Town of Flower Mound, Texas - Environmental Resources

2121 Cross Timbers Road
Flower Mound, Texas 75028
972.874.6000

For service requests or questions, email
townhall@flower-mound.com
or call 972.539.SERV. After hours, please call 972.539.0525.

Environmental Resources

Air Quality

The Town of Flower Mound's Environmental Resources staff continually monitors environmental factors and works with outside agencies to measure air quality throughout our community.

News

Texas Department of Health Services Report Indicates No Evidence of Cancer Clusters in Flower Mound

A recently released Texas Department of State Health Services (TDSHS) report identifies no evidence of cancer clusters within Flower Mound and brings closure to a 2010 cancer rate study conducted within the Town.

The report summarizes the results of the investigation that included the Flower Mound zip codes of 75022 and 75028. The study concluded that the number of childhood leukemia subtypes, childhood brain/CNS cancer subtypes, all-age leukemia subtypes, and all-age non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma were within the expected ranges both for males and females. It was also noted that the number of female breast cancer cases found reported for these zip codes was statistically greater than what was expected, but the report indicated that the increase was likely explained by the rapid increase in the Flower Mound population during the times in which the data was collected.

Please review the 2011 report for additional information. The report updates previous analysis conducted in March 2010 by including more recent cancer data. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services report:

The chances of a person developing cancer as a result of exposure to an environmental contaminant are slight. Most experts agree that exposure to pollution, occupational, and industrial hazards account for fewer than 10 percent of cancer cases, and it often takes time for cancer to develop as 10 to 40 years can go by between the exposure to a carcinogen and a the diagnosis of cancer.

There was a slight elevation of female breast cancer. The previous March 2010 report indicated this increase was likely higher due to population growth and higher mammography use compared to Texas overall. The March 2011 reports indicates the elevation in female breast cancer is most likely due to growth in population. Currently, research does not show a link between breast cancer risk and environmental pollutants, and there isn’t any established scientific link between breast cancer and benzene, the contaminant of chief concern to the Flower Mound community.

As benzene has been shown to have an association with leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the investigation studied all-age leukemia subtypes; all-age non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; female breast cancer; and childhood brain/central nervous system (CNS) cancers. The report included complete statewide cancer data from the Texas Cancer Registry (TC) through 2008; however, DSHS also evaluated preliminary data for years 2008-2010 (as of March 2011).

Flower Mound worked with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to install a permanent Auto GC monitoring station within the Town in 2010. Recent reports from the station have revealed a 2011 benzene level average of 0.16 parts per billion. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s short-term Air Monitoring Comparison Value is 180 parts per billion.

Flower Mound has implemented several measures to monitor benzene and air quality since 2010 including the purchase of mobile air quality testing equipment, the implementation of an independent monthly air quality testing program, with supplemental testing for sulfides and carbonyls as needed, and the hiring a full-time oil and gas inspector. This significant service level increase is being paid for by gas well operators via an approved increased permit fee.

For additional information regarding the TDSHS studies, please contact Ms. Brenda Mokry, with the TDSHS Epidemiology Studies and Initiatives Branch at 512.776.3606.

Town of Flower Mound Receives First Report from Monthly Air Quality Monitoring Program

In order to strengthen its air quality monitoring program, the Town of Flower Mound began increasing ambient air testing frequency from quarterly to monthly evaluations in January. The monthly analyses test for more than 60 Volatile Organic Compounds and Tentatively Identified Compounds, including benzene. The Town also expanded the scope of the tests for the January evaluation to include reduced sulfur compounds and carbonyls, which includes formaldehyde.

The January sampling results for VOCs did not exceed the TCEQ Air Monitoring Comparison Values (AMCV), which were established as health-based values for reviewing air monitoring data. While there are not established AMCVs for the reduced sulfur compounds, the TCEQ Short-term Effects Screening Levels (ESLST) were exceeded for three compounds; carbonyl sulfide, methyl mercaptan, and carbon disulfide.

The evaluation report indicates the levels of the reduced sulfur compounds are not considered a health concern based upon multiple considerations outlined within the report. The report notes that, in general, the observed concentrations appear to be consistent with background ambient air concentrations observed in similar urban environments, and with earlier sampling conducted in Flower Mound and other comparable communities. The document also states that the January ambient air observations are not indicative of significant releases or fugitive emissions from the nearby natural gas activities in and/or surrounding Flower Mound. A memorandum from the TCEQ in 2010 noted the difference in EPA and California EPA standards relative to current TCEQ carbon disulfide ESLST of 10 parts per billion (ppb). According to the TCEQ, the comparable EPA sample screening levels for a school monitoring initiative and the California EPA reference exposure levels are 2,240 ppb and 2,000 ppb, respectively.

