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Alfredo Al Armendariz - Final Report - Rayzor Ranch Development in Denton Texas - Limited Ambient Air and Water Baseline Study - Prepared by Alisa Rich, MPH, PhD - March 2010

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  • 8/2/2019 Alfredo Al Armendariz - Final Report - Rayzor Ranch Development in Denton Texas - Limited Ambient Air and Water

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    Wolf Eagle Environmental"Advancing Indusrrv while Protecting Ihe Environment" it- i~JIf.o_Limited Ambient Air and Water Baseline Study

    March 2010

    Report Prepared for:Ms. Margaret NealeDenton Community Organizer731 HillcrestDenton, Texas

    Prepared by:

    Alisa Rich, MPH, PhD (ABD)President

    Wolf Eagle EnvironmentalPO Box 270541Flower Mound, TX 75027

    Office 682-502-6056 www.wolfeagleenvironmental.com Fax 682-502-6069

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    Wolf Eagle Environmental"Advancing Industry while Protecting the Environment"

    Limited Ambient Air Baseline Study1.0 Executive SummaryWolf Eagle Environmental (IIWolf Eagle") was retained by Ms. Margaret Neale and the residents ofDenton County (IIClient") to perform a Limited Ambient Air Baseline Study and Water Baseline Study inthe area of Rayzor Ranch Development in Denton, Texas. This report is a summary of the workperformed by Wolf Eagle in accordance with the authorized proposal and limited scope of work. Thepurpose of the study was to characterize the ambient air and water quality present in the area.Evaluation of ambient air quality was performed on four separate occasions. The first test wasperformed on December 13, 2009 and included one (1) sample at one (1) location on nearby privateproperty near the Rayzor Ranch Development. This sample was conducted as a 24-hour sample. Thesecond test was performed on February 5, 2010 and included one (1) sample at one (1) location onnearby private property near the Rayzor Ranch Development. The third test was performed on February18, 2010 and included one (1) sample at one (1) location at an intersection near the Rayzor RanchDevelopment. This sample was conducted as a grab sample. The fourth test was performed on February18, 2010 and included one (1) sample at one (1) location on nearby private property near the RayzorRanch Development. This sample was conducted as a 24-hour sample.Ambient air was collected as both a grab and a 24-hour sample to better characterize the existingconditions at the time of monitoring. The collected sample was then analyzed for the presence ofVolatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) using EPA Method TO-14, Tentatively Identified Compounds (TICs)and Light Hydrocarbons which allows us to examine atmospheric concentrations of Methane. Thesamples taken were confirmed by laboratory analysis to contain numerous carcinogenic and neurotoxicVOCs in levels that exceed Texas Commissions on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Effects Screening levels(ESls) for both Short-term and long-term exposures.According to the TCEQ, "Effects Screening levels are used to evaluate the potential for effects to occuras a result of exposure to concentrations of constituents in the air. ESls are based on data concerninghealth effects, odor/nuisance potential, and effects on vegetation". ESls are characterized as either"Short-term" indicating a 1-hour average exposure period, or "Long-term" indicating exposure has beenevaluated on an annual averaging period. (http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/implementation/tox).Evaluation of existing underground water conditions were performed utilizing Client's natural spring fedwell. Evaluation of water quality included comprehensive laboratory analysis for BTEXand MTBE byAqueous 8021, RCRAHeavy Metal by EPA6020, Mercury, Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) by Texas1005, Chemical Oxygen Demand (EPA41O.4), pH by EPA9040 and Total Dissolved Solids by EPA 160.1.

