Propane leak causes staff evacuations at Cenovus Refinery

Cenovus Superior Refinery had a propane/butane leak early Wednesday morning, that caused an evacuation of non-essential personnel from the site. According to the Superior Fire Department, there is currently no danger to the public.

Staff were able to return to the facility at approximately 10:15 a.m.

Company officials say crews followed “emergency procedures, shutting down certain units which caused flaring.”

According to the Superior Fire Department, crews were called to the Cenovus Superior Refinery in Superior at 7:53 a.m. on a report of a fire in a process unit. Fire fighters arrived and did not find a fire, but Superior Fire says they found an ongoing propane release.

Cenovus emergency response personnel utilized water fog streams to dissipate the propane and were able to stop the release at approximately 9:25 a.m.

Cenovus says the on-site emergency response team is managing the incident, with assistance from the Superior Fire Department. Air monitoring of both inside and outside the facility is being conducted. Superior Fire says no propane vapors have been detected with air monitoring equipment.

There are no injuries reported.