A new Colorado State University study says ozone concentrations at Carlsbad Caverns National Park often exceed EPA health standards, probably as a result of oil and natural gas development in the Permian Basin and surrounding region. In a study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres, it was shown from data collected in a field survey in 2019 that the eight-hour ozone concentrations exceeded the EPA health standard of 70 parts per billion during summer months.
A University Distinguished Professor, Jeffrey Collett, and his team led research into what sources of ozone precursors around the area are and concluded that oil and gas development is certainly one of the large contributors toward high ozone levels. Nitrogen oxide emissions from high-temperature combustion activity were the largest contributor to ozone formation, with emissions from other oil and gas basins farther upwind also contributing on some days.
The results of the research emphasize that more monitoring and regulation of air quality are required within national parks, more so for those that are located near regions of high oil and gas development. Such unhealthy ozone concentrations can result in serious health concerns, such as asthma, crop damage, and other natural ecosystems. Results from this study have implications for nearby areas like Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas and the broader regional area.
The team measured levels near Carlsbad Caverns National Park and used models to track their formation. According to them, both nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds play a role in the development of ozone, but nitrogen oxide emissions are the largest contributor to ozone formation. Also, the team explored ways in which a change in production practices—for example, using electricity to power drilling rigs—would further reduce ozone levels in the region.
This is part of a much larger project that Professor Collett and his team from the University are running, looking into air quality across the national park system. The team has been working in cooperation with the U.S. National Park Service on various research projects to understand better where air pollutants come from and how to reduce them effectively.
