INTRODUCTION
For the first time in California, operators of oil and gas wells have been forced to disclose some of the chemicals they use in extreme oil and gas production techniques. These reports confirm that dangerous extraction methods are using harmful and toxic chemicals and exposing Californians to unacceptable risks.
Starting June 4, 2013, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (“SCAQMD”) began requiring oil and gas well operators to submit reports (“Event Reports”) that disclose where and when they plan to use unconventional recovery techniques such as acidization, gravel packing and hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”). The same rule — Rule 1148.2 of SCAQMD’s regulations 1 — requires operators to disclose the chemicals used in their operations in a publicly available chemical report within 60 days of completion (“Chemical Reports”). In early August operators started disclosing many of the chemicals being used.
These disclosures demonstrate that air toxics — chemicals considered among the most dangerous air pollutants because they can cause illness and death — are being used routinely in extreme energy-recovery techniques in Southern California. This report demonstrates the need for a prohibition on these activities, as well as full disclosure of all chemicals used in all phases of oil and gas production.
FINDINGS
Approximately one month’s worth of Chemical Reports is now available on the SCAQMD website. A review of the first month’s Chemical Reports, made available through the website’s online search function, showed that oil and gas well operators are using many harmful chemicals in their acidization, gravel packing and fracking operations. Operators must also clearly indicate any chemical considered an air toxic by SCAQMD, whose jurisdiction includes Los Angeles and Orange counties.
The 12 most commonly used air toxics in recent months are:
1. Crystalline Silica
Number of times used: 117
Harmful to skin, eyes and other sensory organs, respiratory system, immune system and kidneys; mutagen. Known human carcinogen.
2. Methanol
Number of times used: 85
Harmful to skin, eyes and other sensory organs, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system and liver, brain and nervous system, immune system, kidneys, reproductive and cardiovascular system; mutagen, developmental inhibitor and endocrine disruptor.
3. Hydrochloric Acid
Number of times used: 43
Harmful to skin, eyes and other sensory organs, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system and liver, immune system, cardiovascular system and blood.
4. Hydrofluoric Acid
Number of times used: 16
Harmful to skin, eyes and other sensory organs, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system and liver, brain and nervous system, immune system, kidneys, reproductive system and cardiovascular system; mutagen, developmental inhibitor.
5. 2-Butoxy Ethanol
Number of times used: 13
Harmful to skin, eyes and other sensory organs, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system and liver, brain and nervous system, immune system, kidneys, reproductive system and cardiovascular system; mutagen, developmental inhibitor and endocrine disruptor; linked to liver cancer. Also linked to adrenal tumors.
6. Ethyl Glycol (Monobutyl Ether)
Number of times used: 11
Harmful to skin, eyes and other sensory organs, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system and liver, brain and nervous system, immune system, kidneys, reproductive system and cardiovascular
7. Xylene
Number of times used: 10
Harmful to skin, eyes and other sensory organs, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system and liver, brain and nervous system, immune system, kidneys, reproductive and cardiovascular system; developmental inhibitor and endocrine disruptor.
8. Amorphous Silica Fume
Number of times used: 7
Harmful to skin, eyes and other sensory organs, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system and liver; linked to lung cancer.
9. Aluminum Oxide
Number of times used: 7
Harmful to skin, eyes and other sensory organs, respiratory system, and brain and nervous system.
10. Acrylic Polymer (Acid)
Number of times used: 6
Harmful to skin, eyes and other sensory organs, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system and liver, brain and nervous system, immune system, kidneys and cardiovascular system; mutagen and developmental inhibitor.
11. Acetophenone
Number of times used: 6
Causes skin irritation, corneal injury, hematological effects; possible damage to lung, kidney and liver.
12. Ethylbenzene
Number of times used: 6
Harmful to skin, eyes and other sensory organs, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system and liver, brain and nervous system, kidneys, reproductive system and cardiovascular system; mutagen, developmental inhibitor and endocrine disruptor.
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