Massive Texas Deepwater Oil Export Project Receives EPA Permit
The permit brings the offshore project closer to construction, enabling full loading of very large crude carriers.
(P&GJ) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an air quality permit for Sentinel Midstream’s proposed Texas GulfLink deepwater oil export terminal, moving the offshore project a step closer to construction.
The permit, finalized Sept. 15, authorizes the use of a new vapor capture and control system mounted on an offshore support vessel at the planned GulfLink site, about 30 miles southeast of Freeport, Texas.
“In issuing the first Clean Air Act deepwater port permit since President Trump returned to office, EPA is keeping its promise to unleash American energy dominance and economic prosperity,” said EPA Regional Administrator Scott Mason. “By applying proven technology in an innovative way, this project will increase energy production while fulfilling EPA’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment.”
Sentinel CEO Jeff Ballard called the approval a milestone. “Sentinel Midstream is proud to unveil a groundbreaking vapor control application that will revolutionize the loading of Very Large Crude Carriers in the Gulf of America,” he said. “Developed by our Texas GulfLink team in close collaboration with the EPA, this innovative approach significantly reduces volatile organic compounds, setting a new industry standard for environmental performance.”
The port would be capable of loading up to 85,000 barrels per hour, or about 365 million barrels annually, onto very large crude carriers. EPA said the system’s design adapts technology long used on shuttle tankers in the North Sea, with a reported 96% emissions-control efficiency.
The permit, a combined synthetic minor New Source Review preconstruction and Title V operating permit, includes compliance monitoring, reporting, and certification requirements. It is valid for five years and must be renewed for operations to continue beyond that period.
EPA first issued a draft version of the permit for public comment in May. Under the Deepwater Port Act, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) will still need to issue the facility’s final license before construction can begin.