This section applies to fugitive emissions components affected facilities. You must comply with the requirements of paragraphs (a) through (l) of this section to reduce fugitive emissions of methane and VOC. The requirements of this section are independent of the cover and closed vent system requirements of § 60.5411b.

(a) General requirements. You must monitor all fugitive emissions components affected facilities in accordance with paragraphs (b) through (g) of this section. You must repair all sources of fugitive emissions in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section. You must demonstrate initial compliance in accordance with paragraph (i) of this section. You must keep records in accordance with paragraph (j) of this section and report in accordance with paragraph (k) of this section. You must meet the requirements for well closures in accordance with paragraph (l) of this section.

(b) Develop fugitive emissions monitoring plan. You must develop a fugitive emissions monitoring plan that covers all fugitive emissions components affected facilities within each company-defined area in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.

(c) Elements of fugitive emissions monitoring plan. Your fugitive emissions monitoring plan must include the elements specified in paragraphs (c)(1) through (8) of this section, at a minimum.

(1) Frequency for conducting surveys. Surveys must be conducted at least as frequently as required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of this section.

(2) Technique for determining fugitive emissions (i.e., AVO or other detection methods, Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part, and/or OGI and meeting the requirements of paragraphs (c)(7)(i) through (vii) of this section).

(3) Manufacturer and model number of fugitive emissions detection equipment to be used, if applicable.

(4) Procedures and timeframes for identifying and repairing fugitive emissions components from which fugitive emissions are detected, including timeframes for fugitive emission components that are unsafe to repair. Your repair schedule must meet the requirements of paragraph (h) of this section at a minimum.

(5) Procedures and timeframes for verifying fugitive emission component repairs.

(6) Records that will be kept and the length of time records will be kept.

(7) If you are using OGI, your plan must also include the elements specified in paragraphs (c)(7)(i) through (vii) of this section.

(i) Verification that your OGI equipment meets the specifications of paragraphs (c)(7)(i)(A) and (B) of this section. This verification is an initial verification, and may either be performed by the facility, by the manufacturer, or by a third party. For the purposes of complying with the fugitive emissions monitoring program with OGI, fugitive emissions are defined as any visible emissions observed using OGI.

(A) Your OGI equipment must be capable of imaging gases in the spectral range for the compound of highest concentration in the potential fugitive emissions.

(B) Your OGI equipment must be capable of imaging a gas that is half methane, half propane at a concentration of 10,000 ppm at a flow rate of ≤60 g/hr from a quarter inch diameter orifice.

(ii) Procedure for a daily verification check.

(iii) Procedure for determining the operator's maximum viewing distance from the equipment and how the operator will ensure that this distance is maintained.

(iv) Procedure for determining maximum wind speed during which monitoring can be performed and how the operator will ensure monitoring occurs only at wind speeds below this threshold.

(v) Procedures for conducting surveys, including the items specified in paragraphs (c)(7)(v)(A) through (C) of this section.

(A) How the operator will ensure an adequate thermal background is present in order to view potential fugitive emissions.

(B) How the operator will deal with adverse monitoring conditions, such as wind.

(C) How the operator will deal with interferences (e.g., steam).

(vi) Training and experience needed prior to performing surveys.

(vii) Procedures for calibration and maintenance. At a minimum, procedures must comply with those recommended by the manufacturer.

(8) If you are using Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part, your plan must also include the elements specified in paragraphs (c)(8)(i) through (iv) of this section. For the purposes of complying with the fugitive emissions monitoring program using Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part a fugitive emission is defined as an instrument reading of 500 ppmv or greater.

(i) Verification that your monitoring equipment meets the requirements specified in Section 6.0 of Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part. For purposes of instrument capability, the fugitive emissions definition shall be 500 ppmv or greater methane using a FID-based instrument. If you wish to use an analyzer other than an FID-based instrument, you must develop a site-specific fugitive emission definition that would be equivalent to 500 ppmv methane using a FID-based instrument (e.g., 10.6 eV PID with a specified isobutylene concentration as the fugitive emission definition would provide equivalent response to your compound of interest).

(ii) Procedures for conducting surveys. At a minimum, the procedures shall ensure that the surveys comply with the relevant sections of Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part, including Section 8.3.1.

