EPA blocks another Colorado oil and gas air pollution permit, demands changes 

The Environmental Protection Agency Demands Colorado to Rewrite Air Pollution Permit

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has requested Colorado to rewrite another air pollution permit for an oil and gas operator in Weld County. The Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental group that raised the objection, sees this as evidence that “flaring” is ineffective in removing pollutants.

EPA’s Concerns and the Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The EPA returned part of the permit for the Platteville Natural Gas Processing Plant to state officials for a rewrite. The EPA emphasized the need for sufficient monitoring to ensure that the plant’s enclosed combustion device effectively removes 95% of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. VOCs and other emissions from the gas processing plant contribute to toxic ozone formation in the nine-county northern Front Range nonattainment area for EPA ozone standards.

1. The EPA’s action aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action, which aims to combat climate change and its impacts. By addressing air pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the EPA contributes to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
2. Furthermore, it supports SDG 15: Life on Land, as reducing air pollution helps protect ecosystems and biodiversity from the harmful effects of pollutants.

The Center for Biological Diversity, which filed the objection, had previously succeeded in blocking different flaring permits in January. While many environmental groups express frustration with the slow progress of broader policy efforts to reduce ozone and greenhouse gas emissions from Colorado’s oil and gas industry, the center focuses on individual permits to hold operators accountable.

Importance of Flares in Controlling Emissions

“It may seem like a small issue, but everything about the effectiveness of the state’s rules and permits rests on the effectiveness of flares to control emissions,” said Jeremy Nichols, senior advocate for the Center for Biological Diversity. The center has also urged the EPA to object to another gas processing permit in Weld County.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The proper functioning of flares is crucial for achieving SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. By ensuring that flares effectively control emissions, Colorado can contribute to clean energy production and reduce the environmental impact of the oil and gas industry.

“If flares aren’t working, then the regulatory framework is a sham,” Nichols emphasized.

Transparency and Accountability in Permitting Process

The Center for Biological Diversity highlights the lack of transparency and accountability in Colorado’s permitting process for oil and gas facilities. Ryan Maher, a staff attorney for the center, stated, “Colorado still allows tens of thousands of oil and gas facilities to ‘guesstimate’ how much toxic air pollution they’re putting into the air we breathe.” Blocking permits like the one for the Platteville processor is a step towards achieving transparency and accountability in the industry.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

By advocating for transparency and accountability in the permitting process, the Center for Biological Diversity contributes to SDG 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. Ensuring strong institutions and effective regulations is essential for environmental protection and public health.

Previous Violations and Fines

The Platteville processor, owned by DCP Operating Company (acquired by Phillips 66), has faced previous violations. In 2022, the facility was part of a $3.25 million fine and settlement with federal and Colorado air pollution officials due to allegations of failure to detect and repair leaks that contributed to worsening ozone problems in the northern Front Range.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Addressing violations and enforcing regulations aligns with SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. By holding companies accountable for their actions and preventing harmful emissions, public health can be safeguarded.

EPA’s Order and the Need for Real-time Monitoring

In response to the Center for Biological Diversity’s objections, the EPA did not approve all of them but agreed to certain revisions. Colorado officials have been given 90 days to respond to the EPA and issue a revised permit.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Real-time monitoring of emissions from flaring and combustion devices is crucial for achieving SDG 12, which promotes responsible consumption and production. By accurately measuring and reporting emissions, Colorado can ensure that the oil and gas industry operates sustainably and minimizes its environmental footprint.

“Failure to test is a failure to ensure that permits are enforceable, as a practical matter,” stated Jeremy Nichols. The EPA’s decision to hold Colorado accountable demonstrates the importance of using actual data to justify permits and ensure their effectiveness.

Conclusion

The EPA’s demand for Colorado to rewrite the air pollution permit for the Platteville Natural Gas Processing Plant highlights the need for effective flaring and emissions control in the oil and gas industry. By addressing these issues, Colorado can contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 7, 12, 13, 15, and 16. The actions taken by the Center for Biological Diversity and the EPA’s scrutiny of permits emphasize the importance of transparency, accountability, and real-time monitoring in protecting the environment and public health.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
• Indicator for SDG 7.2: Share of renewable energy in the energy mix.
• Indicator for SDG 11.6: Air quality index and waste management practices in cities.
• Indicator for SDG 13.2: Integration of climate change measures in national policies and planning.
• Indicator for SDG 15.1: Conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: coloradosun.com

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