Concerns raised about possible ongoing problems at CNRL well in Alberta
Environmentalists and First Nations are raising concerns about a heavy oilfield in northeastern Alberta that may still be seeping water and bitumen years after the flow was first discovered.
The field, owned by Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (TSX:CNQ), was the subject of a major investigation by the province’s energy regulator after a major “flow-to-surface event” in 2013.
Surface water collected near four fissures in the ground continues to show an oily sheen. The Alberta Energy Regulator says a fifth, which first leaked in 2009, stills oozes small amounts of fresh bitumen.
The regulator says the situation is well-managed and CNRL considers the leak over and cleanup complete.