EPA Issues Clean Air Act Permit for Texas GulfLink Deepwater Port

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Clean Air Act permit for the proposed Texas GulfLink (TGL) deepwater port, allowing the use of vapor capture and control technology mounted on an offshore support vessel. This technology, a first-of-its-kind application, will enable the loading of very large crude carriers up to 85,000 barrels per hour, or 365 million barrels a year. The permit is valid for five years, and TGL will need to apply for a renewal at least six months before the expiration date to continue operations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EPA issued a Clean Air Act permit for the proposed Texas GulfLink deepwater port, allowing the use of vapor capture and control technology mounted on an offshore support vessel.
  • The permit enables the loading of very large crude carriers up to 85,000 barrels per hour, or 365 million barrels a year.
  • The technology used is a first-of-its-kind application of vapor control and control technology mounted on an offshore support vessel.
  • The permit includes monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance with federal standards.
  • Similar technology has been used on shuttle tankers in the North Sea for over 20 years with over 96% emission-control efficiency.
  • The permit is valid for five years, and TGL will need to apply for a renewal at least six months before the expiration date to continue operations.
  • Sentinel Midstream, the company behind the project, developed the innovative vapor control application in close collaboration with the EPA.
  • The project is expected to increase energy production while fulfilling EPA's core mission of protecting human health and the environment.

Statistics:

  • 85,000 barrels per hour: the maximum capacity of crude oil that can be loaded at the deepwater port.
  • 365 million barrels per year: the total loading capacity of the deepwater port.
  • 5 years: the valid period of the Clean Air Act permit.
  • 6 months: the notice period for TGL to apply for a renewal of the permit before expiration.
  • 96%: the emission-control efficiency of similar technology used on shuttle tankers in the North Sea.

Sources:

  • U.S Environmental Protection Agency
  • [www.epa.gov](http://www.epa.gov)