(iii) Procedures for calibration. The instrument must be calibrated before use each day of its use by the procedures specified in Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part. At a minimum, you must also conduct precision tests at the interval specified in Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part, Section 8.1.2, and a calibration drift assessment at the end of each monitoring day. The calibration drift assessment must be conducted as specified in paragraph (c)(8)(iii)(A) of this section. Corrective action for drift assessments is specified in paragraphs (c)(8)(iii)(B) and (C) of this section.

(A) Check the instrument using the same calibration gas that was used to calibrate the instrument before use. Follow the procedures specified in Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part, Section 10.1, except do not adjust the meter readout to correspond to the calibration gas value. If multiple scales are used, record the instrument reading for each scale used. Divide the arithmetic difference of the initial and post-test calibration response by the corresponding calibration gas value for each scale and multiply by 100 to express the calibration drift as a percentage.

(B) If a calibration drift assessment shows a negative drift of more than 10 percent, then all equipment with instrument readings between the fugitive emission definition multiplied by (100 minus the percent of negative drift) divided by 100 and the fugitive emission definition that was monitored since the last calibration must be re-monitored.

(C) If any calibration drift assessment shows a positive drift of more than 10 percent from the initial calibration value, then, at the owner/operator's discretion, all equipment with instrument readings above the fugitive emission definition and below the fugitive emission definition multiplied by (100 plus the percent of positive drift) divided by 100 monitored since the last calibration may be re-monitored.

(iv) Procedures for monitoring yard piping (other than buried yard piping). At a minimum, place the probe inlet at the surface of the yard piping and run the probe down the length of the piping. Connection points on the piping must be monitored following the procedures specified in Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part.

(d) Additional elements of fugitive emissions monitoring plan. Each fugitive emissions monitoring plan must include the elements specified in paragraphs (d)(1) and (2) of this section, at a minimum, as applicable.

(1) If you are using OGI, your plan must include procedures to ensure that all fugitive emissions components, except buried yard piping and associated components (e.g., connectors), are monitored during each survey. Example procedures include, but are not limited to, a sitemap with an observation path, a written narrative of where the fugitive emissions components are located and how they will be monitored, or an inventory of fugitive emissions components.

(2) If you are using Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part, your plan must include a list of fugitive emissions components to be monitored and method for determining the location of fugitive emissions components to be monitored in the field (e.g., tagging, identification on a process and instrumentation diagram, etc.). Your fugitive emissions monitoring plan must include the written plan developed for all of the fugitive emissions components designated as difficult-to-monitor in accordance with paragraph (g)(2) of this section, and the written plan for fugitive emissions components designated as unsafe-to-monitor in accordance with paragraph (g)(3) of this section.

(e) Monitoring of fugitive emissions components. Each fugitive emissions component, except buried yard piping and associated components (e.g., connectors), shall be observed or monitored for fugitive emissions during each monitoring survey.

(f) Initial monitoring survey. You must conduct initial monitoring surveys according to the requirements specified in paragraphs (f)(1) through (4) of this section.

(1) At single wellhead only sites and small sites, you must conduct an initial monitoring survey using audible, visual, and olfactory (AVO), or any other detection methods (e.g., OGI), within 90 days of the startup of production, for each fugitive emissions components affected facility or by June 6, 2024 whichever date is later.

(2) For multi-wellhead only well sites, well sites or centralized production facilities that contain the major production and processing equipment specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(iv)(A), (B), (C), or (D) of this section, and compressor station sites, you must conduct an initial monitoring survey using OGI or Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part within 90 days of the startup of production, for each fugitive emissions components affected facility or by June 6, 2024 whichever date is later.

(3) For a modified or reconstructed fugitive emissions components affected facility, the initial monitoring survey must be conducted within 90 days of the startup of production for each fugitive emissions components affected facility after the modification or reconstruction or by June 6, 2024, whichever date is later.

(4) Notwithstanding the deadlines specified in paragraphs (f)(1) through (3) of this section, for each fugitive emissions components affected facility located on the Alaskan North Slope that starts up production between September and March, you must conduct an initial monitoring survey within 6 months of the startup of production for a new well site, within 6 months of the first day of production after a modification of the fugitive emissions components affected facility, or by the following June 30, whichever date is latest.

