CARB proposes 50% cut in new GHG, methane emissions standards

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has put forth new greenhouse gas (GHG) and methane emissions standards for oil and gas facilities. The board said that the proposed rules will reduce emissions by more than 50%.

The released document details system, treatment, operation and device standards that are applicable "at all times" to facilities for:

•    Onshore and offshore oil or gas production
•    Crude oil, condensate and produced water separation and storage
•    Underground storage
•    Gathering and boosting stations
•    Gas processing plants
•    Gas transmission compressor stations.

Tighter requirements are listed for:

•    Leak detection and repair
•    Equipment replacement
•    Data reporting
•    Record keeping.

The methane test procedures focus on determining annual flash emissions rates of oil, gas and produced water storage.
According to CARB, a reduction of 1.5 MMmt CO2 equivalent, more than 3,600 tons of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and more than 100 tons of toxic air contaminants annually are anticipated. The board also stated that, if passed, the proposal would require estimated up-front expenditures of more than $40 MM in direct costs and, mostly due to equipment costs, over $50 MM in overall economic impact by 2018.

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