Latest news with #IrvingOil
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Mayor says Irving Oil refinery investment welcome in Saint John
Saint John's mayor said he's pleased with Irving Oil's plan to spend $100 million on upgrades to its Saint John facility. It's a move the company said will ensure future growth for the nation's largest oil refinery. Dubbed the FCCU Revamp Project, the multi-million-dollar investment in the refinery will maximize its performance, efficiency, and reliability. The modernization project is being privately funded. 'It's always good to get those sorts of investments,' said Mayor Donna Reardon. 'We have 325,000 barrels a day that are being refined, and that's that creates our GDP.' Reardon said the upgrades like will improve refinery emissions and the overall environmental impact. The privately-funded upgrade project will bring in roughly 675 skilled workers, primarily from Atlantic Canada, Irving said. 'Work will be completed in a phased approach over the summer and fall, beginning this month,' said a news release from Irving. The tradespeople supporting the project will generate an estimated $3.5 million in direct and indirect economic spinoffs in New Brunswick, said the release. 'In addition, the total workforce hours on the project represent the equivalent of more than 140 annualized jobs,' the release said. It wasn't long ago Irving's future in Saint John appeared uncertain. In 2023 the company underwent a strategic review that included a potential sale. The review was completed earlier this year reaffirming their commitment to Saint John. President of Canadians for Affordable Energy Dan McTeague said the investment by the oil giant leaves no doubt where Irving's future will be. 'Making a decision of that magnitude means that Irving is serious, not just about getting oil from certain places, but now it can pretty much access oil from anywhere around the world from light to heavy oil,' McTeague said. With Canadians focused on producing more energy within the country, McTeague said the upgrades will help Irving Oil position itself for the future, even if it includes pipelines. 'Our bread and butter really relies on the viability of the oil and gas sector,' said McTeague. 'If we can produce it and sell it to the rest of the world, as we are doing with the United States, as we are doing with eastern Canada, that could only mean a greater potential in terms of turning things around and making Canada that much more attractive for, not just domestic, but also foreign investment.' McTeague said the upgrades could attract more foreign investment and help strengthen the Canadian refinery was established in 1960. With files from CTV's Sean Mott. For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Irving Oil unveils $100m FCCU revamp project at Saint John refinery
Irving Oil has announced a $100m (C$136.81m) investment to upgrade a key crude oil processing unit at its Saint John facility in New Brunswick, reputed to be Canada's largest refinery. The modernisation effort, known as the FCCU Revamp Project, aims to enhance the unit's performance, efficiency and reliability. Opened in 1960 and spanning 780 acres, the refinery plays a pivotal role in supplying fuel products across Atlantic Canada and the US north-east. The privately funded project is set to bring in approximately 675 skilled workers, primarily from New Brunswick and neighbouring provinces, bolstering local employment. Irving Oil president and CEO Jeff Matthews added: "As we build for the future, we do so with the knowledge of continued growth in demand for traditional energy products. This FCCU Revamp Project is an essential investment in energy security for all the regions we serve. This private investment honours our past and ensures a strong future for Irving Oil and our region, as we continue to operate Canada's largest refinery and provide a safe and reliable supply of energy in critical markets.' The work, which begins this month, will be executed in phases throughout the summer and autumn. The influx of additional tradespeople including labourers, scaffolders, pipefitters, boilermakers and insulators, is anticipated to generate estimated direct and indirect economic benefits of $3.5m in New Brunswick. Lorneville Mechanical is one of the contractors and suppliers providing support on the upgrade project. Irving Oil specialises in the refining and marketing of finished energy products. The company operates the Saint John refinery and Ireland's only refinery, situated in the village of Whitegate. "Irving Oil unveils $100m FCCU revamp project at Saint John refinery" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
CTV News
4 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Saint John, N.B., refinery undergoing $100M upgrade
Storage tanks are seen at the Irving Oil refinery in Saint John, N.B. on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013. The Saint John, N.B., refinery is undergoing a $100-million upgrade to its fluid catalytic cracking unit. Irving Oil, which operates the refinery, says the cracking unit refines crude oil to produce products like gasoline and diesel. The privately-funded upgrade project will bring in roughly 675 skilled workers, primarily from Atlantic Canada, Irving claims. 'Work will be completed in a phased approach over the summer and fall, beginning this month,' a news release from Irving says. 'During this time, the additional tradespeople supporting the project at the refinery, including labourers, scaffolders, pipefitters, boilermakers and insulators will generate direct and indirect benefits to the regional economy – an estimated $3.5 million in economic spinoffs in New Brunswick – by providing boosts to accommodations, recreation services, restaurants, as well as retail and other sectors. 'In addition, the total workforce hours on the project represent the equivalent of more than 140 annualized jobs.' The refinery, which is the largest in Canada, was established in 1960. Refinery Storage tanks are seen at the Irving Oil refinery in Saint John, N.B. on Thursday, Aug. 8, 2013. (Andrew Vaughan) For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CBC
21-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Irving Oil unaware of leaking diesel until after major spill detected, emails suggest
