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Industry continued a multi-year downward trend in SO2 and NOx emissions, despite more operating facilities and increased production of oil with higher sulphur content. National SO2 emissions from oil and gas operations declined by nine per cent in 2011, while NOx emissions declined


by six per cent.


Water Fresh water withdrawals were down 12 per cent at oil sands mining operations to 2.7 barrels per barrel of production, 10 per cent at in situ operations to 0.36


barrels, and 17 per cent at Western Canada operations to 0.72 barrels. The declines are due to industry’s successful efforts to improve recycling rates and use non- potable water sources where possible.


Land


The total well count (active plus inactive wells) in Western Canada increased 14 per cent to 36,843 wells. Of the 32,684 abandoned conventional wells, 50 per cent are under active reclamation, 23 per cent are being assessed and 27 per cent are temporarily deferred. Total active footprint


for oil sands mining operations was up seven per cent in 2011 to 76,070 hectares, including 10 per cent in some stage of the reclamation process.


“The oil and gas industry requires social license conduct its activities. Social license is broader than transparent measurement and reporting of industry performance data alone,” Collyer said. “It must be underscored by the sincere belief that the upstream oil and gas industry – both companies and individuals – will behave responsibly and in the broader public interest.”


THE WESTERN CANADIAN PIPELINE | WINTER 2013 5


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