Use of photochemical models to assess to ozone impacts and need for controls for petroleum production souces: Two case studies
Many areas in the United States are not in attainment of the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone. These areas include some with petroleum production operations, such as Kern County, California. In addition, major OCS development and production sources in the Western Gulf of Mexico are located offshore of the Houston and Beaumont/Port Arthur nonattainment areas. EPA requires that states implement a planning (SIP) process to develop strategies to achieve the federal ozone standard. These plans have the potential to result in significant control requirements for the production facilities. Potential impacts from different source types can be assessed through use of photochemical modeling of ozone precursor emissions (hydrocarbon and nitrogen oxides) from all anthropogenic (man made) sources. This modeling information can be used to: (1) identify Whether specific types of sources contribute to the ozone nonattainment problem, and (2) develop a set of control measures to reduce ambient ozone levels. This paper will examine two photochemical modeling case studies which assessed the impact of petroleum productions sources in the Bakersfield and Houston nonattainment areas. The San Joaquin Valley SIP modeling showed that additional controls of NOx emissions from heaters, boilers and internal combustion engines located on the west side of the Valley were not necessary to meet the federal ozone standard by 1999. In the case of the assessment of OCS impacts on Houston, modeling showed that at times and locations where the federal ozone standard was exceeded, OCS contributions were minimal. This finding not only removes the probability of controls, but also greatly limits any probability of transfer of jurisdiction for OCS air quality from Minerals Management Service to EPA. Recommendations on how to develop and implement a modeling assessment program will be presented to aid those who may be involved in similar planning processes in the future.
- OSTI ID:
- 391104
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960623-; TRN: 96:004554-0024
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International conference on health, safety and environment in oil and gas exploration products, New Orleans, LA (United States), 9 Jun - 12 Sep 1996; Other Information: PBD: 1996; Related Information: Is Part Of The third international conference on health, safety & environment in oil and gas exploration and production. Proceedings - Volume 1; PB: 941 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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