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    Key F ind ingsAir AnalysisBased on the laboratory results from a certified, independent laboratory, Wolf Eagle has identifiedcarcinogenic and neurotoxic compounds present, on the specific dates of monitoring. Many, but not allof the compounds were found in concentrations that exceeded TCEQ ESLsfor either Short-term, and/ orLong-term exposure. Several of the tests found Methane in concentrations that exceed similaratmospheric conditions in similar urban environments and are representative of levels seen in areaswhere natural gas production and mining are actively occurring. While TCEQ has no ESLsor protectivelevels for Methane to compare the laboratory findings to, the levels were in excess of what is normallyidentified in regions that do not have natural gas operations.The samples collected represent ambient air conditions at the time of sampling only. Samples collectedat other times may reveal different results due to meteorological conditions, or additional developmentchanges in region due to further land development or additional oil and/or natural gas operations.Generally, fugitive emission concentrations identified in the cooler weather (winter months) are lowerthan fugitive emission concentrations in the warmer weather (summer months) due to the intrinsicnature of volati le organic compounds.Water AnalysisBased on laboratory results from a certified, independent laboratory, Wolf Eagle has confirmed novolatile organic compounds, compounds of hydrocarbons or heavy metals in water analyzed. TotalHardness and Total Dissolved Solids as well as Chemical Oxygen Demand were typically high but withinrange of limits commonly seen in the area.

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    2.0 Background InformationWolf Eagle was contacted by Client to perform a Limited Ambient Air and Water Baseline Study to reportcurrent ambient air and water conditions at the time of sampling. The purpose of the study was due toconcerns for the ambient air and water quality of the region from the Rayzor Ranch Development andRange Resources exploration and mining of natural gas operations on the Rayzor Ranch located near thevicinity of residences, day care center, hospital, medica! clinic, assisted living facility and park in theDenton area.As purported by the developers, "The Rayzor Ranch is a planned $850 million dollar mixed-usedevelopment on 400 acres of prime North Texas real estate. The site is the former Rayzor family'sHillview Ranch which features a hill with a commanding view of what will become the largest, super-regional development between Dallas and Oklahoma City. The project is a true mixed-use developmentwith retail, residential, office, medical, cultural, hotel, and entertainment uses oriented into onecohesive, pedestrian friendly urban village. The design will feature traditional Texas Heritagearchitecture with hard edge buildings set into streets oriented into an urban grid. The buildings will beconnected via wide, heavily landscaped sidewalks and pedestrian linkages set around a grand centralpark". No mention of gas wells, or natural gas mining was noted on the website or master plandevelopment according to the Site Map from the Rayzor Ranch Website (See Map Section).Controversy arose when the original permit request with Denton County, which included placement ofwells on the northwest corner of the development, was changed to place the mining site to thesoutheast corner closest to existing residences. Although residents objected Town Council supportedthe site relocation.Natural gas mining in urban areas has not occurred without considerable controversy. Recent advancesin drilling techniques have allowed previously unreachable reserves to be accessed with horizontaldrilling techniques. This technological advance coupled with a lack of information regarding thedeleterious effect of fugitive emission on health of humans and the environment from natural gasfugitive air emissions have provided fertile ground for gas companies expand their holdings. In addition,few communities have current ordinances or the knowledge or legal guidance with oil and gas statutesto challenge the placement of gas wells/compressor stations and tank farms in areas where existingresidents live. When challenged gas companies are quick to threaten costly suits that residents andCouncil members fear will bankrupt the small towns. Denton County has had drilling in rural areas buthas not experienced urban drilling affecting residents before the Rayzor Ranch development.Major concerns for urban drilling include noise nuisance, odor complaints, devaluation of propertyvalues, unsightly appearance, water and soil pollution, and human health complaints. Many reports ofhuman health impacts after short-term and long-term exposure to fugitive air emissions from naturalgas facilities include: headaches, dizziness, and difficulty in breathing, respiratory impacts, visionimpairment to advance cases in neurological impairment, stroke, paralysis, asphyxiation and blooddisorders (leukemia, lymphoma). An attached summary of chemicals and their known impact to humanhealth is attached to this report for perusal.

