Venting
Venting is the release of gas to the atmosphere. Venting occurs at a number of points in the natural gas development process (well completion; well maintenance; pipeline maintenance; tank maintenance; etc.). During natural gas development, huge quantities of gas are vented to the atmosphere.
For example, during well completion, after a well is drilled and stimulated (e.g., hydraulically fractured), the wellbore and surrounding formation must be cleaned out. The solids and fluids from the well go into pits, while the gases are allowed to escape into the atmosphere. These gases include but are not limited to hazardous air pollutants such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, hexanes, methane, ethane, propane, butane, and pentanes, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide, helium, nitrogen, and other compounds.
Operations can also cause “unintentional” leaks of gases. This occurs from breaks or 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 into the atmosphere.
Venting of hazardous chemicals and unintentional leaks can be of serious concern to the personal health and safety of any landowner.
Contact: 713-239-4000
Venting is the release of gas to the atmosphere. Venting occurs at a number of points in the natural gas development process (well completion; well maintenance; pipeline maintenance; tank maintenance; etc.). During natural gas development, huge quantities of gas are vented to the atmosphere.
For example, during well completion, after a well is drilled and stimulated (e.g., hydraulically fractured), the wellbore and surrounding formation must be cleaned out. The solids and fluids from the well go into pits, while the gases are allowed to escape into the atmosphere. These gases include but are not limited to hazardous air pollutants such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, hexanes, methane, ethane, propane, butane, and pentanes, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide, helium, nitrogen, and other compounds.
Operations can also cause “unintentional” leaks of gases. This occurs from breaks or 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 into the atmosphere.
Venting of hazardous chemicals and unintentional leaks can be of serious concern to the personal health and safety of any landowner.
Contact: 713-239-4000
