1. Natural Gas Infrastructure and Its Adverse Impacts
        By Wilma Subra Subra Company P. O. Box New Iberia, LA

2. Shale Plays

3. Natural Gas Seaports Along the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana and Texas
10 Natural Gas Import Hubs serving the outer continental shelf gas production in the Gulf of Mexico
Hubs connected pipelines distribute natural gas throughout the United States, primarily to the North East
Gulf of Mexico natural gas production from Louisiana and other Gulf Coast States accounts for three- fourths of gas utilized in the North East United States
Natural gas from the Gulf of Mexico is also pumped into depleted gas production formations in the North East during the summer months for use during the winter months.

4. Henry Hub in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana
The Henry Hub imports natural gas from production in the Gulf of Mexico
The Henry Hub imports and distributes 50% of natural gas utilized in the United States via pipelines
Natural gas price is set on the New York Mercantile Exchange at the Henry Hub

5. Changes in Natural Gas Usage Sources in the North East
Since 2008, the North East has begun using more Macellus Shale Play natural gas than Gulf of Mexico natural gas
Natural gas shipped by pipeline from the Gulf of Mexico states to the North East has dropped 56% since 2008
7.6 billion cubic feet per day has decreased to 3.5 billion cubic feet per day
Source: U. S. Energy Information Administration

6. Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)
Liquified Natural Gas is natural gas that is cooled and compressed to a liquid to make shipping in specifically designed ships more economical
Until gas shale plays across the United States were developed, there was a shortage of domestic natural gas resources and a need to import natural gas for domestic consumption
Now that there is an excess of natural gas being produced in the United States from shale plays, the LNG export market is driving the LNG facility development picture

7. Liquified Natural Gas Facilities
Louisiana has the first export facility approved by DOE and FERC. In May 2011, the Chenier facility in Cameron Parish was approved. It will export 2.2 billion cubic feet of LNG per day to non-free trade agreement countries. It is currently being constructed.
In May 2013, the proposed Freeport Texas LNG Expansion facility on Quintana Island received approved by DOE. The Freeport facility is approved to export 1.4 billion cubic feet of LNG per day.
On August 7, 2013, Lake Charles Exports facility was approved by DOE to export 2.0 billion cubic feet of LNG per day.
The administration will allow 5.6 billion cubic feet per day of LNG to be exported to non-free trade agreement countries. These three LNG export facilities are approved to export the entire 5.6
billion cubic feet of LNG per day that the administration will
allow.

8. Liquefied Natural Gas Facilities (continued)
The next application in line for review and approval is the Cove Point facility in Maryland. It is requesting to export 1 billion cubic feet of LNG per day
The Robbinston, ME Kestrel Energy – Downeast facility has a proposal in to FERC for an import LNG facility – 0.5 billion cubic feet per day
Liberty Natural Gas has a potential site offshore New York to import 0.4 billion cubic feet of LNG per day.

9. Results of Shale Gas Production in the North East
Pipeline infrastructure is being used in reverse to pipe natural gas from the North East to the Gulf of Mexico for use by:
LNG export facilities
Gas to Liquid facilities
Existing and new Industrial facilities

10. Results of Shale Gas Production in the North East (continued)
Pipelines infrastructure is being developed in the North East to:
provide natural gas to North East consumer
encourage use of natural gas to replace fuel oil for heating
fuel natural gas fired electric generating plants
provide natural gas to LNG export facilities
provide natural gas to Gas to Liquid and Gas Fracturnation facilities
encourage natural gas fueled industrial development

11. Natural Gas Production and Distribution Infrastructure Release Contaminants into the Environment
Drilling wells
Fracturing of shale formations
Production wells
Gas processing facilities
Gas gathering facilities
Glycol Dehydration Units
Sweetening units
Pipelines
Compressor stations

12. Natural Gas Production and Distribution Infrastructure Release Contaminants into the Environment Cont’d
Condensate tanks
Pigging stations
Valving stations
Metering stations
Disposal Wells – dispose of drilling, fracturing waste and production waste in New York and back hauling water for fracking fluid makeup
Recycling facilities for fracturing fluids

