C. S. Lewis Quote: “Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
How many businesses and industrial plants in St Bernard Parish have invested in the community by installing the Best Available Control Technology, or at least examining where BACT improvements could be installed, even when not required. Some of these same industries have already made such investments at their plants in other States. Unfortunately, in areas such as St Bernard, all too often it is only when the air quality fails public health standards or the owners are dragged kicking and screaming through adjudication that public health and environmental improvements are finally afforded to our most vulnerable populations.
We can all do our part to be part of the solution. Let's hope the State Department of Environmental Quality improves the quality of our environment and gets the regulatory permits right this time around without compromising public health, safety, and quality of life. Our future depends on it.
Renewals and Modifications:
Rain CII Calcining Chalmette Plant
Title V Air Permit Modificaiton to increase production of calcined coke. Existing capacity noted at 350,000 tons green coke and incremental increase of 235,000 tons green coke.
Proposed Emission Rate of Sulfur Dioxide 2625.78 Tons/Year SO2.
Proposed Emission Rate of VOC's 5.88 Tons/Year VOCs
Proposed Emission Rate of CO 290.22 Tons/Year CO
Proposed Emission Rate of NOx 307.24 Tons/Year NOx
Not yet Public Noticed for Comment
PBF Energy Chalmette Plant Water Discharge Renewal LPDES Public Comments Due July 19 2018
Valero Energy Meraux Plant Water Discharge Renewal LPDES Public Comments Due July 19 2018
Valero Energy Meraux Plant
Title V Air Permit Modification to increase the refinery's crude throughput capacity from 125,000 barrels/day to 135,000 barrels/day. As a result of the proposed crude increase, actual throughput and production of downstream process units and emission sources will also increase.
Proposed Emission Rate of Sulfur Dioxide 593.94 Tons/Year SO2.
Proposed Emission Rate of VOC's 533.31 Tons/Year VOC's
Proposed Emission Rate of CO 1086.85 Tons/Year CO
Proposed Emission Rate of NOx 710.31 Tons/Year NOx
Public Comments Due August 6 2018
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Friday, June 1, 2018
Air Quality
According to the LA DEQ Site Data, the 8-hour average Ozone [O3] reading in Meraux, Louisiana, in St Bernard Parish in the Joe Davies Elementary school area, has failed to meet the EPA health standard for ground level ozone several times already in 2018.
Air Quality Alerts were issued to inform the public, particularly those at risk: CHILDREN, older adults, people with lung disease such as asthma, and PEOPLE WHO ARE ACTIVE OUTDOORS including WORKERS.
We can all do our part to be part of the solution. Local Gas Stations in St Bernard Parish can install vapor reducing nozzles, heavy industry can install Best Control Technology, and residents can use a cleaner commute such as carpool, bike, or mass transit. To protect your lungs, it is recommended you stay indoors on Air Alert days and refrain from burning trash or leaves, and refrain from using grills or gas powered lawn and garden equipment.
High readings in 2018 include:
https://airquality.deq.louisiana.gov/Data/Site/MERAUX/Date/2018-05-17
May 17 2018 8-hour average O3 reading 74 ppb and one-hour average 91 ppb
https://airquality.deq.louisiana.gov/Data/Site/MERAUX/Date/2018-05-11
May 11 2018 8-hour average O3 reading 71 ppb and one-hour average 75ppb
Air Quality Alerts were issued to inform the public, particularly those at risk: CHILDREN, older adults, people with lung disease such as asthma, and PEOPLE WHO ARE ACTIVE OUTDOORS including WORKERS.
We can all do our part to be part of the solution. Local Gas Stations in St Bernard Parish can install vapor reducing nozzles, heavy industry can install Best Control Technology, and residents can use a cleaner commute such as carpool, bike, or mass transit. To protect your lungs, it is recommended you stay indoors on Air Alert days and refrain from burning trash or leaves, and refrain from using grills or gas powered lawn and garden equipment.
High readings in 2018 include:
https://airquality.deq.louisiana.gov/Data/Site/MERAUX/Date/2018-05-17
May 17 2018 8-hour average O3 reading 74 ppb and one-hour average 91 ppb
https://airquality.deq.louisiana.gov/Data/Site/MERAUX/Date/2018-05-11
May 11 2018 8-hour average O3 reading 71 ppb and one-hour average 75ppb
https://airquality.deq.louisiana.gov/Data/Site/MERAUX/Date/2018-05-09
May 9 2018 8-hour average O3 reading 74 ppb and one-hour average 78 ppb
May 9 2018 8-hour average O3 reading 74 ppb and one-hour average 78 ppb
https://airquality.deq.louisiana.gov/Data/Site/MERAUX/Date/2018-04-28
April 28 2018 8-hour average O3 reading 71ppb and one-hour average 79 ppb
" ... the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone to 70 parts per billion (ppb), based on extensive scientific evidence about ozone’s effects on public health and welfare. The updated standards will improve public health protection, particularly for at-risk groups including children, older adults, people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers, among others."
