The Greenhouse Effect is a result of gases forming a shield in the earth's atmosphere that traps long-wave radiation too weak to escape from the face of the earth, resulting in Global Warming. As well, the o-zone layer is being destroyed by corrosive gases and pollutants, resulting in a destruction to the o-zone layer, our protector from skin cancer. Industries have been known for their massive kill in terms of the environment. What can be done? We need companies to make smart choices, to realize in time that the environment needs their attention. Most of the petroleum industry and related industries have come to their senses. Some industries have put the time and effort into new technology that save the environment, and in most cases, save money as well. Many associations have been established, as well, promoting safety for the environment.

RESPONSIBLE CARE® (CCPA)

Responsible Care® was established in 1985 by the Canadian Chemical Producers' Association. CCPA put together 151 code elements under six main codes of practice for member companies to follow:¹⁶

• Community awareness and emergency response
• Research and development
• Manufacturing
• Transportation
• Distribution
• Hazardous Waste Management

CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCERS (CAPP)

Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers is an association with 170 members in April 1998. Its purpose is to protect the environment, health the people, and promote safety. This association makes sure that it is aware of the companies'17:

• Commitment
• Benchmaking
• Public consultation
• Operating practices
• Verification

FUGITIVE EMISSIONS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM (TRANSCANADA)

Starting in the late 1990s, a new program began with TransCanada Pipelines to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 1998, emissions were reduced by 124 000 tonne of carbon dioxide in the Fugitive Emissions Management Program.¹⁸ Awards have recognized that TransCanada was the only Canadian company with fugitive emissions program developed.

• 1998 Canadian Gas Association Environmental Award
• 1999 Canadian Energy Pipeline Association's Environment Achievement Award

GULF CANADA RESOURCES

   The bioventing method of cleaning soil was an efficient way of removing contamination of hydrocarbons in the soil. Bioventing is using an in-situ process to stimulate naturally-occuring bacteria to help biodegrade the hydrocarbons above the groundwater table. Air is pumped in or out of the subsurface at a viscous rate. The hydrocarbons are then broken down to its base components of carbon dioxide and water (figure 12). This is an example of being environmentally friendly, while using little money.

PANCANADIAN LIMITED

   PanCanadian has tried to reduce greenhouse emissions in industry. Through the use of microturbines, PanCanadian generates electricity from unwanted natural gas from oil and gas operations. Microturbines decrease the emissions of carbon dioxide and break down hydrocarbon in a useful manner (figure 13).

Figure 13; Microturbine
Microturbines use "waste" hydrocarbon to make electricity to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

PETRO-CANADA LIMITED

   $8 million may sound like a lot of money to most of us, but Petro-Canada has put the environment in the spotlight in their budget. Petro-Canada has been using money for alternative energy technology development. Partnering up with Petro-Canada, Iogen Corporation is a biotech company planning to produce ethanol fuel to break down cellulose in by-products of forestry and agriculture. Breaking down celluslose from ethanol fuel is said to reduce the gasoline emissions by 90 %.

SHELL CANADA LIMITED

   In 1999, Shell's Waterton gas plant drastically reduced the amount of wastewater from washing its vessels. Shell would reuse water pumped from the waste ponds to wash its vessels, instead of fresh water. The water from the waste storage ponds would go through treatment through a filter, would be transported to storage tanks, would be used for washing and pumped back to waste storage ponds. It turned out that 10 000 cubic metres of fresh water worth up to $15 000 was saved.

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