A screenshot from an anonymous video posted online showing an aerial view of the well release at Rush Lake. (Photo courtesy: Meridian Source)

By Austin Mattes

Incident management efforts

Cenovus Rush Lake 1 and 2 thermal facilities remain closed ‘for forseeable future’

Jun 13, 2025 | 5:42 PM

Cenovus continues to deal with a well release that has shut down its Rush Lake 1 and 2 thermal facilities in the R.M. of Paynton, about 80 kilometres southeast of Lloydminster.

The Ministry of Energy and Resources confirmed on Friday the facility will be closed for the forseeable future.

“Any operations happening at these facilities at this time will be for incident management efforts and will have been reviewed and approved by the ministry,” read a statement provided to battlefordsNOW.

The facility was initially shut down on May 9 due to a reported well release. The ministry said staff are participating in twice-daily situation updates with Cenovus to ensure that the company’s work is progressing toward a resolution and that public and environmental safety is maintained.

“So far Cenovus has identified wells with integrity issues in the area, and the company is focused on repairing these wells to bring the situation under control.”

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Ministry staff are conducting drone surveys and mapping work to monitor air quality in the area; Cenovus is also conducting its own air quality testing and monitoring. While gas being released at the site is causing strong odours, both the ministry and Cenovus said there is no immediate risk to public health.

“Our testing indicates that while the H2S levels may be detectable as an odour, they are not considered to represent a health concern,” Cenovus wrote in an email to battlefordsNOW.

However, members of the public remain concerned with some having anonymously posted videos of fluids coming to the surface at the site.

Cenovus said the fluid is the result of the initial well release and their well control activity. It is comprised of mostly muddy, silty water and steam, which does include hydrogen sulfide gas. The ministry said the fluids are being monitored, properly contained, and disposed of.

“Cenovus is monitoring and taking regular samples of tributary water sources in the area and reporting these results to the ministry. No contamination has been detected.”

The company said numerous employees and contractors continuing to safely work at the site. 

Once the uncontrolled release has been resolved, the ministry will conduct a detailed review to determine the root cause of the incident and identify environmental remediation requirements.

Cenovus said it’s updating residents within a five kilometre radius of the facility, but a community phone line has been set up for regional residents should they have questions. The number is 1-877-697-4480.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com