Alberta wrestles with gas flaring

The Alberta Energy Resources Conservation Board estimates that flaring and venting of waste gas associated with oil production rose 7.6 percent last year to about 25.7 billion cubic feet. A spokesman for the regulator said the increase largely stems from higher rates of bitumen drilling.

Despite the rise, solution gas flaring in Alberta has been lowered by 77 percent since 1996 and solution gas released into the atmosphere is down 41 percent since 2000.

The board’s report indicates the upstream oil and gas industry conserved 95.1 percent of all solution gas produced in Alberta last year for use or sale, rather than flaring and venting.

The Alberta government set a goal 10 years ago of virtually eliminating flaring and venting of solution gas, and, despite the success so far, the board is consulting with various groups on further regulatory changes.

—Gary Park