Project Knowledge Base
Past consulting projects and institutional knowledge
TIER Baseline Emissions Assessment
Oil & GasOil & Gas Facility - Central Alberta • 2024-03
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
MiningMining Operation - Northern Alberta • 2024-06
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
HydrogenHydrogen Production - Calgary Region • 2024-08
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
ManufacturingIndustrial Facility - Southern Alberta • 2023-08
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 FuelsClean Fuels Facility - Alberta • 2024-01
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 & GasMulti-Site Industrial Operator • 2024-10
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.