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EPA is proposing a new modified permit for public comment, due to substantial changes needed to the proposed permit, including changes needed to address the public comments. The new comment period begins January 8, 2010 and ends February 17, 2010. The public comment period for the August 2009 proposed air permit closed on October 20, 2009.The proposed Clean Air Act permit would allow Shell to operate the Frontier Discoverer and its associated support vessels to explore for oil and gas within it’s current leases (PDF) (1 page 2MB) on the Chukchi Sea outer continental shelf (OCS). The lease areas to be explored are all beyond 25 miles from Alaska’s seaward boundary west of Wainwright and north of Point Lay. Because the drillship operations are a “major” source, the permit must ensure that the operations meet the requirements of the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) program. The proposed permit is based on a non-guideline ISC3-PRIME modeling system used to predict air pollutant concentrations.The permit and support documents have been modified to address issues raised by commenters, including changes requested by Shell. Overall, total emissions of all pollutants regulated under the new modified proposed permit are lower compared to the August 2009 permit. The proposed permit is based on a non-guideline ISC3-PRIME modeling system used to predict air pollutant concentrations, the same model relied on in the August 2009 proposed permit.

Petra was beyond description, today.  During the long walk down into the secret places, the temperature varied from a cool 60ish to over 70.  The sun bathed the peaks but not our deepest, hidden valleys.  A deep blue sky completely covered us.  A nearly three mile walk in, then out, revealed striking facades of nature’s best handicraft melded with the creative genius of the ancient Nabatean.  Amid sounds of small birds and snorting camels supported by the cacophony of horse driven carriages, baying donkeys and sounds of hikers’ feet on the Roman stone road, we walked and looked and breathed in this great, new wonder of the world.  As throughout our Egypt and Jordan journey we were always accompanied by an armed security officer who carefully coordinated with the ubiquitous ‘Tourism Police’.  Wish you were here.  -dh