On May 12, 2016 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced comprehensive steps to address methane emissions from both new and existing sources in the oil and gas sector. For new, modified and reconstructed sources, EPA is finalizing a set of standards that will reduce methane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic air emissions in the oil and natural gas industry. These sources include hydraulically fractured oil wells, some of which can contain a large amount of gas along with oil, and equipment used across the industry that was not regulated in the 2012 rules.

EPA’s final actions also include two rules that clarify permitting requirements for the oil and natural gas industry: the Source Determination Rule and a final federal implementation plan for the Minor New Source Review Program in Indian Country.

EPA is also starting the process to control emissions from existing sources by issuing for public comment an Information Collection Request (ICR) that requires companies to provide the information that will be necessary for EPA to reduce methane emissions from existing oil and gas sources. EPA’s ICR seeks a broad range of information, including the types of technologies that could be used to reduce emissions and their associated costs. The information the agency receives in response to the ICR will provide the foundation for developing regulations to reduce methane emissions from existing oil and gas sources.

EPA will collect the information through a general survey for all owners/operators of existing sources and a more detailed survey for specific facilities. EPA anticipates receiving data from the operator survey later this year and expects to conclude all aspects of the ICR in the first part of 2017.

More information is available at EPA’s Regulatory Actions Web site. Fact sheets summarizing requirements are available for:

• Natural gas well sites
• Oil well sites
• Natural gas production, gathering and boosting station
• Gas processing plants
• Natural gas transmission compressor stations

What this means to you
EPA is finalizing standards that will reduce methane, VOCs and toxic air emissions for new, modified and reconstructed sources in the oil and gas sector. EPA is also issuing an Information Collection Request (ICR) that requires companies provide the information that will be necessary for EPA to reduce methane emissions from existing oil and gas sources.

MIRATECH can help
Contact MIRATECH to learn about emission controls for stationary engines in the oil and gas sector.