Peace River AER Inquiry 2014 - Baytex Study Summary
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This presentation summarizes the findings of an air emissions and odour sampling program conducted on the Baytex Reno Field. The data was collected in response to local resident complaints of odours in the area. The study collected samples using industry standard procedures and analyzed by state of the art analytical equipment. The results showed that no human health effects were exceeded and that no odour thresholds were exceeded. This study exemplifies how odours may be detected even though the standard analytical practices are not able to measure the odiferous compounds. PAHs were measured in the study and show a petrogenic ligher signature present the ambient air in the region as well as diesel markers from the trucking activity. This summary report was presented on January 22, 2014 to the Peace River AER Public Proceeding (1769924).
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Peace River AER Inquiry 2014 - Baytex Study Summary
- 1. Baytex Reno Field Emission Studies and Ambient Air Sampling Program Court Sandau, PhD, PChem Presented at Alberta Energy Regulator Peace River Public Inquiry (Proceeding 1769924) on January 22, 2014 1 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 2. Historical Overview • Odour complaints from local residents around Baytex Reno field • Some spot VOC samples acquired and field monitoring stations began in 2012 • Continuous ambient air monitoring on residential property • Field visit in November 2012 • Further investigation deemed warranted 2 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 3. Designing Investigation • Odour issues are recognized as complex projects – Both scientifically and socially • Project involves multiple components (measurements and modeling) 3 Propyl Acetate Butyl Acetate © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 4. Baytex Reno Investigation • Ambient air sampling (Chemistry Matters Inc.) – concentrations for residents and regulators to compare to guidelines • Tank sampling (Clearstone Engineering Ltd.) – what could potentially be emitted – establish an emissions inventory • Air modeling (RWDI Air Inc.) – using tank and ambient data to model emissions – monitoring meteorological data 4© 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 5. Objectives of Clearstone Study • Assessment of emissions from Baytex Reno Field • Measurements made at 10 leases • Emission sources: • Lift pump engine flue • Compressor engine flue • Tank heater flue • Tank vents • Flares • Techniques - Flow measurements and emission source sampling: • VOCs – canister samples • Semi-volatiles – PUF samples 5 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 6. Clearstone Sampling • VOCs (97) and RSCs (31) by canister, analyzed by AITF • PAHs analyzed by PUF, analyzed by AITF 6 VOCs (128) Semi-volatiles (40) Casing gas 5 Lift pump engine flue 1 1 Compressor engine flue 1 2 Tank heater flue 1 Tank vent to atmosphere 12 3 Tank vent to flare 2 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 7. Clearstone Study Findings • Identified upset condition at lease 9-21, high GOR (gas to oil ratio) • Well shut in by Baytex until repaired • Site was also sampled during ambient air sampling program in the ‘upset’ condition • Calculated site-specific combustion efficiencies and residual emissions. • Produced inventory of source-specific emission for each point source and location for use in modeling 7 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 8. RWDI Air Modeling • RWDI AIR Inc. completed air dispersion modelling of the emissions • Air dispersion modelling was completed using the CALPUFF dispersion model to predict maximum concentrations in a 20 km by 20 km study domain centred on the Project • Used Clearstone Study results as model input • Emissions of 28 chemicals (plus odour) were evaluated • Maximum off site concentrations were predicted for normal operating conditions 8© 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 9. RWDI Air Modeling Results •Maximum modelled concentrations were comparable or higher than maximum measured concentrations from ambient air measurements for five of the nine chemicals that were detected •The modelled concentrations were all below the applicable AAAQOs 9© 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 10. Overview of Ambient Sampling • Established design of sampling – what, where and how • Completed in conjunction with RWDI modeling activities and Clearstone emission sampling – Tank sampling at same locations as ambient sampling • Screened chemistry results against: – human health risk based guidelines – odour based guidelines • Reported results 10 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 11. Designing Ambient Air Program • What to measure? • Where to sample (distance from source)? – Wind speed and direction a large factor • How to collect sample? • How long to collect a sample for? 11 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 12. • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (25) – benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene and xylenes (BTEX) included • Reduced sulfur compounds (RSCs) (10) – Includes hydrogen sulfide (H2S) These compounds are all related to potential oil and gas emissions – Many can contribute to odour – RSCs have significant offensive odours • PAHs exist in crude oil but are also formed during combustion (75) – can fingerprint potential sources – anticipated to not be an issue but still monitored due to perceived toxicity and relevance Analytes selected 12 What? © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 13. Oil Field Additives Potential for Odour 13 • Baytex uses additives that break emulsions in the tanks, allowing the oil, sand, water and gas to separate • Chemistry Matters reviewed all Material Safety Data Sheets for the additives • Some chemicals added are common constituents in oil • Other chemicals were generally polymers in a hydrocarbon or water mixture, with very low volatility and very low chance of contributing to odours © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 14. Reduced Sulfur Compounds (RSCs) ALS Laboratories Canister Method reference EPA TO-15 Mod. hydrogen sulphide carbon disulphide n-butyl-mercaptan 14 What? © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 15. Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs ALS Laboratories Canister Method reference EPA TO-15A - chlorinated VOCs on the full TO-15 list are omitted because they are not associated with crude oil and associated gases. cyclohexane toluene propylene 15 What? © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 16. Parent PAHs AXYS Method MLA-021 Rev 10 Ver 05 16 What? naphthalene phenanthrene dibenzothiophene © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 17. Alkylated PAHs AXYS Method MLA-021 Rev 10 Ver 05 17 What? © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 18. Sampling Locations 18 Where? © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 19. • Distances downwind from tanks: – allow for good compound detection rates at 50 m – 150 m downwind is a viable distance for roads or private property from the tanks or compressors Sampling distances Alberta Environment (2008) Air Quality Monitoring In the Vicinity of Heavy Oil Cold Flow Tanks Near Bonnyville Final Report, (http://environment.gov.ab.ca/info/library/8335.pdf) • Used Alberta Environment (2008) as general reference for sampling distance 19 Where? © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 20. Sampling Summary 20 Where? Analysis Sample Location Tally QC samples VOCs (25) 50m upwind, 50m downwind, 150m downwind, 50m downwind (4hr) 40 (10 sites) 1x triplicate Spot 2 RSCs (10) 50m upwind, 50m downwind 10 (5 sites) 1x triplicate PAHs (75) N, S, E, W 16 (4 sites) 1x duplicate • Local residents were notified of the sampling event and many were contacted personally during the event • Offered to take samples 24/7 during the sampling event • No samples were taken © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 21. Summa Canister Sampling (VOCs and RSCs) • Collected in specially cleaned and prepared Summa canisters • The valves were calibrated to allow ambient air to flow at a set rate (1 hour and 4 hour) – 1 hr average ambient air samples can be directly compared to AAAQO values for regulated chemicals – 4 hr average ambient air samples allow longer averaging time for sample collection (can be converted to 1 hour or 24 hour for comparison) • Both sampling times are useful for comparison with RWDI’s model for the region • Methods used in field sampling are industry standardized methodologies for sample collection 21 How? © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 22. Summa Canister Field Sampling Procedure • Evaluate wind direction • Take distance measurements (50 m away from tanks – upwind and down wind) • Log locations with handheld GPS • Attach Summa canister to tripod ~1.2 to 1.4 m above ground surface • Open Summa canister upwind of body- avoid walking upwind after opening • Move downwind and repeat procedure 22 How? © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 23. VOC Sampling Summary Lease 9-21 • Site sampling schematic for lease 9-21 • Windrose shows wind direction (from) as well as speed • Pictures taken to document sampling event 23 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 24. Field Procedures • Documented sampling events demonstrates sample continuity/integrity • Provides required evidence of sampling conditions – For example, thief hatches were open during sampling 24 How? Triplicate RSC sampling at 8-214-hr and 1-hr sampling at 5-32 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 25. • Site sampling schematic for lease 5-32 25 RSC Sampling Summary Lease 5-32 How? © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 26. PAH Sampling • Contacted lead researchers at Environment Canada to confirm similar methodology used as oil sands monitoring • High volume air samples collected over 24 hour period • Sampling included normal site activity (e.g. truck traffic) • 4 leases selected for sampling • 4 sampling locations on each lease naphthalene phenanthrene benzo(a)pyrene 26 How? © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 27. PAH Sampling • Documented sampling events with photos • Trail cameras set up to monitor truck traffic during 24 hour period of sampling – Able to determine time for loading (over 1 hour) • Visited and refueled generators once during 24 hour • Average of 380 m3 of air sampled with each 27 How? © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 28. PAH Sampling Summary Lease 13-14 • Site sampling schematic of 13-14 • Shows 4 sampling points (representing North, South, East, West) 28 How? © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 29. Guidelines / Objectives / Screening Levels • AAAQO – Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives – Human health based or odour based objectives – Conservative derivation to protect most sensitive population groups 29AAAQO (http://environment.alberta.ca/0994.html) © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 30. Guidelines / Objectives / Screening Levels • TCEQ ESL – Texas Commission for Environmental Quality Effect Screening Levels – AESRD go-to list for reference – Toxicology and risk-based screening concentrations – If exceeded, health effects are not expected but a more detailed evaluation is recommended 30 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 31. Reduced Sulfur Compounds • 10 RSCs were analyzed at 5 sites (at 2 locations – up and down wind) • One detection of hydrogen sulfide (16 ppb) observed above guideline (10 ppb) – Detected upwind location on-lease near site infrastructure • All samples presented no other detection of RSCs • Thus, no indication of RSCs in relation to activities on sites 31 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 32. Maximum VOC concentrations all sites • Only carbon disulphide was above guideline (in one sample) • 40 samples taken from 9 locations (1 location twice) • One exceedance of CS2 32 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 33. CS2 Exceedance • 4 hr sample exceeded 1 hr guideline (once converted to 1 hr equivalent) • Exceedance of odour based guideline (not health based) • Location of exceedance was lease 9- 21 • Clearstone determined that 9-21 was in ‘upset’ condition, excessive GOR • Well was shut in by Baytex until remedied 33
- 34. Average VOC concentrations all sites 34 • All other VOC measurements well below guidelines © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 35. Calm Conditions Noted During Sampling Program Low wind speeds were measured during sampling 35 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 36. Samples Representative of Odourous Events • Closer to tanks than homes, only 50 m away • Low wind conditions during sampling periods • Field team smelled odours during sampling program • Took spot samples when particularly odourous 36© 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 37. Spot Sample Comparisons • Spot sampling presented similar concentrations as 1 hr samples, indicating minimal wind mixing 37© 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 38. Clearstone Tank Sampling • Sampled all emission sources – Tank vents – Tank heaters – Flares – Lift pumps – Compressors 38 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 39. Clearstone Tank Sampling - PAHs • All samples present only one type of pattern – Pattern is only naphthalenes. No other PAHs. 0.00E+00 5.00E-05 1.00E-04 1.50E-04 2.00E-04 2.50E-04 3.00E-04 3.50E-04 4.00E-04 Naphthalene C2-Naphthalene C4-Naphthalene Acenaphthylene AcenaphtheneFluorene C2-Fluorene C4-Fluorene Phenanthrene/Anthracene C2-Phenanthrene/anthracene C4-Phenanthrene/anthracene C1-Dibenzothiophene C3-Dibenzothiophene C1-Fluoranthene/pyrene C3-Fluoranthene/pyrene C1-Chrysene C3-Chrysene Benzo[b,j,k]fluoranthene Dibenzo[ah]anthracene Concentraon(g/m3) Casingand Solu on GasMixVented 39 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 40. Ambient Air Samples for PAHs • Established at 4 coordinates: – North – South – East – West • Sampled an average of 380 m3 during 24 hour period 40 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 41. Ambient Air Samples for PAHs At each site: •3 samples of low concentration •1 sample of higher concentration 41 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 42. Ambient Air Samples for PAHs Low concentration PAH samples 42 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 43. Low concentration samples All lower concentration samples present same pattern - Comparable with site emission sources Mainly naphthalenes, few