Gas flaring from a rural landowner's perspective

The public perception of flaring by the petroleum and natural gas industry was discussed. Flaring has never been embraced by the rural community in Alberta. Flaring is seen as an infringement on health and a contributing source of air pollution. While several studies have been undertaken to determine the effects of flaring, it seems that any conclusive information has not been made available to the public. The author suggested that some rural residents suspect that only favourable information is released or that it has been influenced by the energy sector. They also firmly believe that an increase in animal and health concerns is directly associated with emissions from flaring. Studies have identified about 250 different compounds in flare emissions, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other toxic and carcinogenic compounds such as toluene, benzene, and xylene. Some rural residents are sceptical that scientists know the full extent of the effects from the 250 compounds produced by flaring. Also, since emissions from all flares are not the same, this would require an individual study for each flare for a thorough analysis. Studies have also shown that some flares have a combustion efficiency of only 64 per cent. Other studies do not support complaints that health problems stem from nearby wells. Other major perceptions are that flaring adds to the greenhouse effect, it contributes to climatic change and damages soils and vegetation. The author emphasized that the energy sector has to make an effort to reduce the number of flares and most importantly communicate with the rural community more effectively