Differences between measured and reported volatile organic compound emissions from oil sands facilities in Alberta, Canada.

Interactive comment on “Understanding the Primary Emissions and Secondary Formation of Gaseous Organic Acids in the Oil Sands Region of Alberta, Canada” by John Liggio et al

This papers presents the results of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOA) measurements using an acetate ion time of flight mass spectrometer in an oil sands region near Alberta, Canada. The focus of the paper is to identify several organic acids observed downwind of the facilities and compare estimates of LMWOA emission and formation rates using observations from aircraft and compare the r...

Interactive comment on “Understanding the Primary Emissions and Secondary Formation of Gaseous Organic Acids in the Oil Sands Region of Alberta, Canada” by John Liggio et al

This papers presents the results of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOA) measurements using an acetate ion time of flight mass spectrometer in an oil sands region near Alberta, Canada. The focus of the paper is to identify several organic acids observed downwind of the facilities and compare estimates of LMWOA emission and formation rates using observations from aircraft and compare the r...

Supplement of Understanding the primary emissions and secondary formation of gaseous organic acids in the oil sands region of Alberta, Canada

Air quality in the Industrial Heartland of Alberta, Canada and potential impacts on human health.

The "Industrial Heartland" of Alberta is Canada's largest hydrocarbon processing center, with more than 40 major chemical, petrochemical, and oil and gas facilities. Emissions from these industries affect local air quality and human health. This paper characterizes ambient levels of 77 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the region using high-precision measurements collected in summer 2010. Re...

Carbon Taxes and Financial Incentives for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions in Alberta’s Oil Sands

It is widely considered that the continued development and production of Alberta’s oil sands deposits is on track to be the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Canada over the next few decades. As recent developments suggest, failure to address the issue of GHG emissions growth might jeopardize the potential for sustained expansion of oil sands operations in Alberta. Wit...