By Josh Hall

All is well after shutdown at NOVA Chemicals in Joffre

Oct 26, 2017 | 2:55 PM

A bright glow east of Red Deer around midnight last night caused concern over what may have been happening at the Joffre site of NOVA Chemicals.

Rick Van Hemmen, Sight Leader, says no one was hurt when one of the plant’s major compressors in their Ethylene 2 unit tripped offline, resulting in an unplanned shutdown.

“A trip is any time an automated system brings a piece of equipment down for whatever reason and when these major compressors come down, the whole plant ultimately shuts down at the same time,” he explains.
 
“Our operations team responded and ensured the unit was brought down safely. As part of the activity of any shutdown, we go to the flare system to safely and responsibly address the excess gases in the process and dispose of them in a safe fashion.”
 
Van Hemmen says at no time were emergency services required, adding the glow may have been increased by the low cloud cover.
 
He also noted that most shutdowns are planned and take place during the day. Typically, he says, surrounding residents are made aware well ahead of time.
 
“We sincerely apologize for any disruption or impact on our community members,” says Van Hemmen.
 
The plant could remain closed until tomorrow, pending the completion of an internal investigation