Government emails obtained through a right to information request suggest Irving Oil Ltd. was not aware of discrepancies in fuel numbers until after a spill was detected at its Woodstock gas station. In a Jan. 7 email, Mallory Gilliss, a manager of contaminated sites with the Department of Environment and Local Government, updated colleagues following a "high level update" meeting with Irving and the contractor the company hired to manage the spill, Dillon Consulting Limited. "Irving's Operations Group is investigating the cause of the leak. There was a crack in the remote fill elbow and they are evaluating the cause of the crack. They have already identified some discrepancies in product inventory in the week leading up to the incident and they will continue to investigate if this was a process or software failure," Gilliss wrote. "They will be looking at other Irving sites to see if they have the same vulnerability." What that vulnerability was — that led to thousands of litres of diesel leaking into the environment without being detected immediately — is unclear. Interview requests were also sent to Irving Oil Ltd. via email and phone calls. The company did not respond to the requests. In fact, Irving Oil has never responded to CBC requests regarding this diesel leak dating back to its discovery. WATCH | Minister says the report on the 180,000-litre leak will be made public: New details on diesel leak come from minister, right to information request 39 minutes ago Duration 3:43 In the days following the initial discovery of the diesel leak in mid-December of 2024, several locals told CBC News they had already reported diesel in the water supply at the neighbouring Tim Hortons — in some cases several weeks prior to any action being taken. The amount of diesel recovered from the spill has recently been increased to 180,000 litres. Highway officials caught off guard Those same documents also show a series of confused emails from a variety of organizations, including government agencies, who were in the dark about the leak and its potential impacts. Staff at the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure were surprised at the extent of the cleanup operations. It appears efforts to capture the leaked diesel encroached onto the Trans-Canada Highway — and impeded traffic — without officials knowing or approving those operations. "The clean-up at [Beardsley] Road has extended on to NBHC [New Brunswick Highway Corporation] property. We have not been notified by anybody," wrote Kyle Wright, an operation, maintenance and rehabilitation manager for DTI, to a colleague on Feb. 12. An email to Wright from Craig Gallant of AtkinsRéalis, previously called SNC-Lavalin Group Inc., the company that manages that stretch of highway under contract by the province, replied that they too had no idea about the encroaching operations. "It seems like the contractor for the clean up at the Irving at [Beardsley] Road is now excavating within the Highway ROW [right of way]. Are you aware? We have not been advised of any plans in this regard. Any information the province has for this clean up would be appreciated," wrote Gallant. Groups in the dark Following a CBC News publication about the initial estimate of at least 100,000 litres of leaked diesel, several organizations began contacting the province for details about the spill. Those emails were included in the right to information request. Some came from an enforcement officer from Environment and Climate Change Canada, as well as the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick. Both requested information about the leak and its possible impact on fish habitats. The department also received calls from nearby property owners worried about their land and water being contaminated. The day after the initial CBC News report, the Town of Woodstock also requested more information about the spill directly from Environment Minister Gilles LePage and deputy minister Charbel Awad after expressing frustration with a lack of updates from Irving Oil. "I trust that Irving is following all requirements from the Department of Environment in their remediation work, and we understand an environmental assessment is being done, but given the media reports of fuel found in surface water in wetlands a fair distance away, I think it is time that I better understand the possible gravity of the situation," wrote Mayor Trina Jones. "As you can appreciate, the media will continue to reach out to myself and my Council to look for more information and although I continue to divert their questions, as recent as yesterday, our community members will expect us to have more information than the press," Jones wrote. Investigation continues On May 5, the Environment Department issued a news release stating that an investigation launched into gas station safety compliance — a direct result of the leak in Woodstock — revealed issues at nearly half of the inspected locations. "The department has completed 30 inspections around New Brunswick since launching the exercise in April," stated the release. "Non-compliances were observed at 14 sites. These findings prompted enforcement actions by the department, including issuance of tickets and compliance plans." The province has since updated those numbers from 14 sites to 15 sites. Minister responds According to LePage, tickets for "minor infractions" at those 15 gas stations total around $6,000. He said stations were selected across different regions at random and included both Irving and non-Irving stations. He said he can't say what led to the leak and why it wasn't immediately detected. "The investigation is still going on, ours and also Irving's investigation," said LePage. "We'll combine both and we'll find recommendations, solutions, and more actions probably, after we get those reports." LePage said he's not sure when they'll be completed, but "hopefully within the next month." He said they'll be made public. "Everything that I can make public, yes, I will make public," LePage said. When asked why the Department of Environment did not immediately inform the public about the leak, LePage said its detection on Dec. 15 was close to Christmas break and the priority at the time was collecting the leaked fuel and enforcing department rules governing cleanup. "We're answering every citizen that requests an answer. Our staff is there to answer questions, the consultant staff is there to answer questions, and of course the company is also there, and also responsible to answer those questions," LePage said.
