PADEP Release 2014 Air Emissions Inventory for Unconventional Natural Gas Operations

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg PA., 17120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

08/17/2016

CONTACT:

Neil Shader, DEP

717-787-1323

 

2014 Air Emissions Inventory for Unconventional Natural Gas Operations Released

Harrisburg, PA – According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) latest inventory of air emissions for the unconventional natural gas operation industry, several categories of contaminants have increased. 

The inventory represents 2014 emissions from Marcellus Shale natural gas production and processing operations as well as compressor stations that receive gas from coal gas, conventional, and unconventional well sites. Air emissions from the industry are required to be reported to DEP under Pennsylvania’s Air Pollution Control Act.

“As pipeline infrastructure and natural gas production continues to grow in Pennsylvania, it is increasingly important that we ensure that natural gas stays in those pipelines and other facilities and isn’t leaking into our communities,” DEP Acting Secretary Patrick McDonnell said. “With universal adoption of best practices that many companies are already using, we expect leaks to go down even as production goes up.”

According to the recently released 2015 Annual Oil and Gas Report, production from unconventional gas wells increased significantly, from 3.1 trillion cubic feet of gas to 4.1 trillion cubic feet.

“Additionally, the types and number of gas-related facilities from which we collect data has increased since the first inventory in 2011,” said McDonnell.

The data reported for six major categories of contaminants are provided below:

UNCONVENTIONAL NATURAL GAS EMISSIONS BY YEAR

Expressed in Tons per Year

Year	Well Sites Reporting	Midstream Facilities Reporting	Carbon Monoxide (CO)	Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)	Particulate Matter (PM10)	Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)	Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)	Methane(CH4)
2011	9,037	150	6,852	16,542	577	122	2,820	NA
2012	8,966	453	7,350	16,361	600	101	4,024	123,884
2013	10,275	447	6,606	17,659	670	159	4,790	107,945
2014	10,009	508	8,230	21,663	864	263	6,389	109,555

The number of midstream facilities that submitted data in 2014 increased by 12 percent – from 447 to 508 reporting facilities, while the number of well sites reporting dropped 2.7 percent – from 10,275 in 2013 to 10,009 in 2014.

From 2013 and 2014, there was an increase from unconventional natural gas operations of nitrogen oxides (18%), fine particulate matter (25%), sulfur dioxide (40%), volatile organic compounds (25%), methane (1%), and carbon monoxide (19%). However, these emissions represent only a fraction of all emissions from all industries in Pennsylvania.

“Although the reported emissions from the natural gas sector increased in 2014, overall our air quality continues to improve due to emissions reductions from other point sources such as electric generating units,” McDonnell said. “Between 2011 and 2014, NO_x and SO₂ emissions from electric generating units have decreased by 18 percent (27,246 tons per year) and 17 percent (54,973 tons per year), respectively. We remain committed to developing and implementing the most effective ways to control and reduce emissions from Pennsylvania’s natural gas sites.”

In 2014, there was a slight (1%) increase in reported methane emissions, a highly potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.  In January, Governor Tom Wolf announced an ambitious strategy to reduce emissions of methane from natural gas well sites, processing facilities, compressor stations and along pipelines through state-of-the-art leak detection programs, best operational practices and updated permitting requirements. 

DEP began collecting emissions data from owners and operators of unconventional natural gas sources in 2011. In 2012, DEP expanded the data reporting requirement to include midstream compressor stations that support the conventional natural gas industry. DEP again expanded the reporting requirements in 2013 to include data from mid-stream compressor stations that support coal-bed methane formations.

In addition to compressor stations, other sources and activities of natural gas operations that DEP identified as part of the inventory include dehydration units; drill rigs; fugitive emission sources, such as connectors, flanges, pump lines, pump seals and valves; heaters; pneumatic controllers and pumps; stationary engines; tanks, pressurized vessels and impoundments; venting and blow down systems; well heads and well completions.

