Analysis of particulate matter in anthropized areas characterized by the presence of crude oil pre-treatment plants: The case study of the Agri Valley (Southern Italy)

An integrated approach for the evaluation of technological hazard impacts on air quality: the case of the Val d'Agri oil/gas plant

“…COVA has a nominal treatment capacity of 16 500 m 3 day −1 of crude oil and 3.1 million sm 3 day −1 of associated gas and represents one of the main sources of atmospheric pollution in the entire area. In fact, the combustion processes occurring in the COVA plant during normal operating conditions originate both gaseous and particulate emissions, giving rise to possible impacts on the local air quality and also posing health risks to the population living close to this plant (Trippetta et al, 2013). Moreover, the activation of emergency operating procedures deriving from plant malfunctions and anomalies represents a further risk for the environment and human health due to additional and possibly enhanced emissions of atmospheric pollutants.…”

PM<sub>1</sub> measurements at a site close to an oil/gas pre-treatment plant (Agri Valley – southern Italy): a preliminary study

“…3). By comparing the mean value of the PM 1 daily concentrations registered in Viggiano with those reported in other studies, it can be observed that it is generally lower than those found at other sites (Cusack et al, 2013;Onat et al, 2013;Perrone et al, 2014;Theodosi et al, 2011;Caggiano et al, 2010;Pérez et al, 2008a, b;Marenco et al, 2006;Gomišček et al, 2004) and, in particular, it is lower than the PM 1 concentration mean value (11.0±5.1 µg m −3 ) measured close to the COVA plant from July to November 2011 (Trippetta et al, 2013). Regarding the latter, this could be due to the combination of two factors: the geographical position of Viggiano with respect to the COVA plant, and the wind features of the area.…”

“…This plant produces the emission of particles mainly in the fine and sub-micrometric size ranges that should represent a real problem, also posing health risks to the population living close to it (Trippetta et al, 2013). The main goal of this study is that, for the first time, PM 1 measurements have been performed at an urban site located in the proximity of such a plant.…”

“…In this plant, oil stabilisation and gas conditioning are performed before piping the crude oil to the refinery located in Taranto (Puglia region -southern Italy) through a 136 km long oil pipeline, and introducing the gas into the Italian gas distribution network (Snam Rete Gas S.p.A.). The COVA plant is the largest existing oil/gas pre-treatment plant located in an anthropised area (the nominal treatment capacity of the entire plant is 16 500 m 3 g −1 of crude oil and 3 100 000 S m 3 g −1 of associated gas), and the anthropogenic activity with the highest release of atmospheric pollutant emissions in the Agri Valley (Trippetta et al, 2013). In fact, the pre-treatment processes occurring in the COVA plant imply continuous gaseous and particulate atmospheric emissions from several thermo destroyers and a system of torches where control flames burn continuously.…”

“…In fact, although this plant began to work in 2001, only a few studies exist on the air quality in this area (i.e. Trippetta et al, 2013;Pavese et al, 2012).…”