The report gives results of an assessment of the air and water pollution potential of the natural gas processing industry, based on a review of publicly available literature. It reviews natural gas processing operations and discusses the potential air and water emissions from the industry. It describes acid gas removal, dehydration, purification, and stripping unit operations, primarily to indicate their potential for air and water pollution. It presents historical production data and discusses future trends in applications of new techniques. It reviews Federal and State regulations affecting the industry and discusses their limitations and reporting requirements. It discusses the impact of the myriad rules, regulations, and reporting requirements on obtaining quantifiable data on the industry. It estimates air emissions for each criteria pollutant for the industry nationwide, as well as for Texas and Louisiana, the two largest producing states. It shows the significance of emissions from natural gas processing operations relative to other industrial sectors. It compares these estimates with overall mass balance calculations based on published production and distribution data. It discusses, generally, the water pollution potential of the industry and describes shortcomings in available data.

"Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory, Office of Energy, Minerals, and Industry." "TRC - The Research Corporation of New England." "EPA 600-2-79-077." "April 1979." Cover title. Includes bibliographical references. "Contract no. 68-02-2615, W.A. 2, Program element no. 1AB604."