To view the complete emissions inventory summarized by company, source category, county and well farm, visit DEP’s website at http://www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Air/BAQ/BusinessTopics/Emission, and click on the “Annual Emissions Data from Natural Gas Operations” link under the topic “Natural/Coal Bed Methane Gas Operations.”

###

French & Parrello Associates, an engineering and environmental services firm, refuses to settle for $4 million with injured worker; ordered to pay $8.2 million instead after trial

Who was responsible for developing the work site safety plan played a role in determining liability. (Photo: Thinkstock)

The verdict's in: Jury awards $8.2M for workplace injury
A look at some of the legal decisions of interest to the insurance industry



Aug 10, 2016 | By Patricia L. Harman, PropertyCasualty360.com

 Eric Austin was a laborer employed by Danco General Contracting in Morganville, New Jersey.

On May 3, 2013, he was helping with the removal of copper and brass piping at a building demolition site. While on a catwalk at the site, he went over the rails and fell 18 feet to the concrete below.

He was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he was put into an induced coma and intubated for a month. Austin suffered five skull fractures and was diagnosed with a severe traumatic brain injury. Nerve damage from the skull fractures prevented him from closing his left eye. A monitor was surgically placed inside his skull to measure the pressure on the brain and it was determined that further surgery was not viable.

Following his transfer to a rehabilitation facility, he underwent subacute rehabilitation before being transferred to a second facility for further rehab. This was followed by a year of out-patient rehab and physical therapy.


Austin sustained a severe hearing loss in both ears, which requires hearing aids. He also has impaired vision, which requires the use of prism glasses. The brain injury has impaired his cognitive abilities such as decision-making, memory and the ability to focus. Despite his ability to perform many daily living activities, his diminished capacity means he still requires supervision. He has not returned to work and is believed to be permanently disabled. 

The case
Austin claimed he suffered traumatic brain injuries because of the fall. With his wife, he sued French & Parrello Associates, the engineering and environmental services firm, alleging it was the company's responsibility to create and follow a fall-protection plan. The Austins claim the company was negligent and had violated Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements in this area.

Mary Austin says her husband's condition has brought challenges and changes to their marriage relationship. She sued for loss of consortium and services.

Initially, M&M at Morris Plains LLC, the property owner; the general contractor, Morris Plains Contracting LLC; and Pyramid Contracting Corp., the asbestos subcontractor, were all named as defendants to the suit. Each of the companies reached a confidential settlement with the Austins prior to the trial, but M&M and Morris Plains Contracting remained on the verdict sheet. Pyramid Contracting was not included because the company had previously reached a successful directed verdict.

The plaintiffs’ experts testified that he sustained a severe brain injury, has reached his maximum medical improvement, and will require supervision and counseling, as well as a home health care aid. The defense's expert testified that Austin had only suffered a mild brain injury and that his cognitive impairments were mild. Counsel argued that Austin's previous drug and alcohol abuse, as well as his ADHD and history of depression contributed to his impairments. Despite these issues, Austin is able to drive a car and function on his own, and counsel said he was still capable of working in other fields. 

The verdict
The initial demand was $4 million and the offer was $400,000. The Austins were awarded $8.29 million in damages, which were reduced to $7,296,137 because of Eric Austin's comparative negligence. Eric Austin received $475,064 for past medical costs; $3,242,000 for future medical costs; $1,074,000 for future lost earnings; and $3 million for past pain and suffering. Maria Austin received $500,000 for past loss of consortium.

Court orders French & Parrello Associates to pay $8.2 million to a severiously injured worker for failing to create and follow a fall-protection plan in New Jersey

Who was responsible for developing the work site safety plan played a role in determining liability. (Photo: Thinkstock)

The verdict's in: Jury awards $8.2M for workplace injury
A look at some of the legal decisions of interest to the insurance industry



Aug 10, 2016 | By Patricia L. Harman, PropertyCasualty360.com

 Eric Austin was a laborer employed by Danco General Contracting in Morganville, New Jersey.

