Protecting Air Quality

Continuous Emissions Monitoring System

Air quality programs are an essential part of Canadian Natural’s environmental work plan and are operated within regulatory standards and guidelines. Our integrated emissions reduction strategies comply with regulations for GHG emissions, as well as air pollutants such as sulphur oxides (SOx) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). 

Our air quality programs focus on reducing emissions, improving performance, and monitoring and tracking air quality. We measure our air emissions by conducting specific monitoring at our larger facilities and by participating in regional airshed monitoring.

Site specific, real-time data collection allows us to minimize SO₂ emissions at Horizon and Primrose/Wolf Lake operations through a Continuous Emissions Monitoring System. Air quality in the oil sands region is monitored 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Canadian Natural is a member of the Wood Buffalo Environmental Association (WBEA), a collaboration of communities, environmental groups, industry, government and Indigenous stakeholders. WBEA manages programs that include air, land and human exposure monitoring, and operates the most extensive ambient air network in Alberta. Its latest terrestrial report shows that NOx and SOx emissions have declined and air quality in the region continues to improve.