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    '\

    2.0 Weather ConditionsTest 1- December 13, 2009Weather conditions for December 13, 2009, were confirmed at Denton Municipal Airport (03991). Skyconditions were reported as overcast clearing in the evening hours (1153 to 2353 hours). Temperaturewas reported as a low of 46 degrees Fahrenheit to a high of 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds werereported from the south/southeast with an average wind speed of 8 miles per hour. No wind gustswere noted. Visibility was less than a mile on average and humidity ranged from 54-100%.Test 2 - February 5, 2010Weather conditions for February 5,2010 were confirmed at Denton Municipal Airport (03991). Skyconditions were reported as overcast clearing in the late evening hours. Temperature was reported as alow of 34 degrees Fahrenheit to a high of 43 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds were reported from thewest/northwest and north/northwest with an average wind speed of 10 miles per hour. Wind gust upto 22 miles per hour were noted in the afternoon (1253 and 1553 hours). Visibility was 10 miles perhour and humidity ranging from 51-93%.Test 3 and 4 - February 18, 2010Weather conditions for February is"; 2030 were confirmed at Denton Municipal Airport (03991). Skyconditions were reported as clear with a low of 24 degrees Fahrenheit to a high of 32 degreesFahrenheit. Winds were reported from the north in early morning hours (0253 - 0753) changing winddirection later in the day from the south/southeast. Average wind speed was approximate 10 miles perhour with wind speed increasing in afternoon and evening hours (10-23 mph). Wind gust up to 23 milesper hour were noted early afternoon (1353-1453 hours). Visibility was 10.0 miles per hour and humidityranging from 30 - 92%.3.0 Ambient Air TestingTo date, four (4) ambient air sampling tests have been performed near the Rayzor Ranch development.The first test was performed on December 13, 2009, and consisted of a 24-hour monitoring sample. Thesecond test was performed on February 5, 2010, and consisted of a 24-hour monitoring sample. Thethird and fourth test was performed on February 18, 2010 and consisted of both a grab sample and a 24-hour monitoring sample. On all occasions, weather was not optimal for characterization of volatileorganic compounds but typical given the time of year the sampling was conducted.

    Wolf Eagle performed whole air emissions sampling for Volati le Organic Compounds (VOCs), TentativelyIdentified Compounds and Light Hydrocarbons. Sampling procedures followed ASTM D-1357 StandardPractice for the Sampling of the Ambient Atmosphere, using certified sterilized evacuated pressurizedstainless steel Summa canisters with and without 24-hour flow regulator (certified mass flow 24-hourmeter). The canisters were obtained from a certified air testing laboratory (GD Air Testing, Inc. 551 N.Plano Parkway #429, Richardson, TX). The canisters were certified with a canister number and canisterbatch number from the laboratory verifying proper evacuation and pressurization. The canister

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    locations were verified by GPScoordinates. The initial time of depressurization (opening) was noted andrecorded on the Chain of Custody. Upon completion of sampling, the hand valve was closed, brass capsecured and time of closure noted. At the time of canister retrieval the canisters were inspected fordamage or dents that could impact quality of sample. No dents or damage to canisters was noted. Thecanisters were then returned to the certified air testing laboratory in a timely fashion to insure quality ofsample with proper chain of custody.A TO-14 (Toxic Organic Compound) VOC analysis for multiple volatile organic compounds, and aTentatively Identified Compounds (TIC) analysis along with Light Hydrocarbons was ordered for thecanister content analysis.3.0 Location of Air MonitorsOn December 13, 2010 the location of the 24-hour sample was conducted to the northeast of theexisting Range Resource natural gas mining facility located at the corner of North Bonnie Brae Road andScripture Road at a private resident.On February 5,2010, the location of the 24-hour sample was conducted to the northeast of the existingRange Resource natural gas mining facility located at the corner of North Bonnie Brae Road andScripture Road at a private resident.On February 18, 2010, two (2) samples were taken. The first, a grab sample was taken to thenorth/northeast of Range Resource natural gas mining facility at the intersection of North Bonnie BraeRoad and Scripture Road. A 24-hour sample was conducted to the northeast of the existing RangeResource natural gas mining facility.Monitor location were limited due to a lack of proper access to two sides of the facility, and lack ofaccess agreement.6.0 Air Laboratory ResultsLaboratory results from all tests identified the classic natural gas fingerprint associated with natural gasproduction. In addition several of the sites has exceedences to TCEQ ESLsestimated as either Short-term or Long-term including exceedences in Benzene, Carbon disulfide, Dimethyl Disulfide, DimethylTrisulfide, and Methyl ethyl disulfide. Many of these compounds are known carcinogenic andneurotoxic compounds as identified by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through duediligence and review of medical studies including occupational workers and animals studies. Compoundsof Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes which is a family of compounds commonly referred toas BTEX(Note: exceedence in only Benzene occurred although compounds of BTEXwere present inseveral of the test locations). In addition to BTEX,Sulfide compounds were identified in limits seen toexceed TCEQ ESLsfor Short-term and Long-term exposure limits.Results for December 13, included estimated exceedences of Benzene in Long-term exposure. Benzeneis a recognized human carcinogen but less illuminated is its' capability as a neurotoxin causingimpairment to muscle function leading to a neurological disorder commonly seen in occupational

