Publications

Ambient air monitoring performance specification standards : continuous analyzers

Description

Performance specification standards have been developed as part of the revision and update of the Alberta Air Monitoring Directive. The specification standard sheets were designed to provide a... More ≫

Description

Performance specification standards have been developed as part of the revision and update of the Alberta Air Monitoring Directive. The specification standard sheets were designed to provide a reference for approved methods and minimum performance specifications to assure the consistency and reliability of continuous ambient air quality measurement in the province. Each specification standard sheet includes the following categories: field of application; air monitoring objectives; operational methods; minimum specifications; operational requirements; calibration requirements; reporting requirements; and additional information.

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Study of ambient hydrocarbon concentrations in Three Creeks, Alberta

Description

Analysis for continuous hydrocarbon monitoring and meteorological data at the two stations in the Three Creeks area showed that elevated hydrocarbon concentrations were associated with low wind... More ≫

Description

Analysis for continuous hydrocarbon monitoring and meteorological data at the two stations in the Three Creeks area showed that elevated hydrocarbon concentrations were associated with low wind speed, likely promoted by nocturnal gravitational drainage flow. In addition with higher concentrations of THC may be promoted by lower mixing height, elevated NMHC concentrations were more likely to be measured during the warmer months, when evaporation losses are more likely.

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Three Creeks odour issue : a report on air quality monitoring conducted between February and May 2010

Description

Odour complaints from the Three Creeks area were received by the Energy Resources Conservation Board and Alberta Environment. Odours were noted when the wind speed was low, and it is likely that... More ≫

Description

Odour complaints from the Three Creeks area were received by the Energy Resources Conservation Board and Alberta Environment. Odours were noted when the wind speed was low, and it is likely that this meteorological condition contributed to the accumulation of emitted compounds in the area. The odours in the area were identified as "hydrocarbon type" and air samples were collected at various locations within the affected area, at the potential source locations, and also at background (reference) sites. These samples were taken to a laboratory and analyzed for volatile organic compounds (also known as hydrocarbons).

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Air quality monitoring : in the vicinity of heavy oil cold flow tanks near Bonnyville : fall 2007 and spring 2008 : final report

Description

Alberta Environment conducted two air sampling surveys in the vicinity of heavy oil cold flow tanks near Bonnyville, Alberta. The surveys were initiated by public concern with odours and potential... More ≫

Description

Alberta Environment conducted two air sampling surveys in the vicinity of heavy oil cold flow tanks near Bonnyville, Alberta. The surveys were initiated by public concern with odours and potential health effects. Heavy oil extracted using the cold-flow technique is heated in onsite storage tanks to reduce viscosity. Lowering the viscosity of the oil allows the product to be pumped from the onsite storage to tank trucks for treating and upgrading. The onsite storage tanks may not have vapour recovery systems installed and water vapour and volatalized hydrocarbons can be released from the theif hatch at the top of the tank. These tanks are 7-10 meters in height.

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Alberta Environment's interpretation of the reference method for the Canada-wide standard for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil validation of performance-based alternative methods

Description

This validation procedure is intended to ensure that modifications to the Canada-wide standards for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil (PHC-CWS) reference method are as accurate and precise or more... More ≫

Description

This validation procedure is intended to ensure that modifications to the Canada-wide standards for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil (PHC-CWS) reference method are as accurate and precise or more accurate and precise than the original published method using benchmark procedures.

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PHC CWS analytical methods workshop II 2002 : participants' report

Description

The Canadian Ministers of the Environment endorsed the Canada-Wide standard for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil (PHC CWS) on May 1, 2001, allowing jurisdictions to begin their implementation... More ≫

Description

The Canadian Ministers of the Environment endorsed the Canada-Wide standard for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil (PHC CWS) on May 1, 2001, allowing jurisdictions to begin their implementation activities. Workshops were held to gain input on implementation options for Alberta. This report is intended to capture the input from the participants and provide input for Alberta Environment's consideration when making implementation decisions related to the method.

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PHC CWS analytical methods workshop 2001 : participants' report

Description

This workshop was held in order to review the scientific basis for the Canada-Wide standard for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil (PHC CWS) and to review the prescriptive and performance based... More ≫

Description

This workshop was held in order to review the scientific basis for the Canada-Wide standard for petroleum hydrocarbons in soil (PHC CWS) and to review the prescriptive and performance based aspects of the analytical method. The workshop also reviewed the role of the Canadian Association for Environmental Analytical Laboratories in accreditation and allowed Alberta laboratories and consultants an opportunity to comment on early applications of the method.

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Use of gross parameters for assessment of hydrocarbon contamination of soils in Alberta

Description

This technical discussion pertains to observations on petroleum contamination of mineral soils and regolith materials. The discussion of guide values for assessment and remediation purposes is... More ≫

Description

This technical discussion pertains to observations on petroleum contamination of mineral soils and regolith materials. The discussion of guide values for assessment and remediation purposes is restricted to surficial soil materials -- roughly the first meter of surficial material which is biologically active and represents a direct exposure potential for humans.

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