CNRL stop-work order partially lifted
Posted Jan 11, 2011 3:33 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Alberta has partly lifted a stop-work order to allow crews to assess fire damage at Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.’s Horizon oilsands upgrader.
But the government says it’s too early to say when the Calgary-based oil and gas producer will be allowed to resume production.
The province issued the stop-work order after an explosion and fire on Friday that injured five employees at the Horizon project north of Fort McMurray.
The corporation says damage to some of its equipment is minimal, and it may soon be able to run at half capacity while it undergoes repair work.
However, Alberta Occupational Health and Safety says production won’t resume until its investigation is complete and the worksite is declared safe for employees.
Canadian Natural says the fire broke out in one of four coke drums in its upgrader, in which thick oilsands bitumen is converted into refinery-ready crude.