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    exposure to petroleum products called peripheral neuropathy and possibly correlated to transversemeilitis a similar inflammatory neurological disorder. Methane concentrations were not taken in theDecember test.Results for the February s". monitoring test included fewer compounds overall and no exceedences ofTCEQ ESLsfor either Short-term or Long-term. Methane concentrations were recorded at 2.9 ppmvwhich is approximately 0.5-0.9 ppmv higher than is generally seen in this region.Results for the February is" monitoring test included Benzene, and associated Sulfide compounds ofCarbon Disulfide, Dimethyl Disulfide, Dimethyl Trisulfide, Methyl ethyl disulfide. Methaneconcentrations recorded at 3.5ppmv which is 1.0-1.5 ppmv higher than generally seen in this region.Based on scientific probability, laboratory results identified the presence of fugitive air emissions fromnatural gas operations in levels that currently exceed either TCEQ Short Term or Long Term EffectsScreening Levels. Methane concentrations identified in ambient air levels appear to be higher thannormally identified in urban areas.Although TCEQdoes not currently have an ESLfor Methane, it is important to be aware of the humanhealth impacts of exposure to Methane, as well as the human health effect of other fugitive chemicalemissions from natural gas operations. A summary of health effects experienced by humans andsometimes first seen in animals has been outlined and attached for your perusal.7 .0 D is cuss ionWolf Eagle had no preconceived expectation, or purposed to discover fugitive air emissions from naturalgas operations during ambient air investigations. Wolf Eagle had the expectation, through rigorousscientific methodology and certified laboratory methodology, to analyze existing ambient air conditionsat the time of testing. It would be expected that samples collected at other times may reveal differentresults due to meteorological changes and may possibly be higher or lower than results found withinthis study.The study performed in December 2009 was intended to be a baseline of ambient conditions prior todrilling. Due to pre-drilling activities including heavy construction/truck traffic and bore preparationactivities it is conceivable that fugitive emissions from these sources were indeed captured by monitoractivities. It is not possible at the time of the release of the report to confirm the exact process thatoccurred during this date monitoring. Final drilling reports have been turned in to the Texas RailroadCommission however no access is currently available on their reporting website.The study performed on February 5th was in direct response to a call from Denton. The call wasdirected due to an exceptionally loud 'roar' emanating from the drill site. Upon arrival the drill siteappeared to be in the process of venting. With the amount of force being relieved into the atmosphereit is not uncommon to see lower emissions at street level despite higher Methane concentrations ascompared to background levels. The principle of physics of 'heat rises' becomes a reality when working