(g) Monitoring frequency. A monitoring survey of each fugitive emissions components affected facility must be performed as specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this section, with the exceptions noted in paragraphs (g)(2) through (4) of this section. Monitoring for fugitive emissions components affected facilities located at well sites and centralized production facilities that have wells located onsite must continue at the specified frequencies in paragraphs (g)(1)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (vi) of this section until the well closure requirements of paragraph (l) of this section are completed.

(1) A monitoring survey of the fugitive emissions components affected facilities must be conducted using the methods and at the frequencies specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section.

(i) A monitoring survey of the fugitive emissions component affected facilities located at single wellhead only well sites must be conducted at least quarterly using AVO, or any other detection method, after the initial survey except as specified in paragraph (g)(1)(vi) of this section. Any indications of fugitive emissions using these methods are considered fugitive emissions that must be repaired in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section.

(ii) A monitoring survey of the fugitive emissions component affected facilities located at small well sites must be conducted at least quarterly using AVO, or any other detection method, after the initial survey except as specified in paragraph (g)(1)(vi) of this section. Any indications of fugitive emissions using these methods are considered fugitive emissions that must be repaired in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section. At small well sites with an uncontrolled storage vessel, a visual inspection of all thief hatches and other openings on the storage vessel that are fugitive emissions components must be conducted in conjunction with the monitoring survey to ensure that they are kept closed and sealed at all times except during times of adding or removing material, inspecting or sampling material, or during required maintenance operations. If evidence of a deviation from this requirement is found, you must take corrective action. At small well sites with a separator, a visual inspection of all separator dump valves to ensure the dump valve is free of debris and not stuck in an open position must be conducted in conjunction with the monitoring survey. Any dump valve not operating as designed must be repaired.

(iii) A monitoring survey of the fugitive emissions components affected facilities located at multi-wellhead only well sites must be conducted in accordance with paragraphs (g)(1)(iii)(A) and (B) of this section, except as specified in paragraph (g)(1)(vi) of this section.

(A) A monitoring survey must be conducted at least quarterly using AVO, or any other detection method, after the initial survey. Any indications of fugitive emissions using these methods are considered fugitive emissions that must be repaired in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section.

(B) A monitoring survey must be conducted at least semiannually using OGI or Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part after the initial survey. Consecutive semiannual surveys must be conducted at least 4 months apart and no more than 7 months apart.

(iv) A monitoring survey of the fugitive emissions components affected facilities located at well sites or centralized production facilities that contain the major production and processing equipment specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(iv)(A), (B), (C), or (D) must be conducted at the frequencies in paragraphs (g)(1)(iv)(E) and (F) of this section, except as specified in paragraph (g)(1)(vi) of this section.

(A) One or more controlled storage vessels or tank batteries.

(B) One or more control devices.

(C) One or more natural gas-driven process controllers or pumps.

(D) Two or more pieces of major production and processing equipment not specified in paragraphs (g)(1)(iv)(A) through (C) of this section.

(E) A monitoring survey must be conducted at least bimonthly using AVO, or any other detection method, after the initial survey. Any indications of fugitive emissions using these methods are considered fugitive emissions that must be repaired in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section. A visual inspection of all thief hatches and other openings on storage vessels (or tank batteries) that are fugitive emissions components must be conducted in conjunction with the monitoring survey to ensure that they are kept closed and sealed at all times except during times of adding or removing material, inspecting or sampling material, or during required maintenance operations. If evidence of a deviation from this requirement is found, you must take corrective action. A visual inspection must be conducted of all separator dump valves to ensure the dump valve is free of debris and not stuck in an open position must be conducted in conjunction with the monitoring survey. Any dump valve not operating as designed must be repaired.

(F) A monitoring survey must be conducted at least quarterly using OGI or Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part after the initial survey. Consecutive quarterly monitoring surveys must be conducted at least 60 calendar days apart.

(v) A monitoring survey of the fugitive emissions components affected facility located at a compressor station must be conducted at the frequencies in paragraphs (g)(1)(v)(A) and (B) of this section, except as specified in paragraph (g)(1)(vi) of this section,

(A) A monitoring survey must be conducted at least monthly using AVO, or any other detection method, after the initial survey. Any indications of fugitive emissions using these methods are considered fugitive emissions that must be repaired in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section.

(B) A monitoring survey must be conducted at least quarterly using OGI or Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part after the initial survey. Consecutive quarterly monitoring surveys must be conducted at least 60 calendar days apart.

