Pollution Control in the Alberta Oil and Gas Industry

Abstract

Abstract Alberta's Energy Resources Conservation Board was given statutory responsibility for pollution control in the oil and gas industry pollution control in the oil and gas industry in 1970. This paper describes the history and objectives of pollution control in the industry and provides detailed descriptions of the more important pollution control regulations applicable to drilling, producing and gas processing operations. A brief summary of the size of the industry is given to show its importance in the economy and environment of Alberta. The province's natural environment and its population distribution are briefly population distribution are briefly described to indicate the manner in which drilling and production activities have affected Alberta and its people. The Board's role in pollution control prior to 1970 is mentioned to show how prior to 1970 is mentioned to show how early pollution control activities developed largely from the application of resource conservation principles. To allow the industry to work under a single agency as much as possible, the pollution control activities of most pollution control activities of most government departments affecting drilling and producing were transferred to the Board in 1970. The method of integrating the pollution control activities of the departments into the Board is outlined and the continuing relationship between these departments and the Board and the industry is explained. The Board's objectives regarding pollution control in drilling, producing, pollution control in drilling, producing, gas processing, oil sands processing and pipe line operations are described. A pipe line operations are described. A summary of pollution control regulations indicates the application of the objectives to operations and equipment in the industry. Schematic figures indicate detailed pollution control requirements applicable pollution control requirements applicable to drilling, producing wells, batteries and gas processing plants. Introduction The Province of Alberta is the second most westerly Province in Canada. It is bordered on the south-west by the Rocky Mountains and its physiography ranges from flat prairie in the south and east to heavy forest and rolling bush land in the north and west. The State of Montana lies directly south of Alberta.