New Post has been published on Phillips Energy Partners
New Post has been published on http://phillipsenergy.com/2015/07/07/how-noaa-measures-the-impact-of-local-shale-plays/
How NOAA Measures the Impact of Local Shale Plays
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is an agency of the United States federal government tasked with monitoring the conditions of atmosphere and the oceans in an attempt to preserve Earth’s natural environment. Not surprisingly, NOAA is responsible for presenting hurricane warnings, analyzing droughts, and generally reporting on the condition of the climate.
Of course, it is widely understood that oil production throughout the United States leads to the emission of methane and other gases into the atmosphere. As such, NOAA conducts routine tests in the skies above oil plays nationwide to discover their true impact. Doing so, however, requires a significant group effort, as well as a plane filled with a handful of brilliant minds.
Scientists Circling the Texas Skies
According to an April 2015 report from NPR, in order to measure the impact of the oil and gas fields on the air over Texas, NOAA sends manned aircraft into the sky to conduct measurements. To be sure, scientists on the flights track factors such as the excessive production of ozone and methane, both of which are released from oil fields on the ground below.
And these NOAA scientists aren’t flying first-class in a jetliner while at work; instead, this project utilizes a four-engine turboprop that is otherwise used to fly directly into hurricanes.
Of course, the NOAA scientists are interested in measuring the exact amounts of methane and ozone in the atmosphere. More specifically, however, the scientists hope to find out what fraction of ozone and methane extracted in oil fields actually ends up in the atmosphere. This is known as the “leak rate,” and it varies depending on the area.
Some scientists are also focused on what portion of methane in the atmosphere is the result of oil fields, and what comes from other sources, such as cows on feedlots. According to the report, oil fields will produce methane with a large amount of ethane, while feedlots produce methane with ammonia.
By conducting the project, NOAA intends on highlighting the impact the oil and gas industry may have on the atmosphere above the skies of Texas and other oil-producing states. In turn, this may help operators and regulators adopt better practices to ensure the air is safe for current and future generations. This relationship between NOAA and oil producers is one that has a positive impact on the industry and will help local shale plays in Texas to continue to realize expansion.
