Independent study clears oil recovery site in C02 case

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Published: December 12, 2011

Another study has shown that carbon dioxide is not leaking from the enhanced oil recovery site near Weyburn, Sask.

An independent study led by IPAC-C02, a Regina-based environmental non-government organization, found normal carbon dioxide levels on the farm owned by Cameron and Jane Kerr. The findings mirror those of a study released in late November by Cenovus Energy, the company that injects the gas underground.

The Kerrs said they needed time to read the complete reports but still weren’t satisfied that questions such as what was causing explosions in gravel pits near their home had been answered.

The IPAC study, which cost $250,000, involved experts from Canada, the United States and Scotland. Samples of soil gas and water were taken in the summer and analyzed at four laboratories.

A report on the possible presence of hydrocarbons is still in the works. Equipment required to analyze the soil needed to be repaired and caused the delay.

About the author

Karen Briere

Karen Briere

Karen Briere grew up in Canora, Sask. where her family had a grain and cattle operation. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Regina and has spent more than 30 years covering agriculture from the Western Producer’s Regina bureau.

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