Embedded Files
Project Summaries
Biosolids (Lead: Zhenyu Xing)
Closed Landfills (Lead: Michelle Clements)
Knowledge Synthesis (Lead: Coleman Vollrath)
Natural Gas Facilities (Lead: Coleman Vollrath)
Residential Gas Meters (Lead: Coleman Vollrath)
Satellite Monitoring (Lead: Zhenyu Xing)
Sewers (Lead: Joseph Samuel)
CURMET research activities focus on four questions:
What is emitting methane in Calgary?
Where are the sources located?
How much is each source or source category emitting?
What are options to reduce methane emissions in Calgary?
Measuring methane emissions in cities is complicated. There are small point sources, like leaks from gas meters, and large-area sources like landfills and wastewater treatment facilities. There is no single approach to measure each source, so we need to use different methods and technologies.
Screening measurements: where is the methane?
Screening measurements: where is the methane?
Previous research gives us clues about where to look for methane emissions in cities. This research also indicates the list of sources is incomplete. To find out where Calgary’s methane emissions are, we use methane sensors on vehicles, bicycles, backpacks, and other mobile platforms to scan the city for methane sources.
We’ve covered thousands of kilometres on Calgary roads measuring methane, which tells us where to go back for targeted studies. We will expand our coverage to include bike paths so we can find more sources.
Gas leak?
Gas leak?
The primary component of natural gas is methane, often comprising 89-94% of the natural gas that is used for generating electricity, heating, appliances, and industrial processes. Some of this gas can leak in the city distribution segment of the natural gas supply chain, and some can escape in exhaust via incomplete combustion.
City-wide methane emissions
City-wide methane emissions
One of the scientific outputs of CURMET will be a model to estimate city-wide methane emissions by source category. Models need to be tested and calibrated. We will be measuring total city-wide methane emissions using data from satellites and aircraft. These data will feed back to improve the model.
Satellites and aircraft have played important roles in other studies of methane emissions, commonly revealing that measured emissions are often much higher than what is reported.
Landfills and wastewater
Landfills and wastewater
Environment and Climate Change Canada estimates municipal solid waste landfills are responsible for 23% of Canada’s methane emissions. Research also shows that methane emissions from urban wastewater systems might be under-estimated.
To quantify methane emissions from waste sources in Calgary, we collect massive volumes of data from mobile surveys, fixed sensors, chambers, and other techniques. We use advanced modeling techniques to develop emissions estimates.
Mitigation: from measurement to reduction
Mitigation: from measurement to reduction
In collaboration with project partners, CURMET will help determine what methods are available to reduce methane emissions, and the relative costs and benefits of those options. With this information, governments at all levels can make more informed decisions to guide investment in methane mitigation.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse