Oil and Gas at Your Door? (2005 Edition) - Earthworks

IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH OIL AND GAS
AIR EMISSIONS
As seen in the table below, there are several types of air emissions in the drilling and production
process. The following table provides information on air quality concerns related to oil and
gas in different parts of the country.
Some of the key sources of air emissions include the following:
245
1. Fugitive emissions from leaking tubing, valves, tanks, and open pits, or intentional venting
of natural gas may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) 246 and hydrogen sulfide.
• VOCs are carbon-containing substances that readily evaporate into the air. They can
combine with nitrogen oxides to form ground-level ozone, which can cause respiratory
ailments such as asthma, and decreased lung function (see following page for more
information). Examples are benzene and toluene.
2. Particulate Matter is essentially small particles that are suspended in the air and settle to
the ground slowly. These particles may be re-suspended if disturbed. The most common
sources of particulate matter from oil and gas operations are dust or soil entering the air
during pad construction or from traffic on access roads; and diesel exhaust from vehicles
or engines used at oil and gas facilities.
• PM 10 particles (with diameters less than 10 micrometers or µm) are small enough to
be inhaled and can cause adverse health effects.
• PM 2.5 particles (with diameters less than 2.5 µm) can lodge deep within the lungs
and cause serious health problems. PM 2.5 particles are the main cause of visibility
impairment (haze). Secondary particles are formed through chemical reactions involving
gases and other particles in the atmosphere. Particles formed in this manner are
fine particles (< 2.5 µm). The most common precursor gases involved in these reactions
are nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) and ammonia (NH 3 ). 247 SO 2 , NO x and VOCs are all emitted during oil and gas
operations.
• For residents living along unpaved roads or near well pads, dust can penetrate their
homes causing a nuisance and health problems such as hay fever and allergies. Crops
Studies over the last
15 years show that
low levels of ozone,
most certainly at 50
to 60 parts per billion
(34-24 ppb below the
federal limit) are
detrimental to health.
American Journal of
Respiratory and Critical
Care Medicine
I-51