January 25, 2005

Proposal for $125M storage facility denied

GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALTA.

An oilfield company proposal to build a $125-million explosives storage facility and workshop near a sour gas well and pipeline in northwestern Alberta has been denied.

Tucker Wireline Services had hoped to build the dynamite and toxic waste storage site on land 16 kilometres east of Grande Prairie.

But the proposal was denied by County of Grande Prairie council after close to 50 landowners stormed council chambers last week demanding it be rejected.

Area resident Rick Olderskog called the plan to mix explosives, toxic waste and sour gas in a residential area “a recipe for disaster” and questioned the company’s commitment to safety.

“To put a potentially dangerous facility in a populated area near sour gas wells and pipelines is frightening for everyone that lives in the area,” said Olderskog, who lives just south of the proposed facility.

“If something ever did go wrong the consequences could be devastating.”

Olderskog added putting an industrial business into an agricultural setting would also set a bad precedent, potentially decrease the value of nearby properties and increase local traffic.

Suncor Energy, which operates the nearby sour gas well, also voiced concerns over having both facilities in close proximity.

Suncor representatives asked council to carefully consider if a explosives storage facility on the property was in the best interests of residents’ safety.

David Jellett, vice-president of Tucker’s Canadian operations, said the residents’ safety concerns were overblown and the proposed building passes all national and provincial regulations.

“The facility is a more than adequate distance from the well, meets explosives guidelines and comes with a sprinkler system, security guards and cameras,” said Jellett. “With all the safety features there is a very low risk of anything happening.”

The Canadian Press

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