Canada’s oil and gas industry is a leader in safely producing sour gas.
The Issue: Producing a Dangerous Substance
Sour gas is a natural gas that contains hydrogen sulphide (H2S). It is a colourless, flammable gas that smells like rotten eggs, and is poisonous to humans and animals. About 30 per cent of the natural gas in Western Canada is sour and some crude oil produced in the region is also sour.
Many communities across Western Canada, particularly Alberta, are concerned about sour gas production. The industry works closely with those communities to protect their safety and respond to their concerns.
What We’re Doing: Developing Sour Gas Safely
We have heard and understand the environmental, health and safety concerns associated with sour gas operations. We are working with communities, governments and other stakeholders to improve public confidence in the way sour gas is regulated, developed and produced.
Maintaining high standards
Because so much of our natural gas is sour, Canadian oil and gas companies have become world leaders in the safe operation of sour gas facilities. This means rigorous technical engineering controls, specialized training, stringent regulatory controls and inspection/enforcement procedures designed to prevent an incident. These are backed up by detailed emergency response planning requirements. The bottom line is that companies want to keep the public and employees safe while producing sour gas.
Find out more about how we keep the public and our employees safe
Talking with our neighbours
We participate in a number of committees made up of the public, regulators and other industries to discuss concerns. These committees have led to a number of guidelines. For example, CAPP has published Recommended Practices for Sour Gas Development Planning and Proliferation Assessment.
What Do You Think?
We're Listening.
The oil and gas industry wants to hear Canadians' thoughts and opinions about what we do. Tell us what you think