Does flare pollution matter?

Environmentally-conscious students headed to Abalone Cove on Sept.15, International Coastal Cleanup Day, to aid in the preservation of coasts. Ironically, on the same day, in Wilmington, the ConocoPhillips Refinery fume layered the South Bay with thick black smoke. The fumes came from a non-emergency flare operation which allegedly caused no harm to either workers or the environment. According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District, the air samples from the flare met state standards, which define “healthy air” as 1 and 8 parts per billion of toxic pollutants such as benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene. As a result, the refinery dismissed the case, insisting the samples met regulation.

Evidently, the standards for a safe environment have declined. The ConocoPhillips refinery is just one example; it has, over the years, shown little professionalism, with abundant instances of flares and chemical listings. Starting in 2003, at least eight flares have been set by the refinery. Although the purpose of the flares is to “safely” release hydrocarbons rather than exposing them directly, it nevertheless harms the environment. Hesperian Health Guides states that flares pollute the clouds causing “black rain” that poisons water sources. As a result, the flare, which spreads toxic particles pervasively, affects neighboring cities by exposing them to not only undrinkable water, but also horrific air quality, risks of cancer, and skin diseases.

Instead of the filthy air, regulations and specific measures should be enacted. It is truly unfair that refineries do not take responsibility for polluting many communities. To a certain extent, pollutions are acceptable, but when it comes down to .10 percent, serious attention is necessary. If not, the contamination of the air will eventually lead to unhealthy lives for future Panthers.

Ben Smith, Environmental Science AP teacher, also believes that the environment should be cared for and thought of more frequently in our lives.

“Ultimately, I think all of the world’s people are hoping that as a species, we exercise daily habits which enhance long-term sustainability and a high-quality of life for all 7.3 billion people on Earth,” Smith said.