Predictive, Source-Oriented Modeling and Measurements to Evaluate Community Exposures to Air Pollutants from Unconventional Oil and Gas Development.

The increased utilization of unconventional oil and gas development (UOGD) methods, such as directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing, have given rise to environmental concerns. Unconventional oil and gas drilling leads to the release of harmful pollutants such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), H₂S, SO₂, and O₃ in the atmosphere (Macey et al., 2014). These pollutants can severely damage the environment by causing acid rain, O3 depletion, and damage to the flora and fauna on earth (Massdep., 2013). In addition, inhalation of polluted air raises many health concerns. Based on current medical studies, we observe that air pollution exacerbates pulmonary diseases such as lung cancer, asthma, respiratory infections, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Ozlem Kar Kurtet et al., 2016).

This project aims to computationally model air pollutant exposure in the Eagle Ford Shale due to unconventional oil and gas drilling. More broadly, this project will develop a widely applicable model called TRACER (TRAcking Community Exposures and Releases) model. The TRACER model will be the first tool that can predict the air quality effects of chemical exposures and estimate human exposure to toxic emissions. The computer models produced will be based on mobile, and stationary data gathered in areas of high drilling activity (Hotspots) in Karnes County, Webb County, and La Salle County in the Eagle Ford Shale. In addition to the implementation of UOGD, many drilling locations implement gas flares as a safety feature. Gas flares also produce numerous air pollutants, such as VOCs and black carbon (Olusegun G. Fawole et al., 2016).

Hotspots in Karnes County, Webb County, and La Salle County were determined by creating density maps of new drilling permits. The locations of new drilling permits were found using the Texas Railroad Commission’s database. During field campaigns, data will be collected and analyzed utilizing devices such as the VOCUS PTR-MS, H₂S, SO_2, and O₃ monitors. Using these findings, a better understanding of the effects that UOGD has on air quality in the Eagle Ford Shale will be reached. The TRACER model can be used to advise future health studies, policymaking, and placement of drilling locations relative to residential areas.