air and health impacts of natural gas_washington county_6.20.12

7/30/2019 Air and Health Impacts of Natural Gas_Washington County_6.20.12

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Addressing Air Emissions

from Marcellus Shale

Natural Gas Production

Joe Osborne

GASP Legal Director

Lauren Burge

GASP Staff Attorney

Matt Walker

Clean Air Council

Community OutreachCoordinator

Buffalo Township Municipal Building

Washington County

June 20, 2012


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Group Against Smog & Pollution (GASP)

Pittsburgh-based organization

Has worked to address air quality issues in

southwestern PA for over 40 years

Education, advocacy, litigation

Specifically related to Marcellus Shale,

GASP focuses on:

Commenting on draft permits

Commenting on proposed regulations

or guidance Litigation and advocacy


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Clean Air Council

Marcellus Shale Program

Lawsuits against polluters or agencies

Track current rulemaking and write comments on regulations

Workshops on Community Tools

Work with residents to comment and testify on natural gas equipment

Train residents in monitoring and reporting on existing equipment


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Presentation Topics

Why air emissions from the natural gas industry are a

concern

What pollutants are associated with the industry

Details about proposed expansion to the Welling

Compressor Station

How individuals can participate in the decision-

making process by commenting on proposed air

permits


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Why Air?

Natural gas burns cleaner than coal per unit ofenergy generated.

But must consider air impact from entire natural

gas production process. Air pollution is generated from:

Well pad, impoundment construction

Well drilling, fracking, venting, and flaring

Truck traffic

Natural gas extraction, processing, transmission, and storage

Individually, these sources and activities may seem insignificant, butthere are many sources and the total impact is astounding.


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Active Compressor Stations and Drilled

Marcellus Wells (Dec. 2011)


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What Pollutants are Emitted?

1. Ozone precursors

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) A broad class of high vapor pressure organics

Some are carcinogenic

Can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Contributes to acid rain

Can cause respiratory inflammation; exacerbates asthma


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The Oil and Gas Sectors Contribution to

Ambient NOx and VOC can be Enormous

Consider other areas where drilling is common:

Southern Methodist University study (2009) inDallas-Fort Worth area, NOx and VOC emissions fromoil and gas sector exceeded emissions from all motor

vehicles. Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment

(2008) NOx and VOC emissions from O&Gdevelopment exceeded motor vehicle emissions forentire state.

Wyoming DEQ (2009) WY failed to meet federalhealth-based standards for ozone for first time,primarily due to O&G development.


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Wyoming Air Pollution

urce: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/wyoming-ait-pollution-gas-drilling_n_833027.html

Worse Than Los Angeles

All Last Year Due To Natural Gas Drilling
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/wyoming-ait-pollution-gas-drilling_n_833027.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/wyoming-ait-pollution-gas-drilling_n_833027.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/wyoming-ait-pollution-gas-drilling_n_833027.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/wyoming-ait-pollution-gas-drilling_n_833027.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/wyoming-ait-pollution-gas-drilling_n_833027.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/wyoming-ait-pollution-gas-drilling_n_833027.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/wyoming-ait-pollution-gas-drilling_n_833027.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/wyoming-ait-pollution-gas-drilling_n_833027.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/wyoming-ait-pollution-gas-drilling_n_833027.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/wyoming-ait-pollution-gas-drilling_n_833027.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/wyoming-ait-pollution-gas-drilling_n_833027.htmlhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/08/wyoming-ait-pollution-gas-drilling_n_833027.html


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the gas industry released more smog-forming emissionsthan all cars and trucks in the Dallas-Fort Worth

metropolitan area

New York Times article citing Armendarizs 2009 report, supported by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=all
http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=allhttp://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2011/05/27/27greenwire-could-smog-shroud-the-marcellus-shales-natural-3397.html?pagewanted=all


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The Marcellus Shale play and other shale formations in the region are

perfectly situated to worsen existing ozone and PM nonattainment

areas in the Midatlantic and Northeast.


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What Pollutants are Emitted?

3. Air ToxicsBenzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX)

Known human carcinogen

Neurotoxic, reproductive, developmental effects

Hydrogen sulfide Causes eye, nose, and throat irritation

Exposure at high concentrations results in permanent brain damage,death

Generally not present in Marcellus areas

Formaldehyde Known human carcinogen

Can cause asthma, coughing, fatigue, allergic reactions


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What are the Emissions Sources?


