CASA Wins Pollution Prevention Award (June 2, 2005)

Flaring and Venting Project Honoured for Work in Reducing Emissions


EDMONTON – The Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA) received a 2005 Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Pollution Prevention Award, at a ceremony held in Victoria June 1st.


The Award recognizes the Flaring and Venting Project Team for their collaborative work to develop short-term and long-term actions and strategies to address potential and observed health and environmental impacts associated with emissions from oil and gas flaring and venting.


Since the Project Framework was implemented there has been a 70 percent reduction in solution gas flaring when compared to the 1996 baseline. In 2003, about 95.3 percent of solution gas was conserved or used in other manners, with less than five percent being flared or vented.


“CASA’s success has much to do with its collaborative approach to issues and concerns,” says Donna Tingley, Executive Director. “We are proud that our Project Teams bring together diverse stakeholders from three sectors – government, industry and non-government organizations – who each express their perspectives and who work together to create innovative solutions.”


CASA’s Project Teams use a consensus model to identify issues, and develop and recommend solutions to various challenges. “Each member of the Project Team contributes to the success of the Project, and because the three sectors are involved, the solutions are real and workable,” comments Donna.


CASA’s Flaring and Venting Project is co-chaired by John Squarek of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP); Michael Brown of the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB); and Chris Severson-Baker of the Pembina Institute.


The Project Team included representation from Alberta Cattle Commission, Alberta Energy, Alberta Energy and Utilities Board, Alberta Environment, Alberta Health and Wellness, Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties, BP Canada, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Husky Oil, Pembina Institute, Prairie Acid Rain Coalition, Residents for Accountability in Power Industry Development, The Small Explorers and Producers Association of Canada, and Wildrose Agricultural Producers.


“Petroleum producers are very concerned with emissions, and work continuously to reduce the impacts of oil and gas production on people and the environment,” comments John Squarek, CAPP Manager of Alberta Operations. “This project created tremendous, effective solutions to reduce emissions, conserve gas for other uses, and improve air quality.”


In 1999, the EUB implemented recommendations that were made by the original CASA Flaring and Venting Project Team by developing new requirements for upstream flaring.


“Certainly, the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board is concerned with all aspects of oil and gas production,” comments Michael Brown. “This project allowed the regulator to involve all our stakeholders in setting new standards and, through the Project Team, creating alternatives to flaring and venting; while contributing to the reduction of pollution and maintaining the sustainability of the industry.”


“From our perspective, the Flaring and Venting Project is a fine example of what can be achieved when interested parties come together with the objective of finding workable solutions,” says Chris Severson-Baker, Director of the Pembina Institute’s Energy Watch Program. “The Flaring and Venting Project has achieved real results, which is a ‘win’ for everyone.”


The Clean Air Strategic Alliance (CASA) is a non-profit association whose vision is that “the air will be odourless, tasteless, look clear and have no measurable short- or long-term adverse effects on people, animals or the environment.”


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For more information or to arrange an interview with the co-chairs, contact Sue Heuman, Focus Communications, 780-732-7213.