Flare Control Workgroup Facilitation

Bay Area Air Quality Management District

David Early is facilitating a series of workgroup meetings convened by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to create a new rule controlling flare emissions at Bay Area petroleum refineries. Flares are used to burn off excess or poor quality gases produced during the refining process; however, they are also associated with air pollutants of concern to the District and local environmental groups. At the workgroup meetings, representatives of the District, other concerned agencies, the petroleum industry, and environmental organizations provide input that will be used to create a rule that appropriately balances the safety and operational needs of the refineries with the need to minimize air pollution and negative environmental impacts associated with flaring. David Early and DC&E staff ensure that all stakeholders' opinions are taken into account and that the process is clear and fair.