April 28 2018 8-hour average O3 reading 71ppb and one-hour average 79 ppb
" ... the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone to 70 parts per billion (ppb), based on extensive scientific evidence about ozone’s effects on public health and welfare. The updated standards will improve public health protection, particularly for at-risk groups including children, older adults, people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers, among others."
Wednesday, May 9, 2018
Another AIR ALERT
The 8-hour average Ozone [O3] reading in Meraux, Louisiana, in St Bernard Parish in the Joe Davies Elementary school area, has failed to meet the EPA health standard for ground level ozone for the second time in recent weeks. We can all do our part to be part of the solution. Gas Stations in St Bernard Parish can install vapor reducing nozzles, heavy industry can install Best Control Technology, and residents can use a cleaner commute such as carpool, bike, or mass transit. To protect your lungs, it is recommended you stay indoors on Air Alert days and refrain from burning trash or leaves, and using grills or gas powered lawn and garden equipment.
SEE LDEQ NOTICES BELOW for two exceedances on May 9 2018 and LDEQ Notice from the April 28 2018 exceedance of 8-hour average Ozone reading at same location.
The most recent exceedance for O3 8-hour average was April 28 2018. " ... the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone to 70 parts per billion (ppb), based on extensive scientific evidence about ozone’s effects on public health and welfare. The updated standards will improve public health protection, particularly for at-risk groups including children, older adults, people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers, among others."
The most recent exceedance for O3 8-hour average was April 28 2018. " ... the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone to 70 parts per billion (ppb), based on extensive scientific evidence about ozone’s effects on public health and welfare. The updated standards will improve public health protection, particularly for at-risk groups including children, older adults, people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers, among others."
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Sunday, April 29, 2018
Air Alert Its Unhealthy for Children
St Bernard Parish Air Quality Alert from Louisiana DEQ
Saturday April 28 2018 the "O3 _ 8-hour" Average ground level Ozone Reading in Meraux, LA [at The Joe Davies School play area] was 71 ppb; LDEQ sent out email alerts[to those who signed up] because at that Ozone level the air is unhealthy for "Sensitive" people like CHILDREN.
The Index level was Orange and 101.
The 8-Hour Average O3 reading was 71 ppb.
The 8-Hour Average O3 reading was 71 ppb.
The one hour averages for Ozone on April 28 2018 at the same Joe Davies play area [LDEQ air monitor] were as high as 79 ppb.
" ... the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) strengthened the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for ground-level ozone to 70 parts per billion (ppb), based on extensive scientific evidence about ozone’s effects on public health and welfare. The updated standards will improve public health protection, particularly for at-risk groups including children, older adults, people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma, and people who are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers, among others."
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-04/documents/20151001childrenhealthfs.pdf
Ozone is .... "likely to be one of many causes of asthma development. Repeated ozone damage to developing lungs can affect children into adulthood, contributing to permanent reductions in the lungs’ ability to function. Children -- including teenagers -- are among the groups of people considered most at risk from exposure to ground-level ozone, a key component of smog. Children, including healthy children, fall into this group for several reasons:
Does this mean St Bernard Parish will inform children at the Recreational Sports fields to reduce exertion outdoors? What about on school days; will St Bernard Parish School Board have INDOOR recess programs for "Sensitive" people like CHILDREN?
If the Ozone levels continue to be unhealthy, will St Bernard Parish make proactive changes before non-attainment for Ozone? or is it business as usual?
When will the large industries take voluntary steps to improve air quality? If industry implements best business practices and best control technology at its plants in other States, why can't the same corporations invest in St Bernard Air Quality? Its only the air we are forced to breathe. Invest in Air Quality, PLEASE, our lives depend on it.
"May is traditionally the start of ozone season and the [Louisiana Governor's Air Quality Awareness Month] proclamation encourages citizens to become familiar with the Air Quality Index, to understand what causes ozone formation and to take voluntary steps to help prevent ozone formation and improve air quality. National Air Quality Awareness week is April 30 to May 4."
http://deq.louisiana.gov/assets/docs/News_Releases/2018/AirQAwarenessmonthproclaimation.pdf
The following DEQ air monitoring site(s) have detected elevated readings which have reached an "Orange" or "Red" level on the Air Quality Index (AQI). According to the Environmental Protection Agency, who sets most air quality standards, being at the "Orange" level means that levels are "Unhealthy for sensitive groups - People with asthma should consider reducing exertion outdoors", while a "Red" level is "Unhealthy - Children, asthmatics, and people with heart or lung disease should reduce exertion outdoors".
