Notice of Possible Low Flying Helicopter

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has hired a contractor to conduct aerial surveys in the Gulf Coast area of Texas.  The areas to be surveyed include, but may not be limited to portions of Chambers, Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, and Waller Counties.  The helicopter that is being used for these surveys is white with red stripes and has tail number N3027W.

The helicopter flights are scheduled to start on Monday, August 16, 2021 and conclude by Tuesday, August 31, 2021.

The helicopter is equipped with a specialized infrared camera that can image volatile organic compounds (VOC) and other hydrocarbons invisible to the eye. VOC are a class of compounds present in common things like gasoline and solvents. VOC can combine with nitrogen oxides in the presence of sunlight to form ground-level ozone.

The helicopter will perform surveys over and around oil and natural gas operations, petrochemical facilities, and other industrial sites. During these surveys the helicopter may hover and fly a path over and around a site or area multiple times in a manner that allows for the collection of images and other information on potential emission sources. The helicopter may fly a non-grid style search pattern over some areas to avoid tall structures. At times the helicopter may fly or hover at an altitude as low as 250 feet above ground.

TCEQ will update any changes to this schedule, as needed.