Ohio EPA Issues New Oil and Gas Air Pollution Controls

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – Sept. 2, 2015) Ohio Governor John Kasich and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency this week issued new proposals for controlling harmful air pollution at natural gas compressor stations. The policy aims to limit the amount of smog-forming volatile organic compounds escaping from oil and gas infrastructure and, at the same time, will achieve important reductions of methane and other harmful air pollutants.

“Once again, Ohio is leading the way on reducing pollution from oil and gas operations,” said Matt Watson, Associate Vice President of EDF’s Climate and Energy Program. “The proposal serves as a powerful example that strong regulations to protect communities from harmful oil and gas emissions are feasible, cost-effective and necessary.”

EDF is reviewing the proposal in detail and looks forward to working with the Kasich administration and other stakeholders to strengthen the measures before they’re finalized.  Upon initial reading, however, it’s clear that the OEPA has taken a thoughtful approach and has incorporated several nationally-leading industry practices into its proposal, including: requiring operators use an infrared camera or other hydrocarbon detection device to scan compressor stations and other equipment for leaks on a quarterly basis; requiring the use of vapor recovery units and other control measures when operators perform pipeline maintenance activities; and placing strong overall limits on emissions from compressors.