DEER PARK, TX – Two months after their liquefied natural gas pipeline breach, Energy Transfer released a final revised air emissions report. This is the community’s first complete view into what leaked into the air during this incident.
Our review of the updated report reveals some concerning potential discrepancies:
- The report confirms the fire burned for 80 hours or over 3 days straight. Additional flaring was also conducted. Both are sources of air toxics during this event.
- Between this new 80-hour report and their initial 10-hour report, some air emissions appear to have decreased. For example:
- In their initial 10-hour report, 137,310 pounds of Carbon Monoxide were reported; In the new 80-hour report, the reported number fell to 37,156 pounds of Carbon Monoxide.
- In their initial 10-hour report, 68,780 pounds of NOx were reported; in the new 80-hour report, the reported number fell to 18,312 pounds.
- There is no clear explanation for why air pollution would have been less over an 80-hour period.
- In addition, the new report consolidates N-pentane and Isobutane into the total Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) levels, which eliminates the ability to speciate the levels of these air toxics.
Says Dr. Inyang Uwak, Director of Research and Policy at Air Alliance Houston (AAH): “We are concerned that there was a delay of almost two months for the community to know what was emitted during this pipeline breach. Then, when new numbers are released, they are confusing. How could the emissions have decreased between the initial and final emissions reports? We call on Energy Transfer to provide full and complete transparency in what their pipeline was burning, at what levels, and for how long. The community deserves to know.”
It should be noted that VOCs like those that were emitted from this pipeline breach contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant. In the two days following the pipeline breach, ozone levels were tracked as unhealthy for all groups. The Houston Area has had a record number of high ozone days in 2024.
For more information about daily regional air quality, visit www.airnow.gov.
For more information about what to do during a chemical emergency, please read our brochure on Chemical Emergencies: What to do and how to protect yourself.
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Media contact: Cassandra Casados-Klein at [email protected]
About Air Alliance Houston
Air Alliance Houston believes everyone deserves to breathe clean air. We support communities as they advocate for clean air and their health. For decades, we have championed clean air through research, education and advocacy. www.airalliancehouston.org