emissions/odours from the process and tanks. To prevent any oil leaks from spreading, the site will be surrounded by a berm or other containment equipment and surface water will be collected and tested before it is discharged. In some circumstances groundwater may also be monitored."
According to AER's website, any substance release that may cause an adverse effect - defined as impairment or damage to the environment, human health or safety of property - has to be reported.
Any operator that releases or has control of the substance released is responsible for reporting any incident and to coordinate the management, assessment and clean up of a release in a timely manner.
Complaints or reports of emergencies related to environment and energy development in Alberta can be made, either by the public or operators, to AER's 24-hour Energy and Environmental Response Line at 1-800-222-6514.
"The AER’s top priority during any incident is ensuring that companies take swift and effective action to protect public safety and the environment," the AER stated.
"The inspector on site conducted further assessment and remained in communication with Supreme Energy as part of the AER’s regulatory monitoring and compliance program."
AER advised for public inquiries, questions, or concerns regarding the incident, to contact Supreme Energy directly.
