The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule to require oil and gas production, and gas transmission and storage, facilities to substantially reduce emissions of several hazardous air pollutants.
It said emissions of pollutants in those source categories-such as benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene, mixed xylenes, and n-hexane-are about 65,000 megagrams/year.
EPA said the proposed rule would cut hazardous air pollutant emissions in the oil and natural gas production source category by 57% and in the gas transmission and storage category by 36%.
It plans to hold a Mar. 23 public hearing on the proposed rule. It is being issued under Sec. 112 of the Clean Air Act, which requires EPA to set technology-based standards for 188 air toxics.
EPA said the emissions occur during the separation, upgrading, transport, and storage of crude and natural gas.
"In addition, emissions occur as a result of vapor leaks from pumps, compressors, valves, flanges, and other equipment in liquid and gas service that contribute to emissions of hazardous air pollutants."
The agency said the proposal would only effect 960 of an estimated 100,000-250,000 oil and gas production facilities, and five of 2,000 gas transmission and storage facilities. It said the rule would cost industry an estimated $13.4 million initially, and then about $10 million/year.
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