Alberta Energy Regulator toughens rules to cut possible effect of gas emissions

CALGARY – Alberta’s energy regulator is toughening regulations to reduce the potential negative effects of energy industry gas emissions.

The new rules will apply to industry practises such as flaring, venting and burning off gas and are to go into effect June 16.

The change is partly the result of hearings into odours caused by oilsands processing in northwestern Alberta that prompted some families to move away from the area.

Jim Ellis, president of the Alberta Energy Regulator, says the changes will help ensure the safe and environmentally responsible development of energy resources.

The regulator has also accepted most of the recommendations in a report released in March into complaints that Baytex Energy’s operations are creating powerful gassy smells in the Peace River area.

The report said steps must be taken to eliminate gas venting, reduce flaring and conserve all produced gas in the area where feasible because it could cause health problems.