8-2 CO Boiler maintenance completed

(Fort McMurray, Alberta) Syncrude is pleased to announce that today, Sunday August 1st at approx 9:30 am, the 8-2 CO (carbon monoxide) Boiler at Syncrude’s Mildred Lake site was restored to service after several days of emergency repairs.

“Managing the health and safety of our on-site workers and our local community has been a priority during Syncrude’s more than 25 years of operation,” said Jim Carter, Syncrude President and Chief Operating Officer. “At no time did emissions pose any health risk to our employees, contractors or the local community. I want to assure our stakeholders that extensive air emission monitoring confirmed there were no off-site exceedances of Alberta Ambient Air Quality Guidelines, and we remained at all times within allowable occupational exposure levels on site,” he added.

“Through the hard work of many people, we were able to bring the 8-2 CO Boiler back on-line earlier than anticipated and I want to thank all those involved for their efforts,” Mr. Carter said. “It is necessary to use the diverter stack during on-line repairs to a CO Boiler, and the site was regularly monitored to ensure that there was no undue risk to those working in the area. ”

“We will continue to ensure that all necessary precautions are in place during both regular operations and maintenance periods. We are committed to working with all stakeholders in the region and welcome their input on our operations.”

As is usual practice, Syncrude notified key regional stakeholders of its maintenance plans. Officials from Alberta Environment reviewed key recovery plans. Ongoing third-party environmental air monitoring continues in conjunction with the appropriate agencies, including the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association, Alberta Environment and AEUB.

Coker feed rates were at reduced levels during the repair work and Syncrude’s Upgrading Operations took other measures to minimize emissions. There is not expected to be any appreciable impact on the annual production forecast of approximately 87 million barrels of Syncrude Sweet Blend.

The Syncrude Project is a joint venture operated by Syncrude Canada Ltd. and owned by Canadian Oil Sands Limited, ConocoPhillips Oilsands Partnership II, Imperial Oil Resources, Mocal Energy Limited, Murphy Oil Company Ltd., Nexen Inc., and Petro-Canada Oil and Gas.

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