FIGURE 1.1. BP group annual total air emissions by pollutant 1999-2004
(See Color Plates). FIGURE 1.2. BP group annual total air emissions* by
business 1999-2004 (See Color Plates). evaporate. In addition, gas can
be released from operations through contr- led process vents for safety
protection. Further safety devices, such as flares, are used to burn
excess hydrocarbons in the industry, but can allow a small proportion of
hydrocarbon into the atmosphere without being burnt. Ind- try contains
and controls these emissions wherever possible to minimize any loss of
hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbon vapours, often described as volatile organic
compounds or VOCs, are potentially harmful air pollutants, which can
result in local health impacts as well as local or regional
contributions to the formation of low-level ozone; which in turn, may
also impact human health. Controlling hydrocarbon loss helps prevent
impact on air quality and is also economically beneficial. 4 A. Ahnell
and H. O'Leary In 2004, BP emitted 245 kilo-tonnes of non-methane
hydrocarbons to air, a decrease of 24 kilo-tonnes (9%) compared with
2003. The largest prop- tion of these emissions came from the
exploration and production businesses (44%), followed by refining and
marketing (R&M) (35%). Combining methane and non-methane hydrocarbon
totals provides a better idea of where most of the hydrocarbon emissions
come from within the ind- try sectors. In BP's case, the exploration and
production activities account for 67% of the total volume of such
hydrocarbons emitted to air in 2004.
