EPA Adds New Source Performance Standards for GHG and VOC Emissions in Oil and Natural Gas Sector

June 7th, 2016 Regulatory Updates

New Source Summary
EPA is adding new source performance standards for GHG and VOC emissions from sources in the oil and natural gas sector that are unregulated under the current NSPS at 40 CFR 60, Subpart OOOO, including hydraulically fractured oil well completions, pneumatic pumps, and fugitive emissions from well sites and compressor stations; sources that are currently regulated at 40 CFR 60, Subpart OOOO for VOC, but not for GHGs, including hydraulically fractured gas well completions and equipment leaks at natural gas processing plants; and certain equipment that is used across the oil and natural gas sector for which 40 CFR 60, Subpart OOOO regulates emissions of VOC from only a subset (pneumatic controllers, centrifugal compressors, and reciprocating compressors) with the exception of compressors located at well sites. The new standards apply to facilities constructed, modified or reconstructed after September 18, 2015. The existing standards at 40 CFR 60, Subpart OOOO apply to facilities constructed, modified or reconstructed after August 23, 2011 and on or before September 18, 2015.

For full text of this new rule, click here to view 81 FR 35824.

Related Citations:
40 CFR 5365(e)(5); 40 CFR 60, Subpart OOOO; 40 CFR 60, Subpart OOOOa; 40 CFR 60.5360; 40 CFR 60.5365