On May 3, 2013, he was helping with the removal of copper and brass piping at a building demolition site. While on a catwalk at the site, he went over the rails and fell 18 feet to the concrete below.

He was taken by ambulance to the hospital where he was put into an induced coma and intubated for a month. Austin suffered five skull fractures and was diagnosed with a severe traumatic brain injury. Nerve damage from the skull fractures prevented him from closing his left eye. A monitor was surgically placed inside his skull to measure the pressure on the brain and it was determined that further surgery was not viable.

Following his transfer to a rehabilitation facility, he underwent subacute rehabilitation before being transferred to a second facility for further rehab. This was followed by a year of out-patient rehab and physical therapy.


Austin sustained a severe hearing loss in both ears, which requires hearing aids. He also has impaired vision, which requires the use of prism glasses. The brain injury has impaired his cognitive abilities such as decision-making, memory and the ability to focus. Despite his ability to perform many daily living activities, his diminished capacity means he still requires supervision. He has not returned to work and is believed to be permanently disabled. 

The case
Austin claimed he suffered traumatic brain injuries because of the fall. With his wife, he sued French & Parrello Associates, the engineering and environmental services firm, alleging it was the company's responsibility to create and follow a fall-protection plan. The Austins claim the company was negligent and had violated Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements in this area.

Mary Austin says her husband's condition has brought challenges and changes to their marriage relationship. She sued for loss of consortium and services.

Initially, M&M at Morris Plains LLC, the property owner; the general contractor, Morris Plains Contracting LLC; and Pyramid Contracting Corp., the asbestos subcontractor, were all named as defendants to the suit. Each of the companies reached a confidential settlement with the Austins prior to the trial, but M&M and Morris Plains Contracting remained on the verdict sheet. Pyramid Contracting was not included because the company had previously reached a successful directed verdict.

The plaintiffs’ experts testified that he sustained a severe brain injury, has reached his maximum medical improvement, and will require supervision and counseling, as well as a home health care aid. The defense's expert testified that Austin had only suffered a mild brain injury and that his cognitive impairments were mild. Counsel argued that Austin's previous drug and alcohol abuse, as well as his ADHD and history of depression contributed to his impairments. Despite these issues, Austin is able to drive a car and function on his own, and counsel said he was still capable of working in other fields. 

The verdict
The initial demand was $4 million and the offer was $400,000. The Austins were awarded $8.29 million in damages, which were reduced to $7,296,137 because of Eric Austin's comparative negligence. Eric Austin received $475,064 for past medical costs; $3,242,000 for future medical costs; $1,074,000 for future lost earnings; and $3 million for past pain and suffering. Maria Austin received $500,000 for past loss of consortium.

PADEP Assesses $1M Civil Penalty Against Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc., a Montgomery County Company, for Air Quality Violations after it operated its specialty gas plant without the necessary permits or control devices for five years

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg PA., 17120

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

08/17/2016

CONTACT:

Virginia Cain, DEP

484-250-5808

 

PADEP Assesses $1M Civil Penalty Against Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc., a Montgomery County Company, for Air Quality Violations

Norristown, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has assessed a $1 million penalty against Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. (Matheson) for air quality violations at its facility in Upper Hanover Township, Montgomery County. Through a Consent Assessment of Civil Penalty, Matheson has agreed to pay the full settlement amount, which will be paid to the Pennsylvania Clean Air Fund.

In November 2008, Matheson took ownership of the Montgomery County facility from Advanced Gas Technologies (AGT) and began operation of a compressed gas production facility. Matheson operated its specialty gas plant without the necessary permits or control devices for five years. It was determined in 2012 that Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions were significantly higher than originally recorded at the time of sale. The amount of VOC emissions from the facility also resulted in violations of Air Quality regulations.

