EPA Issues Draft Air Quality Permits for Shell's Arctic Oil Drilling Operations

Strategic Insights -

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released draft air quality permits for Shell Oil Company's exploratory oil drilling operations in Alaska's Arctic Outer Continental Shelf. This move will allow the public and key stakeholders to provide input and feedback on permits needed for the Discover drillship and supporting fleet of vessels. The permits would set limits on air pollution from these vessels, which are expected to emit more than 250 tons of air pollutants a year. EPA has previously issued similar permits to Shell in 2010, but they were later overturned by the Environmental Appeals Board.

Key Takeaways:

  • The draft permits would set limits on air pollution from Shell's vessels, which are expected to emit more than 250 tons of air pollutants a year.
  • The revised permits have reduced emissions of most key air pollutants by more than 50 percent from the levels allowed in the 2010 permits.
  • The reductions are largely due to the new NO2 standard that went into effect after the permits were issued last year.
  • The draft permits are subject to a 30-day public comment period as well as a public hearing before EPA issues final permits.
  • The permits are necessary under existing law, as shell's proposed exploration drilling operations would emit significant amounts of air pollutants.
  • EPA Region 10 revised the draft permits to address issues raised by the Appeals Board in light of outside groups' complaints.

Statistics:

  • More than 250 tons of air pollutants per year are expected to be emitted by Shell's vessels.
  • Emissions of most key air pollutants have been reduced by more than 50 percent from the levels allowed in the 2010 permits.
  • The new NO2 standard has contributed to a significant reduction in air pollutant emissions.
  • The draft permits will undergo a 30-day public comment period.
  • The Environmental Appeals Board overturned EPA's initially issued permits in December 2010.

Sources:

  • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)