Uploaded May 2012 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In March, a glycol dehydration station was permitted on Monroe Township, PA, just off Rt 309 near the Beaumont Inn. The expert witness from Chief Gathering, told the zoning board and a resident who asked the question if the unit would emit benzene, toluene, or formaldehyde, he said that the station will emit only methane. The woman also asked if the emissions would affect her children's asthma problems, she was "I don't believe it does". This sounded wrong considering the research I've done on these facilities, so I did a file review (which the DEP wants to do away with) and sent the information to two experts. Here's what they told me in regards to the expert testimony of the Chief employee under oath:
Matt Walker, Clean Air Council mwalker@cleanair.org
"These are some photos that Scott took at DEP's office -- the tables show that not only methane would be emitted from the facility. This was a lie. This facility would emit quite a bit less than a compressor station would (which also usually include dehydrators), but keep in mind that recent research shows that low-level exposure to VOCs can be more damaging than higher levels, and that all emissions from this type of equipment add up fast. This is one facility among many that already exist or are projected for the area."
Wilma Subra SubraCom@aol.com en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilma_Subra
I reviewed the information you provided. The permit limit allows VOC in the amount to 2 grams per bhp per hour. The overall permit limit for VOC (Volatile Organic Chemicals) in the permit is 10 tons per year. This is from the glycol dehydrators. The VOCs consist of benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, as well as a large number of other volatile compounds. The VOC emissions are described as total uncontrolled potential emissions rate of VOC must not exceed 10 tons/year.
The statement that no benzene or toluene will be present in the emissions is not correct. The entire list of Pennsylvania water contaminations from fracking. files.dep.state.pa.us/OilGas/BOGM/BOGMPortalFiles/OilGasReports/Determination_Letters/Regional_Determination_Letters.pdf
In March, a glycol dehydration station was permitted on Monroe Township, PA, just off Rt 309 near the Beaumont Inn. The expert witness from Chief Gathering, told the zoning board and a resident who asked the question if the unit would emit benzene, toluene, or formaldehyde, he said that the station will emit only methane. The woman also asked if the emissions would affect her children's asthma problems, she was "I don't believe it does". This sounded wrong considering the research I've done on these facilities, so I did a file review (which the DEP wants to do away with) and sent the information to two experts. Here's what they told me in regards to the expert testimony of the Chief employee under oath:
Matt Walker, Clean Air Council mwalker@cleanair.org
"These are some photos that Scott took at DEP's office -- the tables show that not only methane would be emitted from the facility. This was a lie. This facility would emit quite a bit less than a compressor station would (which also usually include dehydrators), but keep in mind that recent research shows that low-level exposure to VOCs can be more damaging than higher levels, and that all emissions from this type of equipment add up fast. This is one facility among many that already exist or are projected for the area."
Wilma Subra SubraCom@aol.com en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilma_Subra
I reviewed the information you provided. The permit limit allows VOC in the amount to 2 grams per bhp per hour. The overall permit limit for VOC (Volatile Organic Chemicals) in the permit is 10 tons per year. This is from the glycol dehydrators. The VOCs consist of benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, as well as a large number of other volatile compounds. The VOC emissions are described as total uncontrolled potential emissions rate of VOC must not exceed 10 tons/year.
The statement that no benzene or toluene will be present in the emissions is not correct. The entire list of Pennsylvania water contaminations from fracking. files.dep.state.pa.us/OilGas/BOGM/BOGMPortalFiles/OilGasReports/Determination_Letters/Regional_Determination_Letters.pdf
