Open Access Article

Title: The evolution of regulatory practice for CCS projects in Canada

Authors: Patricia Larkin; William Leiss; Daniel Krewski

Addresses: McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Room 216A, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5Z3, Canada ' McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Room 216A, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5Z3, Canada ' McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa, Room 216A, 600 Peter Morand Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 5Z3, Canada

Abstract: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) pilot and demonstration projects began in Canada in the 1990s. This review of publicly available documentation considers the regulatory application and approval practice for four large Canadian projects that are either under construction or in operation. Results find that oversight of CCS projects is value chain specific and obtaining documentation can be challenging. However, technical risk assessment supporting approvals is moving forward, with an increasing range of chain component health and environmental risks being assessed using referenced approaches. Monitoring remains the primary risk management approach. Global risk estimation is not completed and unresolved issues about transparency in risk communication could have the potential to negatively impact broad public acceptance of CCS and therefore project viability in the long run.

Keywords: carbon capture and storage; regulatory practice; Canada; risk assessment; risk management; risk communication; Canadian Environmental Assessment Act; Saskatchewan Environmental Assessment Act; Alberta Energy Regulator.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAM.2019.103333

International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management, 2019 Vol.22 No.3/4, pp.286 - 310

Accepted: 02 Apr 2019
Published online: 04 Nov 2019 *

 

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