In 2007 and 2008, a number of Suncor's operating facilities performed planned maintenance activities — often referred to as maintenance shutdowns or turnarounds.

A maintenance turnaround is a fact of life at refineries, oil sands plants and natural gas plants. The true measure of success of a turnaround is our ability to complete the maintenance safely and without any negative affects to our neighbors, customers or the environment.

To help ensure the company's success, Suncor introduced a new and important procedure to the turnaround process: a readiness assessment. Performed by third-party expert companies, the assessment provides insights into areas the company can improve upon to keep the turnaround safe, on time and on budget.

Sarnia refinery turnaround

According to Asset Performance Networks, the third-party company that performed an assessment of the Sarnia refinery's turnaround in fall 2008, the refinery met the industry average for readiness and received good marks for an effective permitting system and for involving contractors early in the planning process.

During the Sarnia refinery turnaround, up to 650 additional workers were on site during the planned shutdown, which started in September 2008 and wrapped up in mid-October. The turnaround covered regular maintenance work and a small amount of capital upgrades to heat exchangers.

Most importantly, the work was completed safely, on schedule and on budget. Suncor also met all customer supply agreements during the six-week project.