Rocky View residents in the Balzac area will soon see a change in their horizon, as the Nexen sour gas plant will begin its decommissioning and demolition process May 1.
The nearly 50-year landmark, complete with its two giant red and white smokestacks, will likely be torn down in late 2012 with plant remediation to be completed in 2014.
“We’re looking at late 2014 before we’re at ground level,” said Kim Hilkewich, Nexen’s operations manager. “Those red and white stacks will likely be the last thing taken down.”
The decision to shut down the plant was made in early 2010 because of deteriorating infrastructure and declining gas reserves. According to Nexen’s Community Liaison, Lynn McQueen, the shutdown will affect about 90 gas plant employees, some of whom will be redeployed.
Crews will begin shutdown and cleaning of the 120-megawatt gas-fired power plant in May and residents will notice flaring. In addition, sulphur forming operations will cease. The Balzac power station will remain operational.
The company’s well abandonment program begins in late 2011, with between 12-18 wells deserted in 2012. The projected finish date for the program is December 2014.
Some wells will remain operational, although the company hasn’t yet determined which ones.
Rocky View County has long been a recipient of taxes generated by the plant, and several councillors expressed sadness over its loss when Hilkewich made the shut down presentation to councillors, April 19.
“I know they are a really great corporate citizen, so it’s kind of sad to see them go,” said Councillor Earl Solberg. “I have lived a couple of miles east of the stacks for years and Nexen has been good to the community.”
Area Councillor Lois Habberfield said although there may be some benefit to not having a sour gas plant in the area, the company has been well respected and a supporter of community groups, such as the Balzac Hall and the Rocky View Regional Handibus.
“They are very considerate of the people and I feel they have shown that industry can co-exist in communities,” said Habberfield.
“I think we will miss the red and white smokestacks that have been on the horizon for so long, they are a Balzac landmark.”
