Wow! Natural gas will sure help reduce increase our GHGs! Methane, the most powerful GHG, is 20 times more powerful than CO2!
Additional tests were just released from the ambient air quality study in DISH, TX.
Dish: Methane analysis is in
5:39 PM Wed, Oct 14, 2009 | Permalink
Peggy Heinkel-WolfeDish leaders released additional lab analysis information received today from its ambient air quality study that found exceedances of both neurotoxins and carcinogens.
Alisa Rich said in some areas methane was present at a level three times higher than normally found in the air. Updated information here: DISH_REVISED_LAB.pdf and DISH_Methane.pdf.
Town leaders continue to urge residents to get in touch with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality directly to convey health concerns confidentially.
From email:
Mayor Tillman,
I requested the laboratory review the Burgess property TIC to see if they could speciate out any compounds listed under categories of carbons (C6, C8 etc.). I also requested methane concentrations (ppmv) on all can locations.
After reviewing the methane concentrations it is clear that the two properties (9217 Chisum and Burgess) have high concentrations of methane with little break down to metabolites as seen on other properties. This is why the TIC showed no exceedences.
Please take special note of the Burgess property. The concentrations of methane are in levels approximately three (3) times usually seen invambient air (5.9ppmv). This level is extremely high and quite concerning. I have mapped all the methane levels to get a better visual. The laboratory was also able to speciate several compounds which again exceeded TCEQ’s ESLs. I have updated all summary excel sheets with the newest information.
I will be sending these results to both EPA and TCEQ for review.
I would also encourage you to direct all residents of DISH who are having health issues to contact Tony Walker (TCEQ) immediately. LINK The residents can then provide TCEQ with information that is critical to a proper investigation. TCEQ cannot act on hearsay nor will they be able to ask direct and important questions needed in an investigation. This must be done by the person themselves (or parent of minor if underage) due to confidentiality.
I will be sending a hard copy of the addendum report for your files. If you have any questions regarding the additional laboratory results please feel free to contact me immediately.
Regards,
Alisa Rich, MPH, PhDc
Potential health effects
Methane is not toxic; however, it is highly flammable and may form explosive mixtures with air. Methane is violently reactive with oxidizers, halogens, and some halogen-containing compounds. Methane is also an asphyxiant and may displace oxygen in an enclosed space. Asphyxia may result if the oxygen concentration is reduced to below 19.5% by displacement[citation needed]. The concentrations at which flammable or explosive mixtures form are much lower than the concentration at which asphyxiation risk is significant. When structures are built on or near landfills, methane off-gas can penetrate the buildings’ interiors and expose occupants to significant levels of methane. Some buildings have specially engineered recovery systems below their basements to actively capture such fugitive off-gas and vent it away from the building. An example of this type of system is in the Dakin Building, Brisbane, California.
In the name of decency:
SHUT DOWN THE COMPRESSORs IN DISH, TX
But that is not enough. The industry players who have ruined health and property in DISH should purchase all the land and homes for fair market value and relocate the entire town.
About Sharon Wilson
Sharon Wilson is considered a leading citizen expert on the impacts of shale oil and gas extraction. She is the go-to person whether it’s top EPA officials from D.C., national and international news networks, or residents facing the shock of eminent domain and the devastating environmental effects of natural gas development in their backyards.
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The importance of the news coming out of DISH has huge meaning for people sitting on top of shale everwhere!
Thanks for the excellent job you're doing Sharon, as usual, getting that news out!
Methane in the air is NOT regulated by the TCEQ in Texas!!!!! No concern what-so-ever!! The TCEQ is on our side, Ha. In DISH they should SHUT 'EM DOWN!!
Thank you for all the work you do. We here in NY are scared witless, bu t not our DEC, who has sided with industry, along with our Gov. and legislature. We intend to fight!
Excellent info about Methane in the air. May also want to look at CO2 content of the samples. CO2 can also lower the oxygen content of normal air. CO2 if produced as a result of the numerous combustion sources there at the compressor stations. Burning CH4 produces CO2 and H2O.
Lorie, nothing seems to slow them down, no matter how bad the new they just keep rolling along. Flower Mound is considering changing their drilling ordinance. They are going to pipe waste water all around the town to a huge tank battery.
Some can watch another person touch fire and learn that fire is hot and will burn. Others have to touch fire to learn. Sucks for those living near the fire touchers.
With the current rotten system we have in Tx. all you can do is RUN. RUN, RUN, RUN. RUN from Texas. That's one run for each point in the Texas Star!
I am one of those living WITH the fire touchers! Flower Mound's Town Council needs to wake up and listen to all the residents not just a small minority who think they are the next Jed Clampitt!
I live here downwind from Dish, Tx. I can see their city hall from my back door, we are quoted as living out in the County, but our close proximity to Dish has put us in harms way, I am relocating at this time because in the 5 years we have lived here we have had more illnesses than any other place we have lived. We are tired of being sick and have found a safe place to go. I feel for those that cant afford to relocate. Someone please… help them. Especially the kids, Whatever is in the air is killing us. We felt this before all this became news. I always thought it was mold or something even though we never found any in or under the house here. This stuff messes with your memory and makes you feel tired all the time the smells out her are a mix between cleaning fluid and natural gas to something that I cant describe but smells awful. depends on what direction the wind blows. south winds are the worst and dish is south of here. Help us!
Dear Sick,
Please contact me, txsharon.blog@gmail.com or contact Mayor Tillman. He is working on getting a medical group to come in and help. Please contact us.