Pa. moves to limit air emissions from gas industry

The Department of Environmental Protection said Thursday its revised permit for compressor stations requires a 75- to 93-percent reduction in air emissions for the largest, most common types of engines used to power the facilities, which pressurize natural gas taken from the Marcellus Shale formation for movement along pipelines.

Environmental groups and some residents have expressed concern over air quality as more compressor stations are permitted and built. Residents who live downwind have complained of headaches, breathing trouble or other health problems they blame on air emissions from the compressors.

The new DEP permit imposes stricter limits on volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides and carbon emissions. The agency also announced it will accept public comment on a separate plan to reduce wellhead emissions.

"The steps we are taking now mean far lower emissions at well sites and more efficient compressor stations, resulting in cleaner air as development, production and transmission take place," DEP Secretary Michael Krancer said in a statement. "DEP's effective and robust oversight will deliver on the promise of cleaner air from the increased use of natural gas."