Upstream oil and gas industry

The upstream oil and natural gas industry plays an essential role in the lives of Canadians. Oil and natural gas products fuel our cars, heat our homes and power our factories. They also provide the raw materials for petrochemicals, plastics and other products we use every day.

At the same time, the industry’s exploration and production activities may have impacts on air, land and water. To offset these impacts, the industry invests in programs and technologies that help to reduce its environmental footprint. Statistics Canada reports that the upstream oil and gas industry spent about $1.1 billion on environmental protection in 2002. Much of this amount was spent on environmental assessment and planning to meet regulations.

Impact Air        Odors        Flaring and venting        Sulphur dioxide        Sour gas        Greenhouse gases        Benzene Land        Land use        Land reclamation        Waste management Water        Water use        Surface and groundwater quality        Marine environment Other impacts        Spills        Biodiversity        Cumulative effects