Project Knowledge Base

Past consulting projects and institutional knowledge

TIER Baseline Emissions Assessment

Oil & Gas

Oil & Gas Facility - Central Alberta2024-03

TIERGHGBaselineAQI: 0-50

Problem

New facility required establishment of baseline emissions for TIER compliance under Alberta's Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction regulation.

Approach

Conducted comprehensive emissions inventory across all sources. Implemented continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) for major point sources. Developed robust data management protocols for annual reporting.

Outcome

Successfully established baseline 15% below industry average. Client achieved compliance and qualified for performance credits in first reporting year.

Key Lesson

Early engagement with regulatory specialists critical. Air quality monitoring data proved essential for validating emissions calculations during stable atmospheric conditions.

NPRI Compliance & Air Quality Monitoring

Mining

Mining Operation - Northern Alberta2024-06

NPRIPM2.5Air QualityAQI: 50-100

Problem

Mining operation faced increased scrutiny due to elevated PM2.5 levels during moderate air quality days. Required enhanced NPRI reporting and mitigation strategies.

Approach

Installed additional ambient air quality monitors at property boundary. Implemented dust suppression protocols triggered by real-time air quality thresholds. Enhanced NPRI reporting to include episodic events.

Outcome

Reduced reportable PM2.5 releases by 30%. Demonstrated proactive environmental management to regulators and community stakeholders.

Key Lesson

Real-time air quality monitoring enables adaptive management. Moderate AQI days require heightened operational awareness and communication protocols.

Hydrogen Facility Environmental Pathway

Hydrogen

Hydrogen Production - Calgary Region2024-08

TIEREPEANet ZeroAQI: 0-50

Problem

New hydrogen production facility needed comprehensive regulatory approval pathway including TIER registration and EPEA approval.

Approach

Developed integrated regulatory strategy addressing air quality permitting, GHG management, and water use. Coordinated multi-stakeholder engagement including Alberta Environment and Parks.

Outcome

Secured all required approvals 6 months ahead of schedule. Facility positioned as lowest carbon-intensity hydrogen producer in region.

Key Lesson

Clean air quality data strengthened regulatory applications. Proactive ambient monitoring during planning phase demonstrated environmental responsibility.

Wildfire Smoke Impact Assessment

Manufacturing

Industrial Facility - Southern Alberta2023-08

Air QualityEPEAEmergency ResponseAQI: 100-200

Problem

Facility operations during wildfire smoke events created compliance uncertainty. Needed protocol for differentiating facility emissions from ambient smoke impacts.

Approach

Developed episodic event protocols aligned with EPEA requirements. Implemented enhanced monitoring to distinguish facility vs. wildfire contributions. Created decision framework for operational adjustments.

Outcome

Maintained compliance during unprecedented smoke events. Protocol adopted as industry best practice by regional facilities.

Key Lesson

Poor air quality days require clear operational protocols. Real-time data differentiation between sources is critical for regulatory defensibility.

OBPS Compliance Strategy

Clean Fuels

Clean Fuels Facility - Alberta2024-01

OBPSFederalCarbon PricingAQI: 0-100

Problem

Facility met federal Output-Based Pricing System thresholds. Required assessment of compliance strategy vs. provincial TIER requirements.

Approach

Conducted detailed emissions intensity analysis under both frameworks. Modeled credit generation scenarios. Developed hybrid compliance strategy leveraging both systems.

Outcome

Optimized compliance approach saving $850K annually. Positioned facility for future carbon market opportunities.

Key Lesson

Air quality monitoring data valuable for demonstrating operational consistency across reporting periods. Clean air quality conditions correlate with optimal operational efficiency.

Sustainability Disclosure Framework

Oil & Gas

Multi-Site Industrial Operator2024-10

ESGDisclosureAir QualityAQI: 0-50

Problem

Operator needed enhanced environmental disclosure for investors. Required integration of air quality performance into ESG framework.

Approach

Developed comprehensive environmental performance dashboard. Integrated real-time air quality data with operational metrics. Created investor-grade disclosure aligned with TCFD recommendations.

Outcome

Improved ESG ratings from two major agencies. Enhanced stakeholder confidence through transparent environmental performance reporting.

Key Lesson

Strong air quality performance is valuable stakeholder communication tool. Good AQI conditions demonstrate operational excellence and environmental stewardship.