How much do OCS facilities contribute to air pollution?
A. The OCS oil and gas platforms offshore California contribute approximately 3% of the total emissions in the tri-county area (Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties). The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 transferred control of OCS air quality from the MMS to the EPA, which delegated regulatory authority to local air agencies. Rigorous controls to minimize emissions from Pacific OCS platform operations have been instituted by the local air agencies. On all the platforms, Fugitive Emission Inspection and Maintenance programs to eliminate hydrocarbon emissions resulting from leaking valve and flanges on the facilities are in place. The platforms also have permanent control technologies in place for all non-standby combustion equipment rated at 50 hp or greater to minimize nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from those operations. The platforms are inspected on a regular basis to ensure compliance with applicable requirements. In addition, electrification of the newer platforms