13. Natural Gas Production from Shale Plays Generates the Need for Storage of Produced Natural Gas
In areas of production
Along pipeline corridors and pipe line intersections
Connected to and available to service facilities using large quantities of natural gas
Storage facilities include:
Caverns in salt domes and salt deposits
Depleted production formations

14. Natural Gas Distribution and Consumption Activities Result in Contamination
Air
Ground Water
Surface Water
Sediments
Soils
Flora
Fauna

15. Environmental Contamination is Associated With
Permitted and non-permitted natural gas facilities and units
Waste water discharges
Chemical Releases
Fugitive Emissions
Leaks
Spills
Process malfunctions

16. Inhalation – air emissions
Acute and Chronic Human Health Impacts Result from the Following Pathways of Exposure
Inhalation – air emissions
Ingestion – dust, solids and contaminated surface and ground water, and contaminated flora and fauna
Dermal contact with
air emissions
contaminated solids, soils and sediments
contaminated surface and ground water
contaminated flora and fauna

17. Volatile Organic Chemicals such as Benzene, Ethyl Benzene, Toluene
Chemicals Released into the Environment Result in Negative Impacts to Human Health and Bioaccumulation up the Food Chain as a result of Natural Gas Production, Distribution and Use
Volatile Organic Chemicals such as Benzene, Ethyl Benzene, Toluene
Semi-Volatile Organic Chemicals – Naphthalene
Nitrogen Oxide
Toxic Heavy Metals – Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Lead

18. Radioactive Materials – Radium 226, Radium 228, Radon Gas
Chemicals Released into the Environment Result in Negative Impacts to Human Health and Bioaccumulation up the Food Chain as a result of Natural Gas Production, Distribution and Use Cont’d
Sulfur Compounds
Radioactive Materials – Radium 226, Radium 228, Radon Gas
Methane and related hydrocarbons
These chemicals are known and suspected to cause cancer.
Radium 226 is a bone seeker and causes lung and bone cancer

19. Release of Ozone Forming Chemicals
The release of chemicals such as Benzene, Ethylbenzene, Toluene, Xylene and Nitrogen Oxide from engines and compressors react with sunlight and heat to form ground level Ozone.
Ground level Ozone results in extensive respiratory problems, impacts the respiratory tract and lung function.
In addition, individuals with cardiovascular conditions are severely impacted.

20. Acute Health Impacts Experienced by Individuals Exposed to Toxic Emissions from Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure
Irritated skin, eyes, nose, throat and lungs
Headaches
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Nausea
Vomiting
Skin Rashes
Fatigue

21. Acute Health Impacts Experienced by Individuals Exposed to Toxic Emissions from Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Cont’d
Tension and Nervousness
Personality Changes
Depression, Anxiety, Irritability
Confusion
Drowsiness
Weakness
Muscle Cramps
Irregular Heartbeat

22. Damage to liver and kidneys Damage to lungs Damage to Nervous System
Chronic Health Impacts Experienced by Individuals Exposed to Toxic Emissions from Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure
Damage to liver and kidneys
Damage to lungs
Damage to Nervous System
Leukemia
Aplastic Anemia
Changes in Blood Cells
Impacts to Blood Clotting Ability
Bone and Lung Cancer

23. Most Prevalent Medical Conditions Associated With Living Near Compressor Stations
Medical Condition % of Individuals Surveyed
Respiratory Impacts 71
Sinus Problems 58
Throat Irritation
Allergies
Weakness and Fatigue 55
Eye Irritation
Nasal Irritation 48
Joint Pain
Muscle Aches and Pains 42
Breathing Difficulties 42
Vision Impairment 42
Severe Headaches
Sleep Disturbances 39

24. Health Impacts Associated With Living near Compressor Stations and Gas Metering Stations Along Gas Transmission Pipelines
61% of Health Impacts are associated with chemicals present in the air in excess of Short and Long Term Health Screening Levels
Nasal Irritation
Throat Irritation
Eyes Burning
Frequent Nausea
Sinus Problems