A thermal oxidizer was installed at the facility December 2013 to control emissions. The company worked promptly to resolve all violations and attain the necessary permits and approvals. Matheson is currently in compliance with all Air Quality regulations. 

==================


An Industry Leader for over 85 years
In 1927 MATHESON Gas Products became the first company to offer a reliable source of high quality scientific gases and equipment. From the start, MATHESON asserted its leadership by understanding specialty gas applications and providing products specially designed for these applications. Some of MATHESON's more notable accomplishments include the development of the lecture bottle, now used by virtually every major college and university in the world, and the supply of ultra pure gases that served as standards for the first gas chromatographs.
MATHESON's gases also helped forge the most important tool of our era, the integrated circuit. From the early days of the transistor, MATHESON was there providing the arsine and phosphine that made production possible. As transistors gave way to complex semiconductor chips, MATHESON provided the world's first commercially produced silane, an accomplishment that earned the industry's prestigious "SEMMY" Award.
In 1999 MATHESON Gas Products merged with Tri-Gas, Inc., to form Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc. This merger combined the analytical and semiconductor strengths of MATHESON Gas Products with the liquid/bulk and industrial cylinder and equipment capabilities of Tri-Gas. As a member of the Tokyo based Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation (TNSC), MATHESON is part of the world's fifth largest supplier of gases and gas handling equipment.
MATHESON Snapshot
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We provide complete customer solutions, offering everything from on-site air separation plants to small portable cylinders and all the services required to support these products and customer applications:
  Industrial Gases
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MATHESON offers the most extensive line of ultra high purity gas handling equipment in the semiconductor gas industry. Products are designed and manufactured at the Longmont Colorado facility. This 49,000 sq. ft. facility features 8,500 sq. ft. of R&D space, 1400 sq.ft. of Class 10 and Class 100 Protocol clean room space, and 25,000 sq.ft. of manufacturing space. Live gas testing is also offered at Longmont.
MATHESON has a complete line of specialty gas equipment, the most comprehensive in the industry. These products are designed and produced at the Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania location.
 

Two injured after a boat welding fire erupted onboard the paddlewheeler Tahoe Queen in Zephyr Cove on Lake Tahoe, California

 


Coast Guard investigates vessel fire in Lake Tahoe
Aug 17th, 2016 

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — The Coast Guard continues its investigation into a boat fire onboard the Tahoe Queen on Lake Tahoe, Wednesday.

The fire occurred onboard the vessel in Zephyr Cove Tuesday morning.

The vessel has been thoroughly examined by passenger vessel marine inspectors from Coast Guard Sector San Francisco to ensure that it is structurally sound and poses no threat to the public. The Coast Guard will continue to monitor the condition of the vessel throughout the investigation.

The vessel has approximately 800 gallons of diesel fuel and 100 gallons of hydraulic oil onboard, none of which was lost during the blaze.

“Most of the fire damage is limited to the boat’s pilot house and second deck,” said Lt. Jake Aulner, Chief of Sector San Francisco’s domestic vessel inspection branch. “This can be attributed to the tremendous response by Tahoe Douglas Fire Department to quickly extinguish the fire before it spread to the fuel tanks below.” 

The Coast Guard’s efforts are to minimize the impact to the marine environment through the cooperation of the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, monitor the vessels structural integrity to ensure it poses no further danger to the public and conduct an investigation into the cause of the fire with the local fire marshals.




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ZEPHYR COVE, Nev. (KOLO) - The Tahoe-Douglas Fire Protection District says two maintenance workers sustained injuries in a fire on the Tahoe Queen paddlewheeler on Lake Tahoe Tuesday morning. One person sustained smoke inhalation; another strained his back. Neither required hospitalization.



Fire Marshal Erik Guevin says the boat, used for tours of the lake, is moored at Zephyr Cove, where fire broke out shortly before 8AM August 16, 2016.

Flames extensively damaged an upper deck. A crew was on board doing renovation work, including welding. It was members of that crew who were hurt.

