AER strengthens air quality requirements for Peace River operators

Aug. 19, 2014
Addressing emissions and odors, Alberta Energy Regulator says it has strengthened requirements to capture casing and tank top gas from heavy oil and bitumen operations in the Peace River region.

Addressing emissions and odors, Alberta Energy Regulator says it has strengthened requirements to capture casing and tank top gas from heavy oil and bitumen operations in the Peace River region.

Through Aug. 31, AER inspection teams will be conducting sweeps in the region to ensure that operators are in compliance.

Operators in the Seal Lake and Walrus areas that submitted plans to AER with a proposed implementation schedule to eliminate venting will be required to become compliant with amendments to Directive 060: Upstream Petroleum Industry Flaring, Incinerating, and Venting.

AER said gas must be captured in existing facilities, unless an extension is granted.

“Operators in the Three Creeks and Reno areas, specifically, must comply with our requirements, or face enforcement action,” said Jim Ellis, AER president. “This amendment ensures that all operators are capturing this solution gas, which was previously vented.”

AER said the effort is a direct result of the report of recommendations on odors and emissions in the Peace River area, released Mar. 31.