University of Alberta
March 2020
18-WARI-02
Executive Summary
This report consists of a set of maps contouring the carbon isotope values of production, surface casing vent flow (SCVF) and ground migration gases (GM) in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin. From regional to mesoscale, these maps document the isotopic composition of n-alkane and carbon dioxide from the whole Western Canada Sedimentary Basin to part of one oil field. Mapped isotopic variability was reported, broadly discussed, and explained, even though a full understanding of such response requires considering other variables suggested as part of future work. These maps are useful tools for Regulators, Industry and the Public to anticipate or predict the source of fugitive gases at any given location. Our results show that most SCVF and GM originates somewhere along the wellbore above the target formation.