Fracking Process and Air Pollution

The Williams Blessing Unit on 407 has begun the fracking process. To better understand this process see  http://www.earthworksaction.org/FracingDetails.cfm.

Hydraulic fracturing (also known as fracking, which rhymes with cracking) is a technique used to create fractures that extend from the well bore into rock or coal formations. These fractures allow the oil or gas to travel more easily from the rock pores, where the oil or gas is trapped, to the production well. Typically, in order to create fractures a mixture of water, proppants (sand or ceramic beads) and chemicals is pumped into the rock or coal formation.

How the air can become polluted:

Construction equipment emissions, fracking equipment and fugitive air emissions are sources of negative air emissions during the fracking process. Fugitive emissions are unintentional leaks of gases. This may occur from breaks or small cracks in seals, tubing, valves or pipelines, as well when lids or caps on equipment or tanks have not been properly closed or tightened. When natural gas escapes via fugitive emissions, methane as well as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and any other contaminants in the gas (e.g., hydrogen sulfide) are released to the atmosphere. Source: http://www.earthworksaction.org/airpollutionsources.cfm#FUGITIVE 
How could you be effected by gas drilling air emissions?: Reports include incidents of:  asthma, respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, autoimmune diseases, liver failure, cancer and other ailments such as headaches, nausea, and sleeplessness. These reports are from the following sources of gas pollution. Remember pollution know no boundaries. If you are down wind or in a low lying area these could be in the air you are breathing.  

• Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX)
• Carbon Monoxide
• Dust
• Hydrogen Sulfide
• Natural Gas
• Nitrogen Oxides
• Ozone
• Particulate Matter
• Sulfur Dioxide
• Volatile Organic Compounds
• Source: http://www.earthworksaction.org/aircontaminants.cfm

How do you know if the air you are breathing is being compromised and what to do? 
If you smell any unusual smells. Even a sweet smell.  Make a complaint with the TCEQ. They can be reached 24 hours a day. TCEQ has stated publicly that they investigate ALL complaints and will dispatch a field inspector to your door within 12 hours of your complaint. Documentation is a critical first step to obtain the essential data. Your report will enable TCEQ to take enforcement action to stop toxic emissions.
Here's all you need to do.
Step 1- Print out the attached Odor Log and Nuisance Affidavit forms.
Step 2- Fill out the simple forms, to the best of your recollection, immediately after encountering an odor.
Step 3- Call the toll-free TCEQ Complaint Hotline and register your complaint.

1-888-777-3186

Step 4- When a TCEQ agent arrives, request their ID and hand them the forms. Keep copies for your records.
Step 5- Keep a personal record of your experience with the TCEQ for future reference.
Step 6- Repeat as often as necessary. 

Source:http://txsharon.blogspot.com/2009/12/tceq-complaint-hotline-open-for.html

TCEQ was called to the Blessing site on Friday due to neighbors complaining of terrible smells. If you can smell emissions then your health is being compromised. TCEQ came out around 6:30pm after the fracking stopped at 6:00 pm therefore no bad emissions were found at that time.  A neighbor was told by TCEQ that the Williams Blessing Unit has installed 11 diesel pumps and 2 tanks for fracking. They will be fracking from 7am - 6pm. If at any time any of you see emissions, feel lightheaded, smell something weird, or have a metal taste in our mouth, please call TCEQ, asap. 

FYI Argyle's ordinance:
Sec. 8.02.004     Offensive odors

(a)     Any unreasonably noxious, unpleasant, or strong odor, which causes material distress, discomfort, or injury to persons of ordinary sensibilities in the immediate vicinity thereof, is hereby declared to be a nuisance, and is hereafter prohibited.

(b)     Any odor, stench, or smell of such character, strength, and continued duration which interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of private homes by persons of ordinary sensibilities is hereby declared to be a nuisance and is hereby prohibited.

(c)     The following things, among others, are declared to be offensive odors and odor nuisances in violation of this article, but said enumerations shall not be deemed to be exclusive, to wit:

(1)     Cow lots, hog pens, etc. Offensive odors from cow lots, hog pens, and other similar places where animals are kept or fed, which shall disturb the comfort and repose of persons of ordinary sensibilities.

(2)     Privies. Offensive odors from privies and other similar places.

(3)     Chemicals. Offensive odors from the use or possession of chemicals, or from industrial processes or activities, which shall disturb the comfort and repose of persons of ordinary sensibilities.

(4)     Smoke. Offensive odors from smoke from the burning of rubbish, trash, rubber, chemical substances, or other things or substances.

For information on Noise and Water pollution see Post entitled : Fracking Process and Noise pollution & Fracking Process and Water Pollution.