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    with hydrocarbons escaping the earth's mantle. In addition, the location of the monitor was notoptimum with wind conditions, and location relative to the Range site.The study performed on February 18 was in direct response to notice received that flaring operationswere in occurrence at the Range Resource location. Upon arrival at location flaring operations werebeing performed. Technicians from Wolf Eagle verified flaring operation prior to sampling. (FlaringOperations verified by photos). In addition, heat from flaring was identified as extreme. While travelingnorth on Bonnie Brae with window down at speeds of 10 miles per hour extreme heat was felt in the carwindow as the car past the location.Given the level of concentrations of VOCs identified in the December and February tests the potentialfor even higher concentrations than those identified in these studies could exist in the warmer summermonths due to meteorological conditions more favorable to chemical volatility including calmer windconditions. Other species not specifically identified in the test above may also be present in other testsduring warmer months and may indeed exceed TCEQ ESLs.8.0 ConclusionAir sampling confirmed the presence of carcinogenic and neurotoxin compounds indicative of naturalgas operations above the current TCEQ ESLSfor both Short-term and Long-term exposures in theoutdoor ambient air of Denton County near the Rayzor Ranch Development. Methane concentrationswere identified as elevated above known background concentrations for the region. No exceedences ofTCEQ ESLsfor Methane were identified due to the fact that TCEQ has not developed either a Short-termor Long-term limit.9.0 RecommendationsWolf Eagle provides the following recommendations and action items for Client consideration:

    Given the time of the year this study's sampling occurred, it would be expected thatconcentrations of chemicals in summer months may be higher than levels seen at the time ofthe testing (January and February). Additional testing in warmer weather is highlyrecommended due to the potential for higher concentrations during summer months.

    To properly characterize the average annualized exposure to Denton County resident's propertya dispersion modeling study can be performed by Wolf Eagle. The dispersion modeling canprovide an estimate of exposure that the area may experience over a year time given varyingmeteorological conditions.

    Given the high activity of drilling currently ongoing in the Barnett Shale and in the adjacent areato residences, Wolf Eagle encourages property owners Client to be aware of an increase of wellsites, compression engines/compressor stations and any unusual condensate/produced watertank activity and to notify Wolf Eagle immediately of any increased activity, increase in noise ornoxious odors and any change in well waters.

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    Compressor noise and odors can be indicative of malfunctions of equipment and increasedfugitive air emissions. Client is encouraged to contact the TCEQ and EPAemergency numbersany and every time noise and odors exist.

    Denton residents are encouraged to maintain an indoor carbon monoxide monitor easilypurchased at a neighborhood home improvement center and maintain the monitor in properworking order. If the monitor at any time sounds an alarm Client is to contact the firedepartment immediately and not try to diagnose the issue. Carbon monoxide is a fugitiveemission from natural gas production and in high concentrations is known to be a humanasphyxiant.

    If residents feel the onset of unusual headaches, nausea, malaise, weakness in their extremities,or difficulty breathing, residents are encouraged to make note of the date and time of thesecomplaints, remove yourself from the environment and immediately call TCEQ and EPAtoreport the occurrence. Attached to the Report is a brief summary of adverse health effectsknown to occur with exposure to these chemicals. Be advised that this is a general summary.Individuals may experience more severe or less severe complications due to exposure tochemicals. If any individual has an existing underlying medical conditions adverse healthcomplaints from exposure to fugitive chemicals may occur at lower levels than what otherworkers can tolerate. Underlying conditions may be considered but not exclusive to asthma,diabetes, heart condition, or respiratory disorders. In addition, the more sensitive populations(children and the elderly) may experience symptoms sooner than the average size/agepopulation.

    10. Statement of Confidentiality

    This report was prepared exclusively for the use and reliance of the Client, only for the purposes stated.The content herein shall not be disseminated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of anyauthorized representative of the same. The scope of this report is specific to Client and may not besuitable for other users. Wolf Eagle accepts no responsibility for the unauthorized manipulation ormisuse of this report whether intentional or unintentional. Scientific and regulatory use of this report isregarded as fair use of the document unless otherwise mandated by Client agreement. Wolf Eaglereserves the right to supplement data as more scientific data becomes availableWolf Eagle appreciates the opportunity to provide unbiased scientific documentation and analysis toClient and looks forward to assisting Client in the future if needs arise.