25. Decreased Motor Skills Depression Frequent Irritation Severe Anxiety
Health Impacts Associated With Living near Compressor Stations and Gas Metering Stations Along Gas Transmission Pipelines Cont’d
Bronchitis
Increased Fatigue
Muscle Aches and Pains
Severe Headaches
Dizziness
Weakness and Tired
Decreased Motor Skills
Depression
Frequent Irritation
Severe Anxiety

26. Health Symptoms Associated With Chemicals Detected in the Air
Health Impacts Associated With Living near Compressor Stations and Gas Metering Stations Along Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines
Health Symptoms Associated With Chemicals Detected in the Air
Allergies
Persistent Cough
Shortness of Breath
Frequent Nose Bleeds
Sleep Disturbances

27. Difficulty in Concentrating Nervous System Impacts Forgetfulness
Health Impacts Associated With Living near Compressor Stations and Gas Metering Stations Along Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines Cont’d
Joint Pain
Difficulty in Concentrating
Nervous System Impacts
Forgetfulness
Sores and Ulcers in Mouth
Thyroid Problems

28. Acute Health Effects Experienced By Individuals Living Near Natural Gas Processing Facilities
Irritation of skin, eyes, nose, mouth, throat and lungs
Headache
Dizziness
Light Headedness
Nausea
Vomiting

29. Monitoring Pipeline Operations
In order to evaluate the mechanisms to be used to regulate and monitor the operations of the pipeline, there is a need to:
Evaluate the ability of the monitoring equipment along the pipeline to determine changes in flow rates and pressure and the time frame for detecting leaks.
Determining the maximum time needed to shut down the pipeline during an emergency pipeline event and the maximum quantity of product that could be released from the pipeline into the environment.

30. Monitoring Pipeline Operations Cont’d
Evaluate the distance between valve stations and the number and size of sensitive environments located between the valve stations.
Model the areas of impact from the maximum amount of product possible to be released by the pipeline.
Determine the schedule for preventive maintenance and monitoring of the pipeline and associated units such as compressors stations, pigging stations, monitoring and flow measurements.

31. Air Emission Releases and Background Testing
Identify areas of increases in toxic air emissions, sources of emissions, locations of the air emissions, chemicals to be released and areas of impacts as a result of the operation of the pipeline and associated units.
 Consider establishing baseline testing of air quality, surface and groundwater resources, soil and sediments, and health impacts prior to pipeline operations.
 Establish county monitoring programs in conjunction with the county environmental and health agencies to identify, track and protect the health of county community members.

32. Emergency Response Procedures
The emergency response procedures are critical to protecting the health of community members and the environment along the pipeline corridor.
 Evaluate the adequacy of local governments abilities and resources needed to respond to and address issues associated with pipeline spills, leaks, ruptures and associated events that have the potential to impact community members, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, vulnerable receptors and businesses in close proximity to the pipeline corridor.

33. Emergency Response Procedures Cont’d
Determine the ability, capabilities, equipment and resources needed for the local governmental agencies to respond to events in the areas of impacts to wetlands, water bodies, source water, agricultural areas, and environmentally sensitive areas along the pipeline corridor.
 Determine the local governmental agencies authorities and responsibilities as well as the state and federal agencies authorities and then the responsible parties authorities in responding to events associated with the pipeline.

34. Emergency Response Procedures Cont’d
 Determine if local fire departments and emergency response agencies along the pipeline corridor have the ability, equipment, and training to respond to an accidental event associated with the pipeline.
 Identify the needs for adequate equipment, training, staffing and resources by local agencies to properly provide responses to pipeline events and availability of resources from the potential pipeline responsible parties.
 Establish mechanisms for local governmental agencies to quickly recover cost of response
activities from the responsible parties.

35. Regulatory Authorities
Compressor Stations are regulated by the state environmental agency - usually via permit by rule or a general permit
Pipelines fall under the authority of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Frequently state regulatory programs are not adequate to regulate and monitor the rapidly developing shale technologies and infrastructure development being implemented within the individual states.