other PAHs 43 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 44. Ambient Air Samples for PAHs Higher concentration samples 44 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 45. Higher concentration samples All higher concentration samples present same pattern •All show vehicle combustion sources, diesel truck exhaust 45 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 46. Ambient Air Samples for PAHs 4 tanker trucks 2 tanker trucks 4 tanker trucks 1 tanker trucks PAH concentration in higher concentration samples indicative of volume of tankers on site during sampling period 46 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 47. Ambient Air Samples for PAHs • Common theme for all four locations • At each location: – Three samples present a common pattern with low concentration • Comparable with Clearstone samples. – One sample presents a different pattern with a higher concentration • Presents a pattern for vehicular emissions 47 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 48. Ambient Air Samples for PAHs • PAH concentrations were well below guideline at all 4 locations (16 samples) • Extra layer conservatism as particulates were included in PAH measurement 48 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 49. PAH Concentrations in Air 50 m from Tanks Compared to Other Locations * * * * Naphthalene (the most abundant PAH) not included in PAH data, so these values represent underestimates Athabasca data from: Schuster J.K, Harner T, Su K, Eng A, Zhang L, Charland JP, Ambient Air monitoring for PACs in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region for source and deposition assessment, presented at SETAC, 2013 Nashville. City data from: Clean Air Strategy Alliance, www.casadata.org, last accessed 21 Jan, 2014. © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 50. Oil Sands – Environment Canada Monitoring Images from: Schuster J.K, Harner T, Su K, Eng A, Zhang L, Charland JP, Ambient Air monitoring for PACs in the Athabasca Oil Sands Region for source and deposition assessment, presented at SETAC, 2013 Nashville. © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 51. B[a]P TPE comparison with other locations • PAH concentrations compare favorably with other locations in Alberta • Note that samples are 50 m away from tanks 51 Data Source http://www.casadata.org/ © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 52. Summary • One detection of hydrogen sulfide (16 ppb) – Above 10 ppb odour based guideline • No other RSCs detected • One exceedence of odour based guideline for carbon disulfide – Determined post sampling that it was a sample from an upset condition, high GOR – Represents worse case event • All other VOCs below odour and health based guidelines 52 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 53. Summary • PAHs concentrations are well below guidelines • A low concentration of PAHs in general is comparable with Clearstone tank samples • A vehicle emission PAH source provides additional contributions 53 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 54. Truck Traffic During Sampling Program Number of loads during ambient air sampling is consistent with periods before and after sampling 54 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 55. Baytex Production Consistent Throughout Sampling Evident that production was typical during sampling event (March). 13-1405-32 02-0108-21Sites Sampled 55 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 56. Conclusions • Easy to say that the data collected is flawed as residents are smelling something but data shows nothing is wrong – Samples collected close to source (conservative) on calm days (little dilution/dispersion) at locations where odours were perceived by field staff – Industry standardized sampling procedures were used in the collection of samples – Extra precautions taken to ensure samples collected and preserved prior to analysis at laboratory – Samples analyzed at industry leading accredited laboratories that have reporting limits (and detection limits) that meet or exceed the regulatory requirements (i.e. below guidelines) 56 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 57. Conclusions • The ambient air study demonstrated that measured concentrations of analytes were below applicable guidelines (odour and health based) – Samples were conservatively acquired 50 m away from tanks, providing worst case scenario for potential concentrations to compare to human health based guidelines 57 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 58. Thank you for your attention. 58 © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
- 59. Contact Info: Chemistry Matters Inc. Court Sandau Cell: 1.403.669.8566 Email: csandau@chemistry-matters.com URL: chemistry-matters.com Twitter: @Chem_Matters Slideshare: www.slideshare.net/csandau © 2015 Chemistry Matters Inc.
Editor's Notes
- - Human noses are very sensitive