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Oil and Gas Air Pollution

Air contaminants are emitted from a variety of sources throughout the oil and gas development process. If you think oil and gas production is good for air quality, THINK AGAIN.

The following chart summarizes the major air pollutants released during oil and gas development and the major sources of emissions.  Click on each category to read details about the pollutant or the source activity. 

  Fugitive Emissions Dehydration Vehicles Flaring Engines Pits Venting
Particulate Matter

 

x

x

 

x

    

Dust

 

x

x

 

 

 

  

Hydrogen Sulfide

x

  

 

x

 

 

x

Ozone

o

o

o

 

o

    
Carbon Monoxide    

x

x

x

    
Nitrogen Oxides    

 x

x

x

    
Sulfur Dioxide    

 x

x

x

    
VOCs

x

x

 

x

x

x

x

BTEX

x

x

 

x

x

x

x

PAHs      

x

      
Methane

x

x

 

 

 

x

x
  • 'x' means that a pollutant is emitted as a direct result of the particular activity
  • 'o' means that the pollutant is generated in a secondary reaction associated with the particular oil and gas development activity. 

For More Information

Related OGAP Resources

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