Gas emission is one of the many downsides of extracting fossil fuels. Suncor
Energy Inc. operates a facility that processes oil sands - and
hydrogen sulphide is a problem. This week, the Alberta government has required Suncor to cut
emissions as part of an Environmental Protection Order. As part of the plan, the company must set monitoring into place to identify and report high
hydrogen sulphide levels.
The issue is high concentrations of the gas from the facility, which mines the oil sands as well as processing synthetic crude. The production capacity is about 260,000 barrels per day. Hydrogen sulphide, more familiar as the nasty smell of rotten eggs, is not just unpleasant, it can be deadly. It occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas, as well as in volcanic areas, from decomposition of
organic matter, and through industrial processes. Hydrogen sulphide gas spreads, remaining in the atmosphere for about 18 hours, and transforming into sulphur dioxide and sulphuric acid.
Hydrogen sulphide irritates the eyes, nose, and throat at low levels. Even brief exposures to high levels can cause loss of consciousness and possible death. After non-fatal events, some people are left with long-term headaches, memory loss, and other neurological
effects. The problem is sufficiently serious that training is available for workers who may be exposed to the gas. At 100 part per million, hydrogen sulphide is considered an urgent risk to life or health.You can find the entire article here
http://aboutmyplanet.com/black-gold/a-stinky-issue
A stinky issue
Linear Mode
