| Shell Site of Air Monitoring Project
Shell Deer Park was the site of a pilot project in
April to demonstrate “open path ultraviolet spectroscopic”
technology developed by Cerex Environmental Services.
This technology evaluation involved a 30-day real-time
measurement of air quality at several locations inside
and along the fenceline of the refinery and chemical plant.
Chemicals that were measured included pathaveraged
concentrations of butadiene, benzene, toluene,
xylenes, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and carbon
disulfide from Shell Deer Park and other sources.
Chemicals were detected via an ultraviolet beam capable
of extending 1,000 meters. Results from the Cerex
testing are being compared to air data from existing
industry and regulatory agency monitoring stations in
and near Deer Park.
Royal Dutch Shell’s Sustainable Development/HSE
organization is funding the nearly $200,000 project,
which is jointly overseen by a diverse team of community
members, academia, TCEQ, EPA, and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) such as Global Community
Monitor, Mothers for Clean Air, Bucket Brigade and
Galveston-Houston Association for Smog Prevention.
The project is the culmination of about one year of
planning and stakeholder dialogue.
The team plans to issue a report at the conclusion of the project. |
