The Mysterious Superior Rumble Finally Has an Explanation

I took the dog for a walk in North End Superior yesterday afternoon, and I heard a loud rumble coming from the south. It sounded like the 148th's F-16s flying off in the distance. I didn't think too much of it, because it's a normal noise we hear in the Twin Ports.

Then, a couple of hours later, I went back outside, and I could still hear it. I got a text from a friend who lives nearby, asking if I was hearing that rumble. What could it be?

What's That Rumble In Superior?

Social media was lit up with people asking the same question, "What's that rumble in Superior?" It appeared to be coming from the South End of town. Some people wondered if it was the races at the Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds. (That noise can travel all the way to the bridges.

Cenovus Refinery Issue?

Someone posted on a page that the Cenovus Refinery had an emergency pressure release, and that's what was causing the noise. I reached out last night for comment, but haven't heard anything back.

Read More: Watch 3D Animation Of What Caused Superior Refinery Fire

This morning, Mayor Jim Paine offered an explanation, saying that a shutdown of one of the operations at the refinery caused a large buildup of pressure that they had to release through the stack. It's a normal procedure, but this time there was much more volume and pressure than usual.

Google Maps

Fortunately, it wasn't an emergency, but it was still an alarming thing to hear. If you lived through the Superior Refinery Fire, you're probably nervous when you hear something out of the ordinary from the refinery. I'll update you if I hear anything back from Cenovus.