Vehicle-based fugitive emission detection and attribution within Alberta energy developments

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As energy development in Peace River, Medicine Hat, and Lloydminster, Alberta expands, operators have been under increased scrutiny from regulators and public, resulting in a need for industry to understand their own emissions. The proposed research involves a vehicle-based survey technology developed by Dr. Risk at St. Francis Xavier University (St.FX), which collects high precision information on vented and fugitive emissions. Exhaustive surveys will capture emission 'snapshots' of these regions across Alberta, showcasing the sources and severity of five target gases, including methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide. This will identify low-hanging fruit for emissions reduction, and form a baseline in which new emissions reductions can be compared. This knowledge will empower industry to understand their own fugitive and vented gas footprint to a highly detailed level, in order to drive Best Practice and infrastructure improvements. In the short-term, the project provides excellent HQP training opportunities, and could enhance environmental performance of energy extraction in Alberta. In the long-term the project holds promise for use in other energy extraction monitoring projects, and provides a means by which Alberta operators and regulators can better understand gas emissions, report on gas emissions, and address landowner complaints. St.FX is partnering with the Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada, whom in addition to financial support will provide interpretation, assessment, and general feedback on scientific and operational levels.******