Air Quality
During scoping, what did the public ask us to consider in the Draft FMG RMPA/EIS for air resources?
How would the BLM and BIA complete the following:
Accurately assess current and future air quality conditions;
Minimize or mitigate potential impacts on air quality, including human health, from proposed fluid mineral development, such as those identified by the Four Corners Air Quality Group; and
Address the effects of oil and gas development on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change?
Nilch’i Binajih Nahat’a
Listen to information about this virtual open house station in Navajo.
Air and Climate in the Draft FMG RMPA/EIS
BLM and BIA developed protective measures in the Draft FMG RMPA/EIS to address air quality and air pollution, including:
Locate oil and gas wells to avoid sensitive resources
Conditions of Approval (see Section C.1.2 in Volume 2 of the Draft FMG RMPA/EIS) for oil and gas development activities to limit air pollution, such as:
Emission controls for construction vehicles during development
Minimizing/eliminating venting during blow downs, if technically feasible
Eliminating evaporation pits for drilling fluids
Capturing and controlling flash emissions and other emissions from storage tanks
Limits on vehicle speeds on unpaved roads
Treat unpaved roads to reduce fugitive dust from increased traffic due to oil and gas development and operations
Additional analysis and information
Draft FMG RMPA/EIS, Volume 1, Chapter 3 provides more detail on existing conditions and environmental consequences
Draft FMG RMPA/EIS, Volume 2, Appendix J includes detailed current and future air monitoring data and information from the Four Corners Air Quality Group
Total projected annual emissions from oil and gas well development by BLM alternatives are listed below
Projected Annual Averages for Criteria Pollutants, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions, and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP) by BLM Alternative
This table provides information on projected annual average air pollution emissions from the BLM action alternatives over the 20-year RMPA, including pollutants such as:
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can serve as a precursor pollutant to ground-level ozone formation and cause adverse health effects
Carbon monoxide (CO), a gas primarily caused by burning fossil fuels, which has the potential to reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood stream and is harmful in high levels that are most often found in enclosed spaces
Nitrous oxide (NOx), a highly reactive gas resulting from burning fossil fuels, which in high concentrations can irritate airways in the human respiratory system and aggravate respiratory diseases
Particulate matter (PM), such as PM10 (inhalable particles with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller) and PM2.5 (fine inhalable particles with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller), which form in the atmosphere as a result of complex reactions of chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles, can cause cause serious health problems, and are the main cause of reduced visibility (haze) in parts of the United States
Sulfur dioxide (SO2), a gas formed mostly by the burning of fossil fuels at power plants and industrial facilities, which can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult (particularly for children or other people with asthma) and lead to the formation of other sulfur oxides and reactions forming fine particulate matter pollution
More information on air quality and air quality standards is provided in Chapter 3, Section 3.4.1, and information on the national standards for air pollutants can be found at the EPA’s criteria air pollutants webpage.
Next Station
For more information on the Draft FMG RMPA/EIS please contact Sarah Scott, 505-564-7689 or Robert Begay, 505-863-8515
If you have questions about the Draft FMG RMPA/EIS or wish to be added or removed from the mailing list, please contact BLM at blm_nm_ffo_rmp@blm.gov.