The Alberta government has ordered Suncor Energy Inc to immediately minimize hydrogen sulphide (H2S) emissions from its Firebag Enhanced Recovery site near Fort McMurray.

The Environmental Enforcement Order comes in response to a joint inspection of the site by Alberta Environment and the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board in late August after Suncor notified the EUB they were in non-compliance. This inspection revealed numerous contraventions of Alberta Environment approval conditions including unauthorized venting of H2S and a lack of pollution control equipment and proper emissions reporting.

As was noted in the government announcement, “Ensuring the protection of the environment is an important part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to improve Albertan’s quality of life and provide safe and secure communities.” It seems that Suncor does not share the same commitment.