If you are in this group of individuals, please plan your outdoor activities accordingly. For more information please visit the DEQ Air Monitoring Data & AQI website
Meraux site
| 101 OZONE | Unhealthy for sensitive groups 71 PPB 4/28/2018 7:00 PM |
This data has not been quality reviewed or validated. Continuous PM2.5 readings shown are not NAAQS comparable.
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
here it goes again !!
water seeping near New Orleans levee
"We do not believe there are any problems"
Boese said Friday that levee officials suspect water might be seeping through the sheet piling joints again. But officials do not consider the seepage a threat to the floodwall's integrity because the water is clear and not "dirty," Boese said. Clear water would indicate the seepage is likely not eroding the earthen levee into which the floodwall is built.
Residents Say Levee Leaked Months Before Katrina : NPR
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5022074
Nov 22, 2005 - New Orleans residents who live along the 17th Street Canal say water was leaking from the canal and into their yards months before Hurricane Sunday, January 14, 2018
fence line monitors
New EPA refinery rules require continuous fence line monitoring for benzene, beginning February 2018. Unfortunately the new regulations do not require public access to the real time benzene level data, and there are no requirements to timely inform the community of high benzene levels.
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Air-monitors-detect-cancer-causing-compound-as-12175440.php
Refineries will report 12-month data sets of the 2-week averages of the real time data, with adjustments for local conditions, and calculate a 12 month average. When the annual average benzene concentration level is 9 ug/m3 or higher, the facility is required to conduct root cause analysis and corrective action. [ Rolling average of the 26 - 2 week readings.]
https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/files/ambient/airtox/2015workshop/Petroleum%20Refinery.pdf
Refineries will be allowed 45 days after the 12-month period to prepare and submit the reports. Then, local DEQ's and the EPA will have a 30 day review period before the data is available to the public via an EPA website. While monitoring begins early 2018, the first data sets are not expected until Spring of 2019.
In the meantime, residents can take their own samples with the help of environmental groups like the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, Global Community Monitor, and Public Lab.
http://www.pbs.org/pov/fenceline/the-bucket-brigade/
http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Air-monitors-detect-cancer-causing-compound-as-12175440.php
Refineries will report 12-month data sets of the 2-week averages of the real time data, with adjustments for local conditions, and calculate a 12 month average. When the annual average benzene concentration level is 9 ug/m3 or higher, the facility is required to conduct root cause analysis and corrective action. [ Rolling average of the 26 - 2 week readings.]
https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/amtic/files/ambient/airtox/2015workshop/Petroleum%20Refinery.pdf
Refineries will be allowed 45 days after the 12-month period to prepare and submit the reports. Then, local DEQ's and the EPA will have a 30 day review period before the data is available to the public via an EPA website. While monitoring begins early 2018, the first data sets are not expected until Spring of 2019.
In the meantime, residents can take their own samples with the help of environmental groups like the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, Global Community Monitor, and Public Lab.
http://www.pbs.org/pov/fenceline/the-bucket-brigade/
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
air quality update
St Bernard Parish Louisiana is very close to finally reducing sulfur dioxide levels to the EPA one hour health standard.
For many years the air quality in St Bernard Parish failed the EPA standards for sulfur dioxide. Recent changes to air permits at major sources in Chalmette and Meraux have reduced the ambient sulfur dioxide levels.
This is one of the important first steps to improving public health in the community. Other improvements could be made for the hydrogen sulfide and methane levels, which often attribute to the nauseating odors frequently experienced along St Bernard Highway and in the neighborhoods around Chalmette Refining, Rain CII, and also Valero Energy. Another improvement could be coming once these facilities install continuous fenceline monitoring for benzene; this monitoring for benzene is expected in early 2018.
When a community fails the air quality health standard, it is designated NON-ATTAINMENT.
Non-attainment for sulfur dioxide occurs when modeling demonstrates air quality fails the standard, or when data from a local air monitor demonstrates the 3-year average of the 99th percentile reading for sulfur dioxide is not below 75 parts per billion.
According to EPA's Data Now website:
For the year 2015, St Bernard's 99th percentile for SO2 was 82 ppb; for the year 2016, St Bernard's 99th percentile for SO2 was 85 ppb. For the year 2017, it is anticipated that St Bernard Parish's 99th percentile will be 57.1 ppb. Based on those numbers, the 3 year average will be 74.7 parts per billion. While that high number means the air quality is only 0.3 points away from failing the health standard, it just may be low enough to place our community back on the road to recovery. And that's a major improvement.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. --- Margaret Mead
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