    Wolf Eagle Environmental

    Office 682-502-6056 www.wolfeagleenvironmental.com Fax 682-502-6069

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    Chemical Health Effects from Combustion of Natural Gas at Compressor StationsBy Wolf Eagle Environmental

    Wolf Eagle Environmental has performed numerous emission tests near gas wells sites/compression stations in the Barnett Shale geologic formation. Many of the sites tested by WolfEagle Environmental were confirmed through laboratory results to contain fugitive air emissionsin levels that exceed Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) Effects ScreeningLevel's (ESLs). ESLs are based on data concerning health effects, odor/nuisance potential, andeffects on vegetation. Many of the chemicals identified include known and suspectedcarcinogens, neurotoxins and reproductive toxins. They include primary compounds and theirassociated chemicals formed from the process of metabolism, commonly called metabolites.Benzene - CAS Number 71432Benzene exceedences occurred in both Short-term and Long-term ESLs according to TCEQlimits. The most important toxic effect of benzene is hematopoietic toxicity. Chronic exposureto benzene has been shown to lead to bone marrow damage, initially manifesting as anemia(reduced level of oxygen carrying pigment hemoglobin in blood), leucopenia (decreased totalnumber of white blood cells in the blood) and thrombocytopenia (reduction in the number ofplatelet cells in blood) often with resultant marrow aplasia (incomplete or reduced growth ordevelopment), pancytopenia that can progress to myelogenous leukemia and death. Medicalresearch indicates and supports Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and Acute LymphocyticLeukemia (ALL) strongly correlated to high benzene exposures in humans. Benzene is oftenseen in the common acronym ofBTEX (Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene). Thesecompounds are some of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the oil and gasindustry. Many of the BTEX chemicals were the first to be identified by EPA as "known humancarcinogens" with harmful effects on the central nervous system.Toluene - CAS Number 108883Toluene exceedences occurred in both Short-Term and Long-Term ESLs according to TCEQlimits. The Central Nervous System (CNS) is the primary target for toluene toxicity in bothhumans and animals. CNS depression and death have occurred at higher levels of exposure.Symptoms include drowsiness, ataxia (lack of coordination, balance and gait, limb, eyemovement or speech), tremors, nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) and cerebral atrophy.Neurobehavioral effects have been observed in occupationally exposed workers. Chronicinhalation of humans to toluene causes irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, sorethroat, dizziness, headaches and difficulty with sleep. Although toluene is classified as a GroupD chemical, carcinogenicity reproductive and developmental effects including CNS dysfunction,attention deficits, and minor craniofacial and limb anomalies along with developmental delayhave been recorded.WolfHealthEffects- FugitiveEmissionsCom pressor Stations Page 1

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    Xylenes - CAS Number 1330207 (m&p-) and 95476 (0-)Xylene exceedences occurred in both Short-term and Long-term ESLs according to TCEQlimits. Xylene is a member of the common acronym BTEX due to its association with the otheraromatic hydrocarbons. The primary uses ofXylenes industrially are as solvents and syntheticintermediates. The toxicity of BTEX and other aromatic solvents are similar. Xylenes areabsorbed readily in the lungs and GI tract and quickly distributed to tissues through blood flow.There is evidence that chronic occupational exposure to Xylenes is associated with neurologicaleffects. The m, 0 and p isomers ofXylenes vary somewhat in their capacity to affect differentorgans and have been associated with kidney injury and renal carcinomas.Formaldehyde - CAS Number 50000High concentrations of formaldehyde are identified as potential emissions at facilities and havebeen confirmed in exceedences of Short-Term and Long-Term TCEQ ESLs. Formaldehyde isconsidered a suspected human carcinogen linked to nasal and lung cancer. It is also a suspectedtoxicant to the gastrointestinal tract, liver, immune system, reproductive system, respiratorysystem, and immune system. In concentrations of 25 to 30 ppm cause severe respiratory tractinjury leading to pulmonary edema and pneumonitis. Formaldehyde can be fatal in highconcentrations.Carbon Dioxide - CAS Number 124389Carbon dioxide is a major contributor to fugitive emissions from compressor stations. Althoughcarbon dioxide is not considered a carcinogen it is considered a contributor to ozone and a majorgreenhouse gas (GHG) and an aphyxiant. It also has adverse health effects in higherconcentrations affecting respiratory function and causes excitation followed by depression of thecentral nervous system. High concentrations of CO2 can displace oxygen in the air, resulting inlower oxygen concentrations for breathing. Therefore, effects of oxygen deficiency may becombined with effects of CO2 toxicity. Volunteers exposed to 7.5% C02 for 15 minutesexperienced inability to breathe (dyspnea) increased pulse rate, headache, dizziness, sweating,disorientation and visual distortion. Exposure to 6% for several minutes or 30% for 20-30seconds affected the heart as evidence by altered electrocardiograms. Concentrations greater than10% have caused difficulty in breathing, impaired hearing, nausea, vomiting, a stranglingsensation, sweating, stupor within several minutes and loss of consciousness within 15 minutes.Other Chemicals identified as fugitive air emissions from gas wells/compressor stationsinclude:Carbon Tetrachloride - High levels of carbon tetrachloride have resulted in damage to the liver(swollen, tenderness, changes to enzyme levels and jaundice) and kidneys (nephritis, nephrosis,proteinuria) in humans. Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) has been observed in humanWolfHealthEffects- FugitiveEmissionsCom pressor Stations Page 2