(vi) A monitoring survey of the fugitive emissions components affected facility located on the Alaska North Slope must be conducted using OGI of this part or Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part at least annually. Consecutive annual monitoring surveys must be conducted at least 9 months apart and no more than 13 months apart.

(2) If you are using Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part, fugitive emissions components that cannot be monitored without elevating the monitoring personnel more than 2 meters above the surface may be designated as difficult-to-monitor. Fugitive emissions components that are designated difficult-to-monitor must meet the specifications of paragraphs (g)(2)(i) through (iv) of this section.

(i) A written plan must be developed for all the fugitive emissions components designated difficult-to-monitor. This written plan must be incorporated into the fugitive emissions monitoring plan required by paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.

(ii) The plan must include the identification and location of each fugitive emissions component designated as difficult-to-monitor.

(iii) The plan must include an explanation of why each fugitive emissions component designated as difficult-to-monitor is difficult-to-monitor.

(iv) The plan must include a schedule for monitoring the difficult-to-monitor fugitive emissions components at least once per calendar year.

(3) If you are using Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part, fugitive emissions components that cannot be monitored because monitoring personnel would be exposed to immediate danger while conducting a monitoring survey may be designated as unsafe-to-monitor. Fugitive emissions components that are designated unsafe-to-monitor must meet the specifications of paragraphs (g)(3)(i) through (iv) of this section.

(i) A written plan must be developed for all the fugitive emissions components designated unsafe-to-monitor. This written plan must be incorporated into the fugitive emissions monitoring plan required by paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section.

(ii) The plan must include the identification and location of each fugitive emissions component designated as unsafe-to-monitor.

(iii) The plan must include an explanation of why each fugitive emissions component designated as unsafe-to-monitor is unsafe-to-monitor.

(iv) The plan must include a schedule for monitoring the fugitive emissions components designated as unsafe-to-monitor.

(4) The requirements of paragraphs (g)(1)(iv)(F) and (g)(1)(v)(B) of this section are waived during a quarterly monitoring period for any fugitive emissions components affected facility located within an area that has an average calendar month temperature below 0 degrees Fahrenheit for two of three consecutive calendar months of a quarterly monitoring period. The calendar month temperature average for each month within the quarterly monitoring period must be determined using historical monthly average temperatures over the previous three years as reported by a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration source or other source approved by the Administrator. The requirements of paragraph (g)(1)(iv) and (v) of this section shall not be waived for two consecutive quarterly monitoring periods.

(h) Repairs. Each identified source of fugitive emissions shall be repaired in accordance with paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) of this section.

(1) A first attempt at repair shall be made in accordance with paragraphs (h)(1)(i) and (ii) of this section.

(i) A first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 15 calendar days after detection of fugitive emissions that were identified using AVO.

(ii) If you are complying with paragraph (g)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section using OGI or Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part, a first attempt at repair shall be made no later than 30 calendar days after detection of the fugitive emissions.

(2) Repair shall be completed as soon as practicable, but no later than 15 calendar days after the first attempt at repair as required in paragraph (h)(1)(i) of this section, and 30 calendar days after the first attempt at repair as required in paragraph (h)(1)(ii) of this section.

(3) Delay of repair will be allowed if the conditions in paragraphs (h)(3)(i) or (ii) of this section are met.

(i) If the repair is technically infeasible, would require a vent blowdown, a compressor station shutdown, a well shutdown or well shut-in, or would be unsafe to repair during operation of the unit, the repair must be completed during the next scheduled compressor station shutdown for maintenance, scheduled well shutdown, scheduled well shut-in, after a scheduled vent blowdown, or within 2 years of detecting the fugitive emissions, whichever is earliest. A vent blowdown is the opening of one or more blowdown valves to depressurize major production and processing equipment, other than a storage vessel.

(ii) If the repair requires replacement of a fugitive emissions component or a part thereof, but the replacement cannot be acquired and installed within the repair timelines specified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (2) of this section due to either of the conditions specified in paragraph (h)(3)(ii)(A) or (B) of this section, the repair must be completed in accordance with paragraph (h)(3)(ii)(C) of this section and documented in accordance with § 60.5420b(c)(14)(v)(I).

(A) Valve assembly supplies had been sufficiently stocked but are depleted at the time of the required repair.

