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Col. oil-gas pollution tops expectations
Associated Press | February 9, 2012 : Study notes oil & gas pollution underestimated
Study: Colo. oil-gas pollution tops expectations
By Mead Gruver, Associated Press | Thursday, February 9, 2012
Ozone-forming air pollution measured along the Colorado Front Range by scientists is up to twice the amount that government regulators have calculated should exist, according to a new study.
The researchers pinpoint oil and gas development as the main source - a finding that could have broad implications for the petroleum industry across the Rocky Mountain region.
Ozone levels in Wyoming's Upper Green River Basin last winter exceeded some of the worst days in big cities during the summertime, causing some to complain of itchy eyes and nosebleeds and Wyoming regulators to urge children and the elderly to stay indoors.
Linda Baker with the Upper Green River Alliance said inaccurate emission inventories could explain why high ozone occurred in the basin last winter even as Wyoming regulators said emissions had decreased.