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    exposed to high levels of carbon tetrachloride but his is believed to be due to injury to thekidneys rather than direct action of carbon tetrachloride on lung tissues.Pyrene -a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) with unknown long term health effects.Acute exposure to high levels showed a decrease in the weight of the kidney and an increase inthe weight of the liver as well as slight changes in the blood. A number of PAHs have causedtumors in laboratory animals that were exposed to PAHs through their food, from breathingcontaminated air and when it was applied to their skin. When pregnant mice ate high dosesof a PAH (benzo( a)pyrene) they experienced reproductive problems. In addition, theoffspring of the pregnant mice showed birth defects and a decrease in their body weight. Effectson humans have not been confirmed by laboratory tests.Vinyl Chloride - The US Dept of Health and Human Services has determined that vinyl chlorideis a known carcinogen. Brain cancer, lung cancer and some cancers of the blood may beconnected with breathing vinyl chloride over long periods.Phenanthrene - a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) composed of 3 benzene rings.Phenanthrene is a toxic pollutant designated pursuant to section 307(a)(1) of the Clean Water Actand is subject to effluent limitations !Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons [40 CFR 401.15(7/1/87)] [366].Fluoranthene - a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) combination of a benzene ring andNaphthalene. Fluoranthene is found in many combustion products, along with other PAHs. Itspresence is an indicator of less efficient or lower-temperature combustion. Fluoranthene is oneof the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 16 priority pollutant PAHs and is a carcinogen.Napththalene -_Napththalene was shown to exceed Long-term ESL according to TCEQ limits.Naphthalene (Naphthalin or antimite) is structurally composed of two benzene rings fusedtogether. It is commonly found in mothballs and is known for its volatility and inflammablevapor. Napththalene in hydrogenated form is often used as low-volatility solvents in industrialoperations. Exposure to large amounts ofNapththalene may damage or destroy red blood cellsand can lead to hemolytic anemia, often seen in children who have ingested mothballs.Symptoms related to low level exposures include fatigue, lack of appetite, restlessness and paleskin. Exposure to higher levels of Naphthalene may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloodin urine and jaundice. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifiesNaphthalene as potentially carcinogenic to humans and animals. Acute exposures have also beencorrelated to cataracts in humans.The process of compression of natural gas has the by-product of sulfides although not oftenilluminated. These compounds have been found to exist in geologic formations where sourgas is present. In addition, numerous fugitive air emissions tests conducted by Wolf Eaglehas confirmed the presence of sulfide compounds in the Barnett Shale. These compoundsWolfHealthEffects-FugitiveEmissionsCompressor Stations Page 3

