A recent study supports producers with regard to air quality in the Barnett Shale and its effects on health risks. Houston-based ToxStrategies published its study, funded by the Barnett Shale Energy Education Council, and using data from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (the “TCEQ”) found that emissions related to natural gas production are below levels that would pose health concerns.
There are several ongoing lawsuits arising from the health effects relating to emissions from producing oil and gas wells and/or constituent production equipment in the Texas counties in which the Barnett Shale is actively produced. Although an industry funded study, the study utilized the TCEQ’s own data that was collected over a period in excess of 10 years.