What is the average H2S concentration of Alberta sour gas?
• The average H2S concentration of Alberta sour gas in 2006 was 8.9% (2006 Alberta Reserves Report). Concentrations range from a trace to more than 40% H2S. How long has sour gas been developed in Alberta? • The first major sour gas discovery in Western Canada was in 1922 near Turner Valley. How much did the Public Safety and Sour Gas (PSSG) initiative cost? • Approximately $15 million over 6 years. What is the economic benefit of sour gas to Alberta? • A 2003 Public Safety and Sour Gas (PSSG) report on the benefits of sour gas development (PSSG Recommendation 79) noted that the sour gas industry supported 37,000 jobs (direct plus spin-off) and generated about $1.3 billion in wages and salaries. • The royalties collected on natural gas, natural gas liquids, and sulphur from sour gas production in 2000 was $1.52 billion. The freehold mineral tax collected from sour gas production was $41 million, and sour gas activities (direct plus spin-off) generated $225 million in provincial taxes.