There is no word yet on the cause.  Most likely the welders started the fire.  The Coast Guard is conducting the investigation. The boat is reportedly structurally sound, but in no shape to carry passengers until repairs are done. The vessel is also holding water from the firefight and is listing slightly as a result.

No contaminants are believed to have leaked into the lake.

Sister ship the MS Dixie was moored next to the Queen, but was not damaged.




====================


Tahoe Queen

This elegant South Lake Tahoe icon is currently undergoing major renovations to reflect the allure and luster of the early 1900’s when there was truly no finer way to travel. Coast Guard certified for up to 312 passengers, with a maximum dining capacity of 150. Once she re-enters the water for full service, the Tahoe Queen will be available for daytime cruises, dinner cruises, private deck exclusives, private charters, as well as weddings and receptions (year-round). Tahoe Queen is climate controlled.



The Tahoe Queen is the only authentic paddle wheeler cruising South Lake Tahoe. This historic vessel is 144' long and 33' wide, with three decks.

Worker in serious condition after falls 30-feet through roof of old Franklin Crates factory building in Micanopy, FL

Worker in critical condition after falls 30-feet through roof of old Franklin Crates factory building

Wednesday Posted at 12:27 PM Updated at 12:27 PM

  By Cindy Swirko

MICANOPY, FLORIDA - A man on the roof trimming trees at the former Franklin Crates factory in Micanopy fell through a plastic or fiberglass skylight Wednesday morning, landing on concrete after a 30-foot drop.

The man, whose name was not available, was flown by helicopter to UF Health Shands Hospital, said Alachua County Fire Rescue District Chief Joe Cox.


“Our critical care (crew) that responded to the call determined that it would be in the patient’s best interest if he were flown out,” Cox said. “ShandsCair flew him out with possible internal injuries along with a wrist fracture and possibly some broken ribs.”

The incident was reported at 9:25 a.m. at Franklin Crates on U.S. 441. Both Cox and Alachua County sheriff’s spokesman Art Forgey said the plant was bought by O’Steen Bros., a Gainesville paving and site work company, to store its vehicles there.

Officials said the tree crew was on the roof. As branches were lowered onto the roof, they were cut and then lowered to the ground.

Cox said the man was unable to tell that skylights were on the roof because of leaf litter.

OSHA opens investigation into death of tree trimmer with Nelson's Tree Service in Columbia, MO

OSHA opens investigation into death of tree trimmer with Nelson's Tree Service in Columbia, MO

Renee Hickman
Aug 16, 2016


COLUMBIA — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an investigation Monday into the death of a 25-year-old man who was struck by a tree limb while working in Columbia for Nelson's Tree Service.


The Columbia Police Department and the Boone County Medical Examiner's Office, citing an ongoing investigation, would not identify the man who died on Wednesday in the 3900 block of Deerfoot Way.


According to a news release from OSHA, employers are required to file a report within eight hours of a death on the job; Nelson's Tree Service did not file a report until two days later on Aug. 12.


"We will conduct a thorough investigation to determine if any violations of OSHA safety standards contributed to the incident," Todd Sieleman, OSHA's acting area director in Kansas City, said in the release.


Sieleman said OSHA investigators would be looking for violations that expose employees to the leading causes of death in the tree trimming field: falls, electrocution, and employees being caught in or being struck by objects.


Nelson's Tree Service could face fines up to $124,709, Sieleman said, as well as a possible additional fine of $5,000 for failing to report the death within the eight-hour window.


Sieleman said tree trimming continues to be one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States.


Tchukki Andersen, staff arborist at the Tree Care Industry Association, said there has been an uptick in the number of tree trimming accidents and deaths in the past three years, which she believes is the result of more people entering the business without professional training.


Efforts to reach Nelson's Tree Service for comment were unsuccessful.


The OSHA investigation could take up to six months, the agency said.