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Environmental Studies Program Direction:
Air Quality Impact Assessment
Objective:
To gather the necessary data and conduct analyses to evaluate impacts from OCS operations
on air quality.
 Under the
authority of the Clean Air Act, the EPA carries out a rigorous program designed to improve
the nation’s air quality and to prevent significant degradation of air quality in
areas that are relatively clean. The MMS works with the EPA and the States to assure that
air emissions on the OCS do not hinder this effort. Through the ESP, the MMS provided much
of the scientific data needed in support of these coordination efforts.
There is a continuing need to improve the science and gather additional data, especially
as conditions change and new issues arise. The MMS will be augmenting its existing
meteorological monitoring programs to get a better understanding of the atmospheric
conditions that affect the movement and spread of air pollutants. This knowledge is
important for improving the predictive models that are used to estimate what the pollutant
levels will be and which areas will be affected.
Meeting the Need: The MMS Environmental
Studies Program will further pursue cooperative efforts to evaluate any degradation of air
quality in sensitive areas. The information generated will be used to determine if any
actions are needed to minimize the degradation.
 | Recently, the EPA promulgated revised standards for ozone particulate
matter and regional haze. These will require collection of additional data, further
studies, and increased cooperation with other Federal and state agencies.
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| In particular, the Breton National Wilderness
Area in Louisiana will be the subject of a comprehensive study that will involve the
MMS and other Federal Agencies, several States, and industry. Emissions, air quality, and
meteorological data will be collected from both onshore and offshore areas. Predictive
models will be applied to quantify the pollution levels over the area and their changes
over time. Results will be used to determine if there has been degradation that exceeds
the limits allowed under the Clean Air Act. Appropriate action may then be taken to remedy
any significant degradation.
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| How does the OCS oil and gas production impact air quality in the coastal region? Assessment of Air Quality |
For more information, contact Ronald Lai.
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