(B) A replacement fugitive emissions component or a part thereof requires custom fabrication.

(C) The required replacement must be ordered no later than 10 calendar days after the first attempt at repair. The repair must be completed as soon as practicable, but no later than 30 calendar days after receipt of the replacement component, unless the repair requires a compressor station or well shutdown. If the repair requires a compressor station or well shutdown, the repair must be completed in accordance with the timeframe specified in paragraph (h)(3)(i) of this section.

(4) Each identified source of fugitive emissions must be resurveyed to complete repair according to the requirements of paragraphs (h)(4)(i) through (v) of this section, to ensure that there are no fugitive emissions.

(i) The operator may resurvey the fugitive emissions components to verify repair using either Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part or OGI, except as specified in paragraph (h)(4)(v) of this section.

(ii) For each repair that cannot be made during the monitoring survey when the fugitive emissions are initially found, a digital photograph must be taken of that component, or the component must be tagged during the monitoring survey when the fugitive emissions were initially found for identification purposes and subsequent repair. The digital photograph must include the date that the photograph was taken and must clearly identify the component by location within the site (e.g., the latitude and longitude of the component or by other descriptive landmarks visible in the picture).

(iii) Operators that use Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part to resurvey the repaired fugitive emissions components are subject to the resurvey provisions specified in paragraphs (h)(4)(iii)(A) and (B) of this section.

(A) A fugitive emissions component is repaired when the Method 21 instrument indicates a concentration of less than 500 ppmv above background or when no soap bubbles are observed when the alternative screening procedures specified in section 8.3.3 of Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part are used.

(B) Operators must use the Method 21 monitoring requirements specified in paragraph (c)(8)(ii) of this section or the alternative screening procedures specified in section 8.3.3 of Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part.

(iv) Operators that use OGI to resurvey the repaired fugitive emissions components are subject to the resurvey provisions specified in paragraphs (h)(4)(iv)(A) and (B) of this section.

(A) A fugitive emissions component is repaired when the OGI instrument shows no indication of visible emissions.

(B) Operators must use the OGI monitoring requirements specified in paragraph (c)(7) of this section.

(v) For fugitive emissions identified using AVO detection methods, the operator may resurvey using those same methods, Method 21 of appendix A-7 to this part, or OGI. For operators that use AVO detection methods, a fugitive emissions component is repaired when there are no indications of fugitive emissions using these methods.

(i) Initial compliance. You must demonstrate initial compliance with the standards that apply to fugitive emissions components affected facilities as required by § 60.5410b(k).

(j) Continuous compliance. You must demonstrate continuous compliance with the standards that apply to fugitive emissions components affected facilities as required by § 60.5415b(l).

(k) Reporting and recordkeeping. You must comply with the reporting requirements as specified in § 60.5420b(b)(1) and (9), and the recordkeeping requirements as specified in § 60.5420b(c)(14).

(l) Well closure requirements. You must complete the requirements specified in paragraphs (l)(1) through (4) of this section.

(1) You must submit a well closure plan to the Administrator within 30 days of the cessation of production from all wells located at the well site as specified in § 60.5420b(a)(4)(i). The well closure plan must include, at a minimum, the information specified in paragraphs (l)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section.

(i) Description of the steps necessary to close all wells at the well site, including permanent plugging of all wells;

(ii) Description of the financial requirements and disclosure of financial assurance to complete closure; and

(iii) Description of the schedule for completing all activities in the well closure plan.

(2) You must submit a notification as specified in § 60.5420b(a)(4)(ii) of intent to close the well site to the Administrator 60 days before you begin well closure activities.

(3) You must conduct a survey of the well site using OGI, including each closed well, after completing all well closure activities outlined in the well closure plan specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this section. If any emissions are imaged by the OGI instrument, then you must take steps to eliminate those emissions and you must resurvey the source of emissions. You must repeat steps to eliminate emissions and resurvey the source of emissions until no emissions are imaged by the OGI instrument. You must update the well closure plan specified in paragraph (l)(1) of this section to include the video of the OGI survey demonstrating closure of all wells at the site.

(4) You must maintain the records specified in § 60.5420b(c)(14) and submit the reports specified in § 60.5420b(b)(9).

[89 FR 17043, Mar. 8, 2024, as amended at 89 FR 62892, Aug. 1, 2024]