Imperial Oil project aims to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions at Sarnia site

Imperial Oil’s Sarnia site is moving forward with a major emissions-reduction project expected to cut sulphur dioxide emissions by more than 90 per cent by 2028.

Imperial Oil is undertaking a major emissions-reduction project at its Sarnia site that is expected to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by more than 90 per cent by the end of 2028.

The work is part of the company’s response to Ontario regulations targeting sulphur dioxide emissions from petroleum manufacturing.

The project includes the installation of a wet gas scrubber, which will treat flue gas and remove sulphur dioxide from the stream. A new purge treatment unit will also be installed to manage remaining water from the process.

Work on the project began about two years ago and has recently become more visible at the Sarnia site, with new equipment arriving and being installed.

The project has also involved local industrial fabrication companies. LamSar has fabricated 14 steel modules for the project, while CIMS and ANJ have also supported work connected to the site.

Imperial Oil is also completing work related to vapour combustion units connected to benzene storage tanks. Additional vapour combustion units for rail and marine loading facilities are expected to be completed this year.

The company said the work has been approved under its environmental compliance process following discussions with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.