TCEQ Texas City Remote Sensing Air Study Underway

Beveridge & Diamond, P.C. - Texas Environmental Update, June 2007

In July, TCEQ will begin a five-week study in the Texas City area using remote sensing systems to determine emissions from industrial sources. The purpose of the study is to measure actual emissions from sources at cooperating industrial sites and compare them to standard emission calculation technologies. The scientific data obtained may result in further studies and possible additional VOC control strategies.

The study is funded through an EPA innovative technology grant matched with TCEQ funds. The United Kingdom company performing the study, National Physical Laboratory, will use a differential absorption light detection and ranging (DIAL) technology that uses infrared and ultraviolet lasers to measure the VOC concentrations downwind of emissions sources that are difficult to measure using conventional technology. The DIAL technology has been used primarily in Europe. Recent work involving Environment Canada, Ontario Ministry of Environment and Alberta Environment demonstrated the application of the DIAL technology to obtain direct measurements of fugitive emissions at a Canadian refinery.

In this study, the DIAL technology will be used to measure VOC emissions from sources such as storage tanks, cooker units, loading operations, flares and wastewater treatment areas. This innovative technology will be used in combination with the HAWK infrared camera that can image releases. If the study shows more actual emissions than have been previously calculated, the TCEQ may use the information to develop additional control measures.

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