Decreasing Air Emission Impacts From Oil and Gas Development

Authors: Charles B. McComas, PE; J. Daniel Arthur, PE; Gerry Baker; G. Lee Moody; and David B. Cornue, PG, CHMM

Venue: American Chemical Society (53rd Pentasectional Meeting) – Halliburton Energy Services Technology Center, Duncan, OK, March 8, 2008 (http://www.acs.org [external site])

Abstract: Research funded by the United States Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory and conducted under the direction of the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission has examined concerns related to air emissions resulting from domestic onshore oil and gas exploration and production operations. Current air issues such as ambient air quality standards and non-attainment areas, regulatory compliance and regional inconsistencies, as well as global climate change and carbon sequestration are a few of the subjects perceived to represent potential barriers to energy development. The topic of air quality and how it relates to onshore oil and gas exploration and production activities is examined from the position of environmental sustainability. These concerns can be addressed through reasonable and prudent practices that industry may implement in order to avoid, minimize, or mitigate air emissions. Additionally, air emissions parameters that are not currently regulated (e.g.: CH4 and CO2) may become the subject of increased concern in the future and, therefore, add to the list of issues facing oil and gas exploration and production. Suggestions for further research opportunities with the potential to benefit responsible energy resource development are also presented.

Related NETL Project
This presentation is related to the NETL project DE-FC26-06NT42937, “Reducing Onshore Natural Gas and Oil Exploration and Production Impacts Using a Broad-Based Stakeholder Approach.” The objective of the research project is aimed at evaluating practices that are common and key to moving development forward through minimizing impacts and that also identify the cause of the most notable issues relative to delaying or curtailing E&P activities. Reducing impacts from E&P activities by engaging in a broad-based stakeholder approach with organizations such as landowners, ranchers, farmers, and other concerned citizens, as well as state and federal agencies and industry is one of the goals. The goal is to lead to practices that ultimately overcome impedances or delays in development of new energy resources.

Project Contacts
NETL – Virginia (Ginny) Weyland (Virginia.WEYLAND@netl.doe.gov or 918-699-2041)
Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission – Hansen, Christine (iogcc@OKLAOSF.state.OK.US or 405 525-3556)