Back in May, Cenovus Energy reported a well release at the Rush Lake 2 thermal facility, about 80 kilometres south of Lloydminster.

One family was evacuated from their home as a cautionary measure. Cenovus then began injecting water into the well which created a visible plume near the injection site comprised mainly of dirt and water vapour.

Now, the company is saying it suspects the cause was a well casing failure. The update states that the release has been primarily water vapour with trace amounts of hydrocarbons and H2S, but it assures that the levels of H2S are hundreds of times lower than levels associated with adverse health impacts.

The update adds that no issues have been identified with nearby waterways or underground water. Cenovus representatives have been meeting with residents within a 10-kilometre radius of the facility, as well as local government officials and concerned individuals outside the immediate area.