By Bill Zeeble, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-978136.mp3
Dallas, TX – At the first public presentation of Fort Worth's million-dollar air quality study, high powered compressor engines were blamed for most of the pollution measured at high levels at Barnett Shale facilities. KERA's Bill Zeeble reports, some Air Quality Committee members want improvements.
The air quality study measured 388 sites for pollutants from all over Fort Worth. Consultants say the only excessive pollutants detected likely came from the compressor equipment. Methane, propane and butane were among those in highest concentrations. Toxic pollutants of benzene, formaldehyde, and acrolein were also found. Still, gas wells in Fort Worth do not present a public health danger, according to John Wilhelmi, with the Eastern Research Group, that did the study.
John Wilhelmi: We found no measured concentration that reached levels that would be expected to be associated with adverse health affects. Period.
But some members of Fort Worth Air Quality Study Committee, including Rusty Fuller, with the North Fort Worth Alliance, wants high emission levels at those five sites lowered.
Rusty Fuller: We need to look more closely at the compressor stuff. Somehow or another we need to get that looked at and report back to the people who've seen this study so we can carry on.
Fuller also wants no exceptions granted to the city's 600-foot set back until compressors are modified. Some set-back waivers have already been granted. Fort Worth's city council is briefed this morning on the study. The public has a chance weigh in tonight at 6, in city hall.