SaskEnergy to conduct controlled natural gas flares near Regina

REGINA — SaskEnergy has released a public safety announcement for multiple controlled natural gas flares, which will be conducted near Regina.

According to the energy company, the flaring will take place within the RM of Sherwood, approximately 0.5 kilometres south of The Creeks in Regina.

Flarings will take place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, and Friday, Aug. 15, while the last one will occur on Sunday, Aug. 17, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., subject to time changes based on operating requirements.

During the testing, SaskEnergy said residents may see a 40-foot flame being emitted from the flare.

“The flaring is necessary to perform maintenance work on the natural gas line system in the area and supports the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to SaskEnergy’s customers,” said the media release.

While the process is ongoing, a portion of the gas will be isolated from the system, and natural gas is removed from the line in a controlled burn, which is called a flare.

“Flaring is an industry standard practice when natural gas needs to be removed from a line, and reduces the carbon footprint of the vented natural gas by 85 per cent.”

The area near the flare will be overseen to ensure public safety. SaskEnergy has also notified the RM of Sherwood and Regina Fire of the event.

Natural gas service will not be affected by the flare.