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Emissions Sources

1. Compressor Engines Fugitive emissions Engine exhaust

A modern 1200 hp compressor will emit approximately:

NOx 6 TPY

CO 1.5 TPY VOCs 1.5 TPY

HAPs 0.5 TPY (mostly formaldehyde)

Engines at Welling are larger two at 1380 bhp and nine at 1980 bhp


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Emissions Sources

2. Condensate tanks Source of VOCs


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Emissions Sources3. Production and Transmission Fugitive emissions

Leaking pipes, valves, flanges

4. Gas Processing

Dehydrators

Heaters


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Emissions Sources

5. Well Completions


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General Points: Natural Gas Air Issues

Complex web of minor pollution sources

Widely distributed across regions

Cumulative regional emissions add up fast Local Health issues from Hazardous pollutants

Poor air monitoring coverage

Adapted from Allen Robinson, Carnegie Mellonhttp://iom.edu/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Environment/EnvironmentalHealthRT/2012-Apr-30/Robinson.pdf
http://iom.edu/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Environment/EnvironmentalHealthRT/2012-Apr-30/Robinson.pdfhttp://iom.edu/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Environment/EnvironmentalHealthRT/2012-Apr-30/Robinson.pdfhttp://iom.edu/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Environment/EnvironmentalHealthRT/2012-Apr-30/Robinson.pdfhttp://iom.edu/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Environment/EnvironmentalHealthRT/2012-Apr-30/Robinson.pdfhttp://iom.edu/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Environment/EnvironmentalHealthRT/2012-Apr-30/Robinson.pdfhttp://iom.edu/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Environment/EnvironmentalHealthRT/2012-Apr-30/Robinson.pdf


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To reiterate: air pollution is created

from a complex web of sources


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Whats in the Air?

http://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answers
http://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answershttp://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answershttp://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answershttp://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answershttp://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answershttp://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answershttp://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answershttp://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answershttp://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answershttp://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answershttp://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answershttp://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answershttp://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answershttp://www.npr.org/2012/04/05/150055142/science-and-the-fracking-boom-missing-answers


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Truck Traffic

NOx, PM, CO2


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Drilling Rig Engines

Fl i /V i


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Flaring/Venting

Source: Frank Finan HAPs, CH4


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Open-Air Water Impoundments

Source: DPCusa.org

Pi li L k


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Pipeline Leakages

CH4

/ k


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Fugitive Emissions/Leakages

Leakage from Compressor Stations. Source: EPA


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Compressor Stations

NOx, PM, CO2, VOCs, HAPs, CH4

h d i i


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Dehydration UnitsMethane, VOCs, HAPs


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Condensate Tanks

VOCs & HAPs


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Unplanned Events

Lathrop Compressor Station Explosion on March 31st 2012, Susquehanna County


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Specifics on Health Impacts

from Air Pollution


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Potential Health Impacts from

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) Low levels

eye, nose, throat & lung irritation

coughing, shortness of breath

tiredness, nausea

fluid build-up in lungs

High levels

rapid burning, spasms, and swelling of throat and upperrespiratory tract

reduced O2 in tissues fluid build-up in lungs

death

Source: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/TF.asp?id=396&tid=69
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/TF.asp?id=396&tid=69http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/TF.asp?id=396&tid=69


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Biggest NOx Contributors

Adapted from Allen Robinson, http://iom.edu/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Environment/EnvironmentalHealthRT/2012-Apr-30/Robinson.pdf

P t ti l H lth I t f


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Potential Health Impacts from

Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)

VOCs Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss

of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney,

and central nervous system. Some can cause cancer in animals; some are

suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

Examples: Benzene, Toluene

Aldehydes (formaldehyde)

-- Skin, eyes, nose, and throat irritation

VOCs: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html , Formaldehyde: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts111.pdf ,Hydrogen Sulfide: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=388&tid=67
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.htmlhttp://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts111.pdfhttp://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=388&tid=67http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/tf.asp?id=388&tid=67http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts111.pdfhttp://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html


