Texas environmental agency finds high levels of cancer-causing benzene at Barnett Shale sites
By APWednesday, January 27, 2010
Agency finds high benzene levels on Barnett Shale
FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas regulators say air testing over one of the nation’s biggest natural gas fields revealed two drilling sites with extremely high levels of cancer-causing benzene.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said Wednesday those sites on the Barnett Shale had mechanical problems that have since been fixed.
Both sites are about 50 miles northwest of Dallas.
Officials say 19 other sites showed elevated benzene levels not requiring immediate action.
The Texas Pipeline Association represents gas companies on the shale. It says drillers don’t believe their facilities are releasing harmful benzene levels.
People are regularly exposed to small doses of benzene from industrial pollutants and cigarette smoke. But long-term exposure can cause leukemia.
On the Web:
www.tceq.state.tx.us/goto/barnettshale
