Health and Safety Impacts of Natural Gas Compressor Stations Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League www.BREDL.org

What is a Natural Gas Compressor Station? As natural gas moves through a pipeline, distance, friction, and elevation differences slow the movement of the gas, and reduce pressure. Compressor stations are placed strategically within the gathering and transportation pipeline network to help maintain the pressure and flow of gas to market. They generally operate around the clock, 24/7, Source: Pennsylvania State University

Compressor stations are major sources of air pollutants including benzene, particulates and formaldehyde State and federal environmental laws are not designed to protect the health of those who will be most impacted Day-to-day emissions from compressor stations are highly episodic and can create periods of potentially extreme exposures. People living near compressor stations report episodic strong odors as well as visible plumes during venting or blowdowns. Residents often report symptoms that they associate with odors such as burning eyes and throat, skin irritation, and headaches Air Quality

Health Impacts of Air Pollutants Emitted by Compressor Stations Cancer Neurological Problems (Brain and Nervous System) Birth Defects Reproductive Disorders Circulatory System Disease (Heart and Lungs) Health Impacts of Air Pollutants Emitted by Compressor Stations

Safety Risks to health and safety and environmental contamination come with natural gas compressor stations. Compressors operate under high risk conditions, created by the high pressures and reduced temperatures of operation. These conditions cause vibrations, cracks and corrosion leading to failure of mechanical components, explosions and fires.

A natural gas compressor station typically runs 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Excessive noise has been associated with numerous psychological and physical effects: Hearing loss Disrupted sleep Cardiovascular problems (hypertension, heart attack) Mood changes Increased Stress Noise Residents living near the Lathrop Compressor Station in Springville, Susquehanna County, Pa. talking about noise and odor from the facility.

Additional Compressor Stations? Recent media reports have indicated that Dominion, one of the major partners in the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, plans to extend it into South Carolina. This will almost certainly require more compressor stations, and impact more communities. “Dan Weekley, Dominion Energy's vice president and general manager of Southern pipeline operations, told attendees at a recent energy conference "everybody knows" the Atlantic Coast Pipeline — currently slated to pass through Virginia,  West Virginia and North Carolina — is not going to stop there, despite what the current plans say.” Source: Associated Press: Disputed East Coast Pipeline Likely to Expand

Remember… NO COMPRESSOR STATION, NO PIPELINE! Photo: Lois Gibbs, CHEJ, Cary Rodgers BREDL, and Luis Nino, C3V

Additional Information NoPipeline.net Compendium on Scientific, Medical, and Media Findings Demonstrating Risks And Harms of Fracking Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Environmental Health Project: A Brief Review of Compressor Stations Wikipedia: Health Effects From Noise (Well-referenced listing) Additional Information

Thank You. Therese Vick therese. vick@gmail. com 919-345-3673 www Thank You! Therese Vick therese.vick@gmail.com 919-345-3673 www.BREDL.org