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Biggest VOC Contributors

Adapted from Allen Robinson, http://iom.edu/~/media/Files/Activity%20Files/Environment/EnvironmentalHealthRT/2012-Apr-30/Robinson.pdf


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Potential Health Impacts from Ozone

Throat irritation, congestion, coughing, and chest pain

Wheezing and breathing difficulties

Inflammation of lung linings (like sunburn)

Aggravation of asthma, bronchitis & emphysema andincreased susceptibility to pneumonia & bronchitis

Linked to bladder, breast, and lung cancers, stroke, diabetes,

and premature death

Permanent lung damage with repeated exposures

Source: http://www.epa.gov/air/ozonepollution/health.html

American Lung Association, Health Effects of Ozone and Particle Pollution, State of the Air, 2011; Presidents Cancer

Panel, Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk: What We Can Do Now, 2008-2009 Annual Report(National Cancer Institute,May 2010).
http://www.epa.gov/air/ozonepollution/health.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/air/ozonepollution/health.html


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How Local Conditions

Impact Air Quality


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Wet Gas vs. Dry Gas

Wet gas: natural gas that contains chemicalsbesides methane

Natural gas liquids (NGLs) = ethane, propane,butane,

Higher amounts of VOCs

Drygas: natural gas with lower quantities ofNGLs and a low moisture content

Lower amounts of VOCs Marcellus gas is generally dry except for the

western end


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Inversion

Warm air above cool air

No mixing

Air pollution trapped

Temp. inversion + low wind = severe smog

Areas w/ valleys/mts often have high pollution levels

Air Pollution, Weather and Topography

D i d Ai P ll i


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Downwind Air Pollution

Source: http://www.epa.gov/airtransport/whereyoulive.html


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How is Air Quality near this Industry

being Monitored?


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Not well Matched with Shale Plays

http://epa.gov/airquality/qa/monprog.html#SLAMS
http://epa.gov/airquality/qa/monprog.htmlhttp://epa.gov/airquality/qa/monprog.html


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PA DEP Monitoring Sites (Criteria Pollutants)

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/aq/aqm/docs/Final_PA_Air_Monitoring_Network_Plan_2013.pdf
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/aq/aqm/docs/Final_PA_Air_Monitoring_Network_Plan_2013.pdfhttp://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/aq/aqm/docs/Final_PA_Air_Monitoring_Network_Plan_2013.pdf


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PA DEP Monitoring Sites (Other Pollutants)


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Washington County Monitors

Four special-purpose VOC monitoring stationswill be installed in 2012.

These sites will be located in Washington

County near permanent natural gas processingfacilities.

One additional carbonyl monitor will beinstalled in 2012 (will be sited at one of thefour locations in Washington County for theproposed long-term VOC monitoring sites)


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DEP Monitors in Southwest Region

VOCs, Ozone, NOx, (CO, SO2, PM)Ozone, PM


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Welling Compressor Station

L ti


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Location

Location


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Location

Location


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Location

W lli St ti P ll ti S


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(2) Caterpillar G35I6B 1,380 bhp

(9) Waukesha P9390GSI 1,980 bhp

(2) John Deere 197-bhp diesel

(1) Flare, 98% control of dehy VOC

(1) Reboiler burner, 2.5 MMBtu/hr

(3) Condensate tanks and Vapory Recovery Units

Fugitive emissions

Blowdowns and emerency shutdown events

Welling Station Pollution Sources


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The Welling Station is open for public

comment until June 25th

Comments can generate an official public

hearing with DEP and MarkWest

Ai P ll ti f W lli St ti


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Air Pollution from Welling Station

Nox reduction guarantee of98.8%


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Wellings Potential to Emit


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VOCs from Fugitive Emissions


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Benzene

controlled benzene emissions from theassociated glycol dehydration unit process ventwill be 0.12 tpy (5.97 tpy uncontrolled).

Since MarkWest has demonstrated that theactual average benzene emissions from the glycoldehydration unit process vent associated with the130 MMscfd TEG dehydrator at Welling are less

than 1 tpy, MarkWest is exempt from the control,monitoring, and recordkeeping requirements forthe dehydrator.


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Potential Issues

Proper (detailed) greenhouse gas analysis Proper Aggregation Analysis

Public health impacts

Impacts on regional air quality


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A Proper GHG Analysis

l


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Natural Gas Star Program

Voluntary technologies and practices- EPA Natural Gas STAR Program

Ask MarkWest to Consider these Recommendations: Replace Gas Starters with Air or Nitrogen

Use low-bleed valves

Zero Emissions Dehydrators Use practices that prevent blow-downs of methane/VOCs

Reduce Natural Gas Venting with Fewer Compressor EngineStartups & Improved Engine Ignition

Install Electric Motor Starters

Install Electric Compressors reduce the chance of methane leakage

eliminates criteria pollutant emissions

emit less noise, require less maintenance, and improve operationalefficiency
http://www.epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html


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Technology Example #1

Redesign Blow Down Systems and Alter ESD Practices



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Zero Emissions Dehydrators



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Use electric engines


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How Can Residents Protect Air Quality?


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Public Participation

comment on natural gas equipment likecompressor stations and achieve publichearings and stronger permits

observe and report possible air quality issuesor violations to prevent pollution

Request and attend DEP public hearings andlocal township meetings

pressure gas companies to adopt bestavailable technologies


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Why Comment?

Air Quality permits affect local air quality and

public health

Participate in decision making process

DEP issued stronger permits

Public pressure can sway DEP decisions


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PA DEP Public Hearings

DEP will grant hearing and meeting if enough

people request it through comments

Allow local residents to interact with DEP and

gas company

Will announce on website or local papers

How to Participate in Public Hearings


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How to Participate in Public Hearings

Come and Speak

Come and Listen

Ask Questions during meeting

Support a view with quick testimony

Write comments after the hearing


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How to Write Comments and Testify

on Natural Gas Equipment


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Comments vs. Testimony

Comments

Written

Length can be as long as youd like

Testimony

Oral

Usually limited to 5 minutes

Public Education (of audience)

Can respond to Public Meeting discussion

The Basics


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The Basics(comments/testimony)

How do you start? Read the DEPs Review Memo

Required Info:

Name

Address

Phone number

Plan Approval # Where do you send them?


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What to Include (General)

Describe your personal story

Make your opinion clear

Use specific examples when possible

Suggest specific changes to parts of the permit

Suggest recommendations to permit

Ask questions about things you dont

understand Always ask for a public hearing

Answer these Questions to Get Started


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Answer these Questions to Get Started

How long have you lived in or traveled to the

area?

Why are you concerned about this compressor

station?

If you could have your way, what would you

want to happen with this compressor station?

What are your specific recommendations to

the PA DEP on this compressor station permit?


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Specific Air Permit Issues to Evaluate

Cumulative impacts

County/State compliance with air regulations-NAAQs

Green House Gas Tailoring Rule

Best Available Technologies

- EPA Natural Gas STAR Program

Air monitoring requirements

Call the Clean Air Council or GASP for help

the enclosed Comment and Response Document can only address those concerns

that specifically pertain to elements of the Plan Approval application for [thisspecific] compress station. - Northcentral Regional Office of DEP
http://www.epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.htmlhttp://www.epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html


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Writing Tips

Focus your testimony on using your strengthstell your own story in your own voice

Always relate your points back to the specificpiece of equipment you are commenting on

Use your experiences and local knowledge

Dont worry about having to include legal or

technical arguments

Nothing is too simple or short to write

Dont be intimidated

Clean Air Council Action Alerts


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Clean Air Council Action Alerts


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Citizen Monitoring

on Existing Operations

Ci i i i


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Citizen Monitoring

Common Senses Monitoring Monitor about once a week

On property or normal route

Use form to document relevant information

Make a Pollution Complaint to DEP 1-866-255-5158

EPA Natural Gas Drilling Tip line 1-877-919-4372

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

(215) 814-3139

Use keywords to identify the call, such as: natural gasoperations, drilling, Marcellus Shale, hydrofracturing

Visible Emission, Noise & Odors Complaint Form


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Fill out the Online Form and Make the Call


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http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/airwatch

Questions?
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/airwatchhttp://www.surveymonkey.com/s/airwatch


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Q

C t t I f


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Contact Info

Matt Walker, Community Outreach, Clean Air Council

[email protected]

Lauren Burge, Staff Attorney, GASP:

[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

air and health impacts of natural gas_washington county_6.20.12

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