Alberta Energy Regulator said it has shut in or partially shut in 16 sites operated by Murphy Oil Co. Ltd. in the Peace River region. The sites were noncompliant with requirements “to capture and flare, incinerate, or conserve all casing gas and tank top gases” from heavy oil and bitumen operations based on a schedule submitted to and approved by AER.
The sweep occurred June 15-19, and AER directed Murphy to conduct inspections on other sites. Murphy shut in or partially shut in an additional 17 sites that were venting casing gas or tank top gas.
A partial shut in involves shutting in the piece of equipment that is in noncompliance without shutting down the entire site.
“Albertans expect the AER to protect public safety and the environment and to make sure operators follow the rules,” said AER Pres. Jim Ellis (OGJ Online, Aug. 19, 2014).
All sites will remain shut in or partially shut in until AER approves Murphy’s action plan to achieve compliance.
AER has conducted six sets of targeted compliance sweeps since June 2014, inspecting 834 sites in the Peace River area.