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    are often seen in high concentrations and in levels which exceed TCEQ ESLs for Short-Term and Long-Term ESLs. Many of these chemicals are known for their capacity asneurotoxicants, degradative to muscle tissue and control, and as an asphyxiant. A few ofthe compounds are listed below:Carbon disulfide * * - CAS Number 75150 (carbon bisulfide, Dithiocarbonicanhydride)ICarbonyl Sulfide - CAS Number 463581Multiple exceedences in both Short-term and Long-term ESLs were identified in this study,TCEQ has identified Carbon disulfide with a double asterisk (* * ) indicating the potential fordisaster associated with this chemical. Carbon disulfide is used in the production of viscoserayon and cellophane, pesticides and used as a solubilizer for waxes and oils. It is a volatilecolorless liquid associated with an "ether-like" odor and often combined with carbonyl sulfide incommercial use. Although it has a distinct and unpleasant odor the ESLs associated with thischemical are based on the adverse health effects rather than the noxious odor. It is highlyflammable and highly reactive. At high concentrations may be life-threatening due to its centralnervous system suppression. Physical signs of milder exposure may result in nerve damage to thelower-lateral leg and foot resulting in foot drags or mild limp.Dimethyl disulphide - CAS Number 624920Dimethyl disulphide exceedences occurred in both Short-term and Long-term ESLs according toTCEQ limits. The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for Dimethyl disulphide is 0.5 ppm, 1.9 mg/m ' TWA, which isconsiderably lower than TCEQ limits. Health factors associated with exposure to Dimethyldisulphide include irritation of the respiratory system (nose, throat) as well as eye and skinirritation. Dimethyl disulphide is known to cause nausea and overall weakness. Vapor or airmixtures of Dimethyl disulphide above 24 C may be explosive.Methyl ethyl disulphide - CAS Number 20333395Methyl ethyl disulphide, (methyldisulphanylethane) is known for its highly offensive odor.Although stable it is known to be highly flammable. Like Dimethyl disulphide, Methyl ethyldisuphide is a known eye and skin and respiratory irritant.Trimethyl benzene, Diethyl benzene, Methyl-methylethyl benzene, Tetramethyl benzene, 1,2,4-Trimethyl benzene - CAS Numbers 25551137, 25340174, 25551137, 95932This category of benzene isomers has numerous exceedences in both Short-term and Long-termESLs in natural gas compression. It is an isomer in a family of aromatic hydrocarbon known forthe capability as a solvent. These compounds present with an aromatic sweet odor and are knownfor their flammability and combustibility. They are also identified as hazardous and may containsimilar adverse effects on humans as benzene.Ethyl pyridine, 2-Methyl pyridine, and Diemethyl pyridine - CAS Numbers 536787, 109068,5453678

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    Pyridine metabolite exceedences in both Short-term and Long-term ESLs were reported in thisstudy. These compounds are simple aromatic heterocyclic organic compounds used as a solventand reagent. It is structurally similar to benzene and has a distinctive fish-like odor. It is highlyreactive and is a precursor to numerous products (herbicides, insecticides, pharmaceuticals etc).Effects of acute pyridine exposure include dizziness, headache and nausea. It is currently beingevaluated as a possible carcinogenic agent by government agencies.Ethyl. methylethyl disulfide. Dimethyl trisulfide. Ethyl n-propyl disulphideAlthough these compounds may vary in CAS Number they can be considered metabolites of thesame basic chemical with the inference for use of similar Short-term and Long-termexceedences. Laboratory results indicate a presence in levels that exceed ESL for disulfides bothat Short-term and Long-term ESLs. This family of compounds is known both for itsflammability and potential for offensive odor. They are known eye, skin and respiratory irritantswith caution for respiratory exposuresChildren exposed to the same levels of chemicals as adults may receive larger doses becausethey have greater lung surface area body weight ratios and increased minute volumes:weightratios. In addition, they may be exposed to higher levels than adults in the same location becauseof their short stature and presence nearer to the ground. Chemicals with higher specific gravitythan air (carbon dioxide, formaldehyde) can also provide an increased exposure to higherconcentrations.

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