SaskEnergy is advising residents in parts of West Central Saskatchewan to expect large visible flames in the sky this week as crews carry out scheduled maintenance involving controlled natural gas flaring.
A 40-foot flame may be visible southeast of the Village of Plenty on Tuesday, June 24, as SaskEnergy conducts a controlled flare at its Meter Station Site in the RM of Mountain View. The flare is expected to occur between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., depending on operational needs.
A second flaring event will take place near the Ermine Power Station in the RM of Oakdale, roughly nine kilometres southeast of Kerrobert. Flaring at that site will begin Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 7 p.m., then resume Wednesday, June 25, from 7 a.m. to noon.
The process involves isolating a section of pipeline and safely burning off natural gas in what SaskEnergy calls a “controlled flare.” The utility says the practice is standard in the industry and reduces the carbon footprint of vented gas by 85 per cent.
“Flaring is necessary to perform maintenance work on the natural gas line system and supports the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to our customers,” SaskEnergy said in a public safety notice.
No interruption in natural gas service is expected for residents in the area. SaskEnergy has notified local fire departments and rural municipalities in advance, including the Rosetown Fire Department, Kerrobert Fire Department, RM of Mountain View, and RM of Oakdale.
The flare stacks will be monitored by trained personnel throughout the process, and safety protocols will include onsite water trucks and periodic watering of the ground beneath the flare to minimize heat risks.
SaskEnergy assures the public there is no danger and encourages drivers and residents who spot the flames not to be alarmed.