Posted on: 08. 29. 19
Over the last decade, the EPA has been focused on the New Source Review and its final steps towards state implementations regarding greenhouse gas emissions and Clean Air Act permits. Although the initial actions went into effect in January 2011, the EPA has recently begun to make revisions to their New Source Review that will have a further impact on the oil and gas industry.
At Pro-Gas, LLC, we love to keep our clients informed on what’s news in our industry. Here’s a closer look at the new review rules and how these new standards will benefit the industry’s push for cleaner oil and gas production and safer facilities.
What is the Reasoning Behind the New Source Rules?
The whole goal of the New Source Review is to reduce methane found at many oil and gas drilling sites and production facilities. Through the use of industry tech, volatile organic compounds, including methane will be reduced and allow for clearer air and the preservation of our overall climate.
This push towards greener production is not only environmentally sound but also helps save the U.S. at least $2 billion in annual lost revenue to methane leaks.
What Are the New Standards Expected of Oil and Gas?
In 2016, the EPA decided that the standards of the review needed to be raised in order to meet the regulations and expectations of the Supreme Court and D.C. Circuit decisions on the reduction of greenhouse gases.
Two of the biggest changes the industry will see in the push for greener production are more inspections at local sites and more efficient repair requirements for production and drilling equipment.
More Inspections
Leak detection is the main cause of methane emissions at numerous oil and gas sites. The EPA has initiated a Leak Detection and Repair program to ensure that equipment inspections increase and leaks are fixed in a cost-effective manner. According to the EPA, these checks will occur quarterly at compressor stations and semi-annually for well sites.
Innovative Technology
Over the years, the technology used to detect methane has quickly advanced. The final rules on the New Source Review state that oil and gas operators now have the choice to employ these technological advancements if they can prove the tech truly reduces VOCs. With this type of technology in place, both offshore and onshore drilling sites will be able to monitor leaks on a continual basis with overall less effort.
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