Incorporating system dynamics into an environmental management system at an oil sands upgrader

Management of emissions at Alberta's oil sands upgraders requires a trans-disciplinary approach with input from engineering and environmental practitioners. Incorporating systems dynamics modeling practices into an Environmental Management System can facilitate informed decisions. This project evaluated the feasibility of implementing that tool at an oil sands upgrader. Two approaches were investigated. Initially, a model of a sulphur recovery unit for informing short-term decisions during processing events was assessed. This was followed by an evaluation of a model of the system for managing regulatory compliance with sulphur recovery and SO2 emissions requirements. It was determined that while the former was impractical, the latter could be a valuable tool for informing decision makers of the long-term regulatory consequences of their decisions.