In addition to the monthly tests, supplemental testing for sulfides and carbonyls in future months will be conducted as needed. Supplemental testing is currently scheduled for March. All testing will be conducted by Kleinfelder, an independent authority in the field that also completed quarterly ambient air sampling in 2010. Flower Mound’s air quality is also continually evaluated by a new Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Auto GC monitoring station, and Flower Mound is in the process of hiring a full-time oil and gas inspector. This significant service level increase is being paid for by gas well operators via an approved increased permit fee. The January report is available for review at http://www.flower-mound.com/env_resources/pix/pdf/DFW11R030-January2011-1.pdf.

Flower Mound Increases Ambient Air Testing Frequency and Expands Scope to Include Sulfides and Formaldehyde

In order to strengthen its current air quality monitoring program, the Town of Flower Mound is increasing testing frequency from quarterly to monthly and expanding the scope of the tests to include additional compounds including sulfides and formaldehyde. The monthly analysis will test for more than 60 Volatile Organic and Tentatively Identified chemicals/compounds, including benzene and carbon disulfide. In addition, supplemental testing will be conducted as needed beginning in January to include Sulfides and Formaldehyde. All testing will be conducted by Kleinfelder, an independent authority in the field. The agency recently completed the 2010 fourth quarter ambient air evaluation, available at www.flower-mound.com. The results are consistent with the other evaluations, as no compound levels were detected above TCEQ criteria. In addition to the monthly testing program, Flower Mound’s air quality is continually evaluated by a new Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Auto GC monitoring station and Flower Mound is in the process of hiring a second full-time oil and gas inspector. This significant service level increase is being paid for by gas well operators via an increased permit fee approved.

TCEQ Air Quality Monitoring Station

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has located a state-of-the-art Automated Gas Chromatograph (AutoGC) monitoring station in Flower Mound. Testing for 46 different volatile organic compounds, including benzene, the monitor will also provide total non-methane VOC concentrations and meteorological data, which are important in analyzing air quality readings. The AutoGC, located at 4401 Shiloh Road near Fire Station #2, will generate hourly air quality monitoring results. Near real-time air quality readings and hourly averages from the station are available at http://www5.tceq.state.tx.us/tamis/index.cfm?fuseaction=report.view_site&siteAQS=481211007. The Flower Mound monitor is the sixth such TCEQ device located in the Barnett Shale. The TCEQ funds up to $250,000 for the equipment, installation, and the first year of operation, and an additional $100,000 per year thereafter for operation and maintenance.

TCEQ Barnett Shale Air Sampling Map

The Barnett Shale Viewer is a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality interactive mapping tool that displays that agency’s air sampling results throughout the Barnett Shale Geographical Area. Updated monthly by the fifth business day of the month, the viewer illustrates specific locations and the type of air quality monitoring that has been completed. Detailed monitoring reports from the samples are also available through the TCEQ website. Pleasevisit the viewer for additional information.

Reports From Outside Agencies

Current Air Quality

Ambient Air Sampling Reports

Based upon direction provided by the Town Council, the Town of Flower Mound contracted with an independent environmental testing agency (Kleinfelder Central, Inc.) in January 2010 to conduct ambient air sampling in Flower Mound. Samples were collected at 12 locations throughout Flower Mound and utilized the Environmental Protection Agency’s testing methods and adhered to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Short-term Effects Screening Levels and newly-adopted Air Monitoring Comparison Values (AMCV). The agency indicated that the observed concentrations appear to be consistent with background ambient air concentrations reported in similar urban environments, and with results from previous samplings conducted in Flower Mound. The reports further state that a limited number of VOCs were noted at concentrations above detection limits but below the AMCVs, and the ambient air testing results were not indicative of significant releases or fugitive emissions from nearby gas well activities. In addition, the reports also indicate that the changing nature of the exploration, production, and transmission activities may necessitate periodic evaluation to provide additional confirmation. The agency released a comprehensive air study report and final data table on March 11, 2010, that outlined test results for 57 chemicals/compounds, 40 Volatile Organic and 17 Tentatively Identified, including benzene and carbon disulfide. A map of the testing locations, an exposure level comparison chart and a March 25, 2010 presentation Kleinfelder made to the Flower Mound Town Council are available for download.

TCEQ Air Sampling Reports

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) conducted air sampling tests on January 13, 2010 at various gas well locations within Flower Mound. The Town contacted TCEQ and requested the tests in December 2009. The site visits and sampling consisted of TCEQ representatives taking weather data and wind speed, using an infrared monitor to check for emissions, checking for total volatile organic compounds at the site. The TCEQ released a preliminary e-mail summary of the Jan. 13, 2010 air quality monitoring activity on Jan. 20, 2010 detailing the locations and times in which monitoring occurred, the types of tests and readings, weather conditions, and equipment utilized.The preliminary analysis produced results indicating no detectable concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC - benzene, toluene, methane, etc.) at the two test locations in Flower Mound. Additionally, infrared cameras did not detect emissions from the compressor engines and heater units other than those associated with normal operations. The TCEQ conducted an additional round of testing on Jan. 21, 2010 that involved canister sampling. On March 23, 2010, the TCEQ released the final laboratory analysis results of the Bunn Unit report testing and the Wilson Compressor report testing. In response to methane concerns reported on March 3, 2010, the TCEQ conducted an investigation and collected air samples on March 4, 2010, at the reported location. The laboratory analysis results did not indicate that any of the major compounds exceeded TCEQ screening levels. View the 100314 and 100315 reports to review the laboratory results for the two samples.

