-----Original Message-----
From: Tony Walker [mailto:TWALKER@tceq.state.tx.us]
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2010 10:00 AM
To: Joel Kertok
Cc: Alyssa Taylor
Subject: Parker County Samples

Dear Mr. Kertok,
 
TCEQ is committed to continuing our efforts to monitor air quality throughout the Barnett Shale and to respond to the residents of the area. The TCEQ has dedicated a huge amount of time and resources to the question of Barnett Shale air quality as a result of oil and gas operations in the area, and this focus is continuing.
 
We have learned a great deal from the monitoring that we have conducted throughout the area.  One of the primary lessons learned is the need for additional long-term air monitoring data.  The absence of long-term data leads to a confusing message to the general public and the media.  Simply taking an instantaneous air sample and then trying to draw conclusions about a long-term health concern is a difficult and complex scientific task, and made all the more difficult when dealing with measured amounts of chemicals that are very low. 
 
As we previously discussed, this is to notify you of sampling results that show elevated levels of compounds from 4 sites in Parker County.
 
One of the sites is Crosstex Energy Kemp Compressor Station near Weatherford.  The summa canister samples were taken on November 19, 2009, and May 4, 2010.  Potential violations are being evaluated at this time and follow-up monitoring will occur.
 
A summa canister sample was obtained downwind of the Crosstex White Settlement Compressor Site near Weatherford on May 4, 2010.  The benzene level was slightly elevated over the long-term threshold, therefore additional sampling will be conducted.
 
A summa canister sample was also obtained downwind of the Enbridge Springtown Plant near Springtown on May 4, 2010.  Additional sampling will be conducted around this facility.
 
Another site is the MKS - Devon Jewett Common Point Compressor Engine near Poolville.  The summa canister sample was taken on January 20, 2010.  Isoprene was measured at 2.4 ppb which is over the long-term threshold of 2.0 ppb.  Isoprene can be produced from natural sources, such as trees; therefore, follow-up sampling will be conducted.  A Notice of Violation was sent to the company on April 6, 2010, for failing to claim or obtain authorization for emission units at the site and for failure to provide emissions estimates for the engines. We will continue to monitor this facilities compliance status.
  
Please contact me at (817)588-5902 if you have any questions regarding this matter. You may also contact our Air Section Manager, Ms. Alyssa Taylor at 817-588-5828.
 
I look forward to working with you in the future on this all important matter.
 
Sincerely,
 
Tony L. Walker, REM
Regional Director
TCEQ-DFW Office
817-588-5902