Recent Publications and Regulatory Updates - Spirit Envirnomental Consultants : Spirit Environmental Consultants
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President Biden highlighted the impact of methane emissions on climate change at the Conference of Parties 26 (“COP26”) talks in October. The effect of methane emissions is further demonstrated by a proliferation of mandatory and voluntary programs to limit methane emissions throughout the oil and natural gas supply chains. Particularly critical for oil and gas operators, “methane intensity” is becoming a preferred approach for communicating methane emissions data and performance throughout the industry.
Final Rule Published on Phasedown of HFCs
On October 5, 2021, the EPA published a Final Rule in the Federal Register: “Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Establishing the Allowance Allocation and Program under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act” (AIM Act). The AIM Act directs the EPA to phasedown production and consumption of HFCs in the United States by 85% over the next 15 years. The effective date of this final rule is November 4, 2021.
Expanded and New Ozone Nonattainment areas in Colorado and Texas
Did you know the EPA is considering revisions to air quality designations under the 2015 ozone NAAQS? If so, did you realize the EPA intends to expand the Weld County, Colorado nonattainment designation and designate El Paso County, Texas as nonattainment? Well, it’s true.
Impacts of Texas Ozone Nonattainment Bump Ups: HGB, DFW, and San Antonio/Bexar County
Have you been keeping up with recent discussions regarding the Ozone Nonattainment Areas in Texas? Spirit Has! As you may know, the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria (HGB) and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) ozone nonattainment areas are currently classified as “serious” under the 2008 ozone standard and “marginal” under the 2015 ozone standard. San Antonio/Bexar County is also “marginal” under the 2015 ozone standard (this area is attainment under the 2008 ozone standard). Another important piece of information is that 2021 is an attainment year for both standards.
Colorado Regulation 7 Deadlines
With recent updates and changes to Colorado’s Regulation 7, you may be unaware of upcoming deadlines for oil and gas operators.
Update on EPA’s Proposed Rule to Phase Down HFCs
Are you keeping track of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) related items? If you are, then you may be interested in the following information. On May 19th, 2021, the EPA published a Proposed Rule in the Federal Register entitled, “Phasedown of Hydrofluorocarbons: Establishing the Allowance Allocation and Trading Program under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act”.
Western Burrowing Owl Surveys: CPW Updates Survey Protocols
Are you planning construction on your project site? Do you have prairie dog burrows or other mammal burrows such as those created by badgers or ground squirrels on the site? If so you will need to conduct surveys for the Western Burrowing Owl.
EPA Proposes 1-Bromopropane to be Added to HAP List Under Section 112 of FCAA
On June 11, 2021, the EPA published an “Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking” in the Federal Register. This notice concerns the addition of 1-Bromopropane (1‑BP) to the list of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) regulated under Section 112 of the Federal Clean Air Act (FCAA).
TCEQ Publishes Changes to Chapter 116 – Allows Use of Project Emissions Accounting within Major NSR Applicability Analysis
Have you seen the June 25, 2021 edition of the Texas Register? The TCEQ published changes to 30 TAC 116 (Chapter 116) that will allow a company to use the EPA’s “Project Emissions Accounting” (PEA) capability within the Major New Source Review (Major NSR – PSD and Nonattainment Review) applicability analysis.
MSW Landfill Rule
On May 21, 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a new Final Rule entitled “Federal Plan Requirements for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Landfills That Commenced Construction On or Before July 17, 2014, and Have Not Been Modified or Reconstructed Since July 17, 2014”?
Colorado Pneumatic Controller Rule Sets New Standard: What you need to know
This year, Colorado adopted a new rule affecting well production facilities and compressor stations that operate natural gas driven pneumatic controllers. These devices are designed to release small amounts of natural gas as they control processes at oil and natural gas facilities. Beginning May 1, 2021, all new or modified oil and gas facilities upstream of a natural gas processing plant in Colorado are required to use non-emitting pneumatic controllers.
New Well Production Facility LDAR Requirements in Colorado
The Colorado Air Pollution Control Division is implementing new well production facility LDAR requirements for facilities within 1,000 ft. of an occupied area which go into effect March 1, 2021.
TCEQ Clean Water Program for Oil & Gas
Discharges associated with oil and gas activities, pipelines, and natural gas processing plants, will no longer fall under Railroad Commission of Texas jurisdiction.
Colorado Regulation 3 & 7 Deadlines
Recent updates and changes to Colorado’s Regulations 3 and 7 may have you unaware of upcoming deadlines for oil and gas operators.
New Colorado Emission Inventory Reporting Requirements
As part of the December 2019 rulemaking process, Colorado passed new emission inventory reporting requirements (EI) under Regulation No. 7. The new requirements apply to oil and natural gas sources located at or upstream of a natural gas processing plant.
Reporting Season – Spirit is Here to Help!
Our team is equipped to assist clients in a wide range of industries to accomplish their reporting needs. Spirit’s experts are prepared to work with clients to streamline reports, implement facility objectives, and provide necessary trainings and education on regulatory compliance.
Colorado Air Quality Control Commission September 2020 Rulemaking: What You Need to Know
As we head into the final months of 2020 (can you believe it?), the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission (“AQCC”) has finalized changes to Regulation Number 7, increasing regulations to reduce emissions from oil and gas facilities.
Revised Final Rules for NSPS OOOO and OOOOa
On September 15, 2020, the EPA published the revised final rules for NSPS OOOO and OOOOa. Changes to these rules could affect your oil or natural gas facility.
Colorado EI – Is BAMM the Route for You?
Let Spirit assist you in determining if Best Available Monitoring Method (BAMM) is the approach for you.
Navigating the New Colorado Emission Inventory Requirements?
Navigating the new Colorado EI requirements and submittal process?
Colorado Oil & Gas New Annual Emissions Inventory
Beginning July 1st, oil and gas operators in Colorado will need to start collecting activity data on all emission sources for the new annual emission inventory.
Colorado APCD Temporarily Allowing Electronic Submission of APEN(s) and Construction Permits
Are you submitting APEN(s) or construction permit applications to the Colorado Air Pollution Control Division during COVID-19?
EPA Enforcement Discretion Related to COVID-19 Pandemic
Spirit’s summary of the recently issued Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Program memo.
TCEQ Extends 2019 Point Source EI Reporting Deadline
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (“TCEQ”) has extended the 2019 Point Source Emissions Inventory (“EI”) Reporting deadline to on or before April 30, 2020.