Health and Regulatory Concerns with Compressor StationsMary Menapace RN

Photo from Marcellus –Shale.us Fulton Compressor Station Hickory PA

Human Exposure

Vulnerable PopulationsWomen/Children/Elderly

Breathing Contaminated Air

Eating contaminated food fish from contaminated waters meat, milk or eggs

Drinking contaminated water

Touching , coming in direct contact with contaminated soil, dust or water (swimming, barefoot)

Toxins accumulate, especially up the food chain, we are at the top

Source EPA www.epa.gov/toxicair

Marcellus-shale.us

Nathan Phillips, Boston U.

Pathways of Exposure

Compressors

And Pipes

Toxins Emitted from Compressors

actually mostly from the gas that is being pushed by the compressors

From Wilma Subra, subracompany

• Benzene• Formaldehyde• Methyl Ethyl Disulfide• Naphthalene• 1,1,1, 2-Tetrachloroethane• Trichloroethylene• Trimethyl Benzene• 1,2,4-Trimethyl Benzene• Styrene• Methane• Ethane• Butane • Propane

• n-Butyl Alcohol• Carbon Disulfide• Carbonyl Sulfide• Chlorobenzene• Chloromethane• 1, 2-Dichloroethane• Diethyl Benzene• Dimethyl Disulfide• Toulene• Nitrogen Oxide• Ethylbenzene• 1,3-Butadiene

FULTON COMPRESSOR STATIONWashington Avenue, Hickory, PA

Upgraded plans from two to four Cat 1340 HP compressors. 

Permitted total facility allowed emissions are:

NOx - 38.94 TONS per yearVOC - 12.40 TONS per yearCO - 49.02 TONS per year

with four compressors these amounts would double to:

NOx - 77.88 TONS per yearVOC - 24.80 TONS per yearCO - 98.04 TONS per year

Source: marcellus-shale.us

Health Impacts reported by those living within

50 feet to 2 miles from Compressor Stations

*61% of Health Impacts Associated with Chemicals present in Excess of Short and

Long Term Effects Screening Levels in the air (Subra)

Marcellus-shale.us Brigich Compressor station Chartiers Twnshp PA

Nasal Irritation Throat IrritationEyes BurningFrequent NauseaAllergies Sinus ProblemsBronchitis Persistent Cough Chronic Eye IrritationShortness of Breath Increased FatigueMuscle Aches & Pains

Severe HeadachesFrequent NosebleedsSleep Disturbances Joint Pain Difficulty in Concentrating Nervous System Impacts Irregular/Rapid Heart BeatStrokes DizzinessForgetfulness

Health Impacts reported by those living within 50 feet to 2 miles from Compressor Stations

Wilma Subra

Ringing in Ears Sores & Ulcers in Mouth Urinary Infections Depression Decreased Motor SkillsFalling, StaggeringFrequent Irritation Brain disorders

Severe Anxiety Excessive Sweating Abnormal EEG Lump in Breast Pre-Cancerous LesionsAbnormal Mammogram Thyroid Problems Endometriosis Amnesia

90% of individuals living and working within 2-3 miles of compressor stations

report experiencing odor events and health impacts

Wilma Subra

The Regulatory Morassemo·rass

[muh-ras]  any confusing or troublesome situation, especially one from which it is difficult to free oneself; entanglement.

Exemptions or Limitations in Regulatory Coverage for Oil and Gas ExplorationAnd Production Industry in Six Environmental Laws

Government Office of Accountability September 2012UNCONVENTIONAL OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT:

Key Environmental and Public Health Requirements

SDWA Safe Drinking Water Act - only diesel fluid requires an UIC permit for HF

CWA Clean Water Act Federal Stormwater (and wastewater) permits are not required at O and G construction sites or wells

CAA Clean Air Act Emissions from compressors may not be aggregated together with other equipment

RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act Oil and gas wastes are not regulated as Hazard Waste

CERCLA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act Liability and reporting laws do not apply to injection of fluids for production, enhanced recovery or produced water

EPCRA Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act Oil and gas well operations are not required to report releases of listed chemicals to the Toxic Release Inventory.

Sources

Compendium of Scientific Medical and Media Findings Demonstrating Risks and Harms of Fracking. http://concernedhealthny.org/compendium/

Human Health Impacts Associated from Chemicals and Pathways of Exposure from the Development of Shalegas Plays. Wilma Subra http://www.earthworksaction.org/files/publications/SUBRA_3_Shale_Gas_Plays-Health_Impacts_sm.pdf

Government Office of Accountability Unconventional Oil and Gas Development Key Environmental and Public Health Requirements. http://www.gao.gov/assetts/650/647782.pdf

Marcellus Air website - air photos and documentation on shalegas buildout - http://marcellus-shale.us/

Potential Environmental and Human Health ImpactsAssociated with the Minisink Compressor Station ppt by Wilma SubraMillennium Pipeline Company www.blog.protectorangecounty.org/wp.../12/Dr.-Subra-12-12-13.pptx

Study Details Natural Gas Leaks in Boston. Nathan Phillips http://www.bu.edu/cas/2012/11/20/thousands-of-natural-gas-leaks-discovered-in-boston/

Toxic Air Pollutants. Webpage, US Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.epa.gov/air/toxicair/newtoxics.html

Sourcescont.

Thank you.