The EPA recently announced it’s conducting another round of helicopter flyovers to survey oil and gas facilities in the Permian Basin region.

Approximately 40 percent of the United States’ oil supply is produced in the Permian Basin, which includes large Texas cities such as Midland and Odessa. 

The EPA uses flyovers to locate “super emitters,” which it defines as “emissions of 100 kilograms of methane per hour or more, primarily at specific sites like well sites, production facilities, compressor stations, or processing plants,” according to oilfield technology solutions company ChampionX.

These flyovers identify facility emissions like methane, a powerful greenhouse gas (GHG), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

“VOCs contribute to the formation of ozone (smog), which can result in health problems such as asthma, lung infections, bronchitis, and cancer,” according to an Agency news release.

“EPA is taking to the skies to protect the people who live and work in the Permian Basin from pollution that contributes to climate change and smog,” said Region 6 Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance in the release. “By focusing on the largest leaks in the basin, our efforts can make a big difference in improving air quality and public health as we ensure that oil and gas facilities return to compliance as quickly as possible.”

Because the Permian Basin region is so large, the EPA uses helicopters equipped with infrared cameras that detect emissions. In the last 5 years of the EPA’s use of flyovers in its enforcement efforts, the Agency reports it has issued 48 enforcement orders based on Permian Basin flyovers, with penalties totaling $4.9 million.

Besides correcting violations, EPA settlements often include terms that require companies to install enhanced monitoring systems, evaluate permits and operations to ensure compliance, and submit a report to the EPA identifying repairs and equipment upgrades.

“These actions have helped avoid over 94 million pounds of potential emissions, including over 20 million pounds of VOCs and nearly 74 million pounds of methane,” the Agency’s release continues. “EPA will use several tools to address noncompliance identified through the flyovers, including EPA administrative enforcement actions and referrals to the Department of Justice. EPA’s actions to address these violations will include significant penalties, corrective actions to prevent future non-compliance, and monitoring to verify corrective actions have addressed the emissions.”

For more information, see the EPA enforcement website.