2011 South Texas passive infrared aerial survey

Beginning Aug. 3, 2011, residents in South Texas may notice a white helicopter (Tail Number: N141LS) hovering over or near pipelines, oil and gas production facilities, and other industrial facilities.

The helicopter is equipped with a specialized infrared camera called the HAWK that can image volatile organic compounds and other hydrocarbon air pollution invisible to the eye. VOC are a class of compounds present in common things like gasoline and used as solvents or industrial chemicals. VOC can combine with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone.

When the camera detects possible hydrocarbon emissions, the technician on the helicopter will note the time and location and other information about the emissions source. The helicopter may hover or circle a particular location for an extended period of time to gather images and data on potential emissions sources.

This project is a follow-up to similar projects conducted in the Texas Gulf Coast, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Tyler-Longview-Marshall areas by the TCEQ to identify hydrocarbon sources that may potentially be unreported or under-reported. Identifying the emissions will assist the agency in improving the region's air quality.

Helicopter flights will be conducted over oil and gas production areas in the following counties: DeWitt, Dimmitt, Webb, Karnes, Live Oak, and McMullen. The helicopter flights will conclude by Aug. 24, 2011.