CBC
11-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Clean-air activist presses for Irving refinery change as permit comes up for renewal
Gordon Dalzell has lived for decades near the Irving Oil Refinery in Saint John, and air quality has long been top of mind for him, both as a clean-air activist and as a resident who likes to walk the streets of his neighbourhood. He always wonders what he might be breathing in. Sometimes, he said, he can smell and taste pollutants in the air; other times he feels a shortness of breath. He said this suggests that maybe the air those days has a higher than usual level of ground-level ozone, caused by a mix of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides from the refinery, mixed with heat from the sun. Dalzell files complaints when he thinks something is amiss. "The industries take them very seriously, and they've often told me, 'Look, no problem," Dalzell said in a recent interview on the east side of the city, overlooking the refinery. "We're glad to get this information so we can make some corrections.'" Dalzell also participates in larger opportunities to influence air quality near the refinery, most recently the public engagement process for the renewal of the refinery's air quality approval to operate. The current approval, in place for the last five years, expires July 15. Dalzell keeps an eye on things through the federal government's local air quality health index, which takes regular readings of ground level ozone, fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide in communities across the country. Using a scale of one to 10, Dalzell said, it's a gauge of when it's safe to go outside and engage in sports and other physical activities. "If it's above six or seven and it still looks OK outside, that means that there is some ground-level ozone out there and that can make it sometimes a little harder to breathe, especially when you exert yourself," Dalzell said. The public participation part of the refinery renewal process began Jan. 15, when people were invited to submit comments, which were addressed in an interim report issued in March along with a draft approval to operate. The period for public comment ends May 16, after which the New Brunswick Environment Department will prepare a final summary of the issues and responses and give it to the environment minister for final approval. He has been a lone advocate when it comes to this public engagement process but a successful one. His submission in 2020 was 200 pages long, handwritten and raised 33 issues. He asked for stricter emissions levels for sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. The Environment Department responded by capping them at 4,500 tonnes. "If we're going to be living in the community with this source of air pollution, it really is key if we can take a look at [potential issues] and then make some recommendations and say to yourself, '[are] these the kind of limits that are going to be sufficient to protect public health, or do we need to have more, stricter conditions and rules around their approval to operate on the air quality side?'" Dalzell said. In February, in response to the interim report, he made a submission with 18 issues he wanted addressed. This time, the department plans to cap emissions of sulphur dioxide at 4,000 tonnes a year, down 500 tonnes, a victory for the public engagement process, Dalzell said. "So over the last two approvals we've seen the public concern around that pollutant being realized with new rules, with a reduction of this particular air pollutant." While it's important to reduce these emissions, he said the refinery isn't a significant source of sulphur dioxide. He's more worried about particulate matter and volatile organic compounds, which include benzene, "which should never be emitted anywhere." "It's the other pollutants that it emits, that the [department] has kept the same level over the last several years … that really concerns me." Among the many changes he'd like to see is more transparency by Irving on air quality issues. There is a community liaison committee, but its minutes aren't available on Irving Oil's website or the government's site. Rob Moir, an economics professor at the University of New Brunswick, said the government should require a more robust public engagement process under the Clean Air Act. The latest engagement process was launched in January with a brief news release online and no links to information on how to engage. There was a small print and digital advertisement, with an invitation to submit comments, but no public meetings or door-to-door outreach in affected neighbourhoods. "How many people actually know there's an operational assessment going on and that they have the right to submit questions?" said Moir. Under the act, the province can hold public information sessions, but they're not required. A web page lists the ways people can become engaged and lists a project manager and a refinery employee as resources for people who have questions. Irving Oil did not respond to requests for an interview for this story. The Environment Department did not make someone available for an interview. The refinery permit is up for renewal at a time when the city is confronting many issues related to the relationship between neighbourhoods and industry. Lorneville residents are concerned about Saint John's proposed expansion of the industrial park. On the west side, where the Irving Pulp and Paper mill is being upgraded, J.D. Irving Ltd. withdrew a request for rezoning of a park in the face of community opposition. Residents push back Dalzell said he believes the city was essentially developed as an industrial park with neighbourhoods "etched out" in the areas around large-scale businesses such as mills, breweries and the refinery. Whether it's air quality, odour, noise or vehicle and train traffic, businesses need to be sensitive to the needs of residents, he said. "People are starting to say, 'Hold it, we have to push back,' he said. "We have a right to quality of life and enjoyment of property and we can't be encroached and invaded by industrial development everywhere." Dalzell recently made a public presentation at an event organized by the Saint John Community Coalition, encouraging the gathering of environment-minded residents to submit comments before the May 16 deadline. "I've always encouraged others, and I've always tried to review these documents and make recommendations and bring up limitations and make suggestions that can reduce these emissions," he said.