Texas Department of State Health Services Texas Cancer Registry Study

The Town of Flower Mound received a report on March 24, 2010 from the Texas Department of State Health Services indicating there was no evidence of a cancer cluster in Flower Mound. The report, dated March 8, 2010, outlines the results of a 2010 cancer rate study the agency conducted in Flower Mound. The report and a related Texas Department of State Health Services press release are attached for your review. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services report and press release:

Since benzene has been shown to have an association with leukemia and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the investigation studied Childhood Lymphoid Leukemia, Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. In addition, Childhood Brain/CNS Cancer and Breast Cancer were included in response to separate requests.

The chances of a person developing cancer as a result of exposure to an environmental contaminant are slight. Most experts agree that exposure to pollution, occupational, and industrial hazards account for fewer than 10 percent of cancer cases.
It takes time for cancer to develop, between 10–40 years can go by between the exposure to a carcinogen and a diagnosis of cancer.
There was a slight elevation of female breast cancer, which is consistent with the population growth in the area and likely higher mammography use compared to Texas overall. Currently, research does not show a link between breast cancer risk and environmental pollutants, and there isn’t any established scientific link between breast cancer and benzene, the contaminant of chief concern to the Flower Mound community.

External Links

Please visit the external links page for access to information regarding the Denton County Department of Health, the Texas Department of State Health Services, and other related governmental agencies

Flower Mound Works with TCEQ to Monitor Air Quality and Awaits Results of Texas Department of State Health Services Study

The following “Frequently Asked Questions” is provided in response to inquiries regarding a study being conducted by the Texas Department of State Health Services and to provide information regarding Flower Mound’s continued efforts to ensure air quality for the health, safety, and welfare of its residents.

1. Is the Town aware that the State is conducting a study in response to several childhood leukemia cases recently reported? If so, what is the Town’s response?

Town staff has spoken with representatives of the Texas Department of State Health Services to confirm that an analysis is being conducted to determine if there are statistically significant variables occurring in Flower Mound when compared to cancer rates throughout the State. The analysis is anticipated to be concluded by February, and the Town will work with the State to provide any assistance necessary. Previous studies conducted by the State, in Flower Mound and surrounding areas, did not reveal “cancer clusters,” which are defined as the occurrence of a greater than expected number of cases within a group of people, a geographic area or a period of time. If a cancer cluster is found, officials can launch further studies to try and determine the cause. However, according to State officials and the Health Department’s Web site, very few cancer cluster investigations in the United States proceed to this stage. Additional information regarding the study, and previous studies conducted in Texas, can be found at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/tcr/clusters.shtm#whatis.

2. What measures are being taken by the Town to ensure air quality in response to concerns related to gas well drilling?

Town staff met with officials from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) on December 18, 2009 to formally request TCEQ visit two air compression sites within Flower Mound to perform air quality testing; and
To pursue options regarding placement of a permanent air quality monitoring station within the Town.
The Town is currently awaiting the results of a study conducted by TCEQ in response to potential benzene and toxic chemical levels related to oil and gas well drilling. TCEQ is currently analyzing the data obtained from monitored locations in Tarrant, Denton, Johnson, Parker, and Wise counties. The results of this study should be available later this month.
TCEQ reports have indicated that the eight-hour ozone design value for ambient air quality throughout North Texas is improving. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established National Ambient Air Quality Standards for six air pollutants: ozone, lead, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and respirable particulate matter. The standards were established to protect the public from exposure to harmful amounts of pollutants. The Town has hired an engineering firm to establish a baseline for Ambient Air Quality within Flower Mound to be conducted over the next 30-60 days.
The Town will continue to work with State and Federal agencies monitoring air quality within Flower Mound and the region.

3. Where can I obtain additional information?

Additional information regarding air quality can be found on the Town’s Web site at http://www.flower-mound.com/env_resources/env_resources_airquality.php. Links to TCEQ and various other sites related to air quality can be found on this page or by visiting www.tceq.state.tx.us/

Additional information concerning the Texas Department of State Health Services Study can be found at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/tcr/clusters.shtm#whatis.

Posted January 12, 2010

Reports from Outside Agencies

Links

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Air Quality Information

Texas Dept. of Health, Indoor Air Quality

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, Air Resources Laboratory

The Environmental Protection Agency, Air

Texas Environmental Profiles. Air Quality in Texas www.texasep.org/html/air/air.html

North Texas Clean Air Coalition - www.northtexasair.org