Air Quality in the Barnett Shale - Part 29: Where should we go from here?

So what do we know?

After reading the Wolf Eagle Environmental reports for the Town of Dish, Texas, after reading the Fort Worth League of Neighbors report to the Fort Worth Independent School District, after reading the TCEQ report on the Health Effects for Barnett Shale, after reviewing the ERG report and BSEEC report regarding air in the Barnett Shale, I can state pretty much unequivocally:

We have enough samples to show that the oil & gas production sites in this area are not emitting contaminants into the air at levels that would pose a health concern, provided...they are adequately maintained.

So the statement from the TCEQ on 10 Sep 2010:

“After several months of operation, state-of-the-art, 24-hour air monitors in the Barnett Shale area are showing no levels of concern for any chemicals. This reinforces our conclusion that there are no immediate health concerns from air quality in the area, and that when they are properly managed and maintained, oil and gas operations do not cause harmful excess air emissions.”

 ...is valid today, especially now that we have all this data.  Let's put looking for carbon disulfide and carbonyl sulfide to bed.  It is not a health issue at these low levels, regardless of its source.  The TCEQ seems to also agree with this:

So that is what we do know about these levels of contaminants in the air.  You can continue to sample and it will not add any more substance or weight to what is known already.

But there is something else we know from reading all these reports and memos.  These oil & gas operations do put stuff into the air, especially when they are not properly maintained.  And for that reason, a stronger commitment to reduce the amount of contaminants over all - their environmental 'footprint' - should be the focus for the community and the operators going into the future.

According to the ERG report, based on emission rates calculated through a more sound methodology then "backed in" ambient air sample results, the operations they tested put VOCs, TOCs, and HAPs into the area's air.  And when you multiply that by the number of operations...:

...it adds up.

And when you look at what proper maintenance was able to provide in terms of reduced emissions (Sadlier/Honeycutt: Barnett Shale Study), it becomes apparent that maintenance...:

...and new green completions...:

...must become the industry standard; adopted and wholeheartedly supported by both big and small producers.

So where should we go from here?  Reduce the overall air emission footprint and provide proper and continuous maintenance.

Or as Buzz Lightyear might say:

 "To infinity...and beyond compliance!"


Next Post: Air Quality in the Barnett Shale - Part 30: The End... finally!


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