NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: methane leaks

Objective(s): The Inuvialuit Land Administration (ILA) will collaborate with the Aurora Research Institute (ARI) to develop a program that can effectively measure any possible methane leaks from the capped oil and gas wells within the vicinity of the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk to grow a knowledge base methane detection awareness and monitoring capacity amongst Inuvialuit beneficiaries.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No. 6041. To achieve the project’s aim the Inuvialuit Land Administration (ILA) will collaborate with the Aurora Research Institute (ARI) to develop a program that can effectively measure any possible methane leaks from the capped oil and gas wells within the vicinity of the Hamlet of Tuktoyaktuk. Growth of a knowledge base methane detection awareness and monitoring capacity amongst Inuvialuit beneficiaries, which is critical to ensure the resilient involvement of Inuvialuit communities in coping with the effects of climate change. Currently, there are a number of different systems used to measure methane emissions. Shaw et al. (2021) classified these systems into three main categories: 1) Ground Based Systems (fixed or mobile). Methane emission sensors are affixed to a stationary platform or attached to a vehicle. These systems are typically used to measure methane emission at a local level (Dlugokencky et al., 1994). 2) Airborne systems. Methane emission sensors are affixed to traditional aircraft. Systems within this category are typically used to measure methane emission at a regional scale. 3) Satellite systems. Methane emission sensors are affixed to low earth orbiting satellites. These systems are used to measure methane emissions at a national and global scale. (Sheng et al., 2018; Lorente et al., 2021). The above categories of sensors have been used to measure methane emissions for many years, however, the project team supported by researchers (e.g., Shaw et al., 2021; Soskind et al., 2023) have identified that more precise measuring systems are required to provide more accurate data on methane levels in the lower atmosphere (i.e., the area between the ground and 100 m above ground where leaks from oils and gas wells would be detected). Recent advancement in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and the miniaturization of methane sensors have now made it possible to dynamically and efficiently measure methane levels in the lower atmosphere (Shaw et al., 2021; Caulton et al., 2014; Illingworth et al., 2014; Villa et al., 2016). With this concept in mind, the project team designed the following objectives to achieve the aim of the project: I. Investigate the possibility of effectively and efficiently detecting methane emission from oil and gas wells using a “Methane RPAS System” II. Compare and analyze the results of the methane RPAS detection system to that of a ground based system and satellite systems; III. Develop a RPAS methane detection course for Inuvialuit beneficiaries; and IV. Deliver the course to Inuvialuit beneficiaries. Design: The above plan will play a crucial role in achieving the project’s goal. For Stage One, the project team will fly the methane RPAS system over know methane emitters (e.g., dumps, power plants and slumps) to measure methane emission from these features. The RPAS will be flown at different heights to test the detection capabilities of the sensors at different elevations. Simultaneously, methane ground sensors will be calibrated and placed at these features to capture their methane emission levels as well. To effectively achieve the project’s goal the methane RPAS system should have the capacity to detect methane emission within the range of 0-10 ppm with a resolution rate of 0.001ppm. In Stage Two, the team will review and analyze the results from both sensors and determine whether or not the methane RPAS systems meets the required specifications. Within this objectives the team will also explore the possibility of comparing the results achieved from the ground based sensor and the methane RPAS system to results obtained from satellites. This can only be done precisely if there were methane detection satellites flying over the features at same time as the data capture from the ground based sensor and the methane RPAS system. For Stage Three, the team will use standard curriculum development techniques, such as needs analysis; objective design; selection of the appropriate teaching, learning, and assessment methods; and the formation of curriculum and curriculum review committees, to develop and design the methane monitoring training programs. The team will modify the standard techniques to meet the needs of leaners in the Western Arctic. Learners’ needs will be identified using needs assessment workshops and the experience of the project team. The methane detection training program will grow the capacity of Inuvialuit beneficiaries in the following areas: a. RPAS Pilots: Candidates will receive the required training to be certified as Transport Canada Basic RPAS Pilot. Once certified candidates will be trained to pilot a methane RPAS system to effectively monitor oil and gas wells for methane leaks. b. Methane Detection: Students will be trained to calibrate and operate methane sensors. They will also be equipped with the knowledge to interpret the data collected by the sensors. c. Students will also be trained on the methodologies for detecting methane emission using the ground based system. For Stage Four, the team will deliver the methane detection training program in the communities of Inuvik and Tuktoyaktuk where the expected listeners live. Delivering the program in the different communities will facilitate greater participation by community members and provide a more accommodating learning environment. Team members from the Aurora Research Institute (ARI) with experience in adult and youth education, alongside team members from Flux Lab who are also experienced in methane detection training and adult and youth education will deliver the programs. The programs and their delivery dates will be widely advertised to community members in ways that are most effective in the Western Arctic; on social media, on community bulletin boards in post offices and stores, at the offices of community Hunters and Trappers Committees, and through our Indigenous partners. The ads will be designed to support equity, diversity, and inclusion in order to attract a wide cross-section of the local population; for example, the ads will use photos showing both men and women because our team has found that doing so increases the number of women participating in similar training opportunities. Program delivery will be recorded where possible so that the recordings can be used for refresher courses or support the delivery of the programs to a new set of candidates. The project is an Inuvialuit lead project and all aspects of the proposed project will involve, and reflect the priorities of the Inuvialuit communities. All aspects of the project will involve community engagement. Since the project is an Inuvialuit project, the design of the project will involve community members, the implementation of the project will involve community members and the training will be delivered to community members. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from: November 12 - December 31, 2027