Air

Because of the amount of energy used and the nature of the products handled, there are emissions into the atmosphere from the production and processing of oil and natural gas. The upstream oil and gas industry constantly seeks to reduce the volume and toxicity of these emissions. Canadian regulations set high standards for air quality and strict limits on industry emissions.

Odors

People can detect the distinctive smell of sulphur compounds in sour oil and gas at low concentrations (measured in parts per billion). Even “sweet” crude oil has a pungent aroma because of the aromatic compounds found in petroleum. Growing public concerns about environmental issues and increasing population in some producing areas have focused attention on odor complaints.

In 2003, for example, about one out of every three complaints reported to the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board involved odors.

The industry addresses odor issues by installing equipment such as vapor recovery systems on oil storage tanks. It also inspects and maintains equipment such as valves and flanges.