Ultra, Shell and QEP Energy implement ozone contingency plans
In response to DEQ Ozone Advisory
by Ultra, Shell and QEP joint media release
February 28, 2011
Ultra, Shell and QEP have implemented their respective ozone contingency plans as a result of the ozone advisory issued for today by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (WDEQ) for Sublette County.
The ozone contingency plans identify short-term emission control measures that reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be precursors to ozone.
In response to an ozone advisory, if it does not affect safety or impact essential operations, the operators take steps that may include, but are not limited to:
- Limiting discretionary activities where venting emissions may occur, including maintenance work that can be rescheduled to a later time when overall meteorological conditions are better.
- Shutting off all vehicle engines to avoid excessive idling time.
- Limiting ancillary equipment idle time.
- Minimizing use of or turning off internal combustion engines (e.g. water pumps, portable light plants, portable generators).
- Increasing surveillance of combustors in the control room and in the field to confirm proper operation.
- Suspending completion and hydraulic fracturing activities that require flaring.
- Keeping a record of control measures conducted during an ozone advisory.
The plans comply with WDEQ requirements and the Record of Decision (ROD) issued by the BLM in September 2008 for the Pinedale Anticline Project Area Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to help avoid high ozone levels during the winter. Download copies of the 2011 ozone contingency plans from the BLM website here: http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/field_offices/Pinedale/anticline.html.
Our ozone contingency plans are in addition to a number of long-term activities that are already underway on the Pinedale Anticline, including installation of catalyst technology to reduce NOx emissions on drilling rigs and liquids gathering systems field wide to reduce VOC emissions associated with tanks and NOx emissions from tanker truck trips. Learn more about our long-term activities to preserve air quality on the Pinedale Anticline at our website here: http://www.papaoperators.com/Meeting-Our-Commitments.php#AIR.
Please email pinedaleanticline@gmail.com with any questions.
WHAT IS AN OZONE ADVISORY?
An ozone advisory is issued by the WDEQ's Air Quality Division when meteorological conditions are favorable for the formation of elevated ozone. An ozone advisory indicates the potential for elevated ozone levels. Advisories are issued at noon on the day prior to the day of the advisory and are based upon an evaluation of weather forecast data. The advisory will remain in effect for a 24-hour period, but advisories could be issued on consecutive days.
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