Gas Mapping LiDAR and EPA Compliance: Your Top Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions about Bridger's EPA Technology Approval 

When it comes to EPA methane regulations, compliance can feel overwhelming. With so many requirements and evolving standards, it’s natural to have questions—especially about the role that advanced technologies like Gas Mapping LiDAR (GML) can play. 

To help, we’ve compiled answers to our most commonly received questions about using aerial GML for regulatory compliance. Whether you're navigating EPA rules or planning your emissions monitoring strategy, these FAQs should provide some clarity.

What site types can be scanned by GML for compliance?

GML can be used to monitor:

• Well sites
• Centralized production facilities
• Compressor stations
   

Does Bridger report super-emitters to the EPA?

Absolutely not. Bridger Photonics is a partner to the industry, and we take our responsibility to safeguard both customer and non-customer data very seriously.

What leak detection regulations does the GML alternative test method satisfy?

Bridger’s GML technology satisfies compliance for several EPA methane emission standards:

• Subpart OOOOa: Fugitive emissions components and cover/closed vent system scans for sites regulated between September 18, 2015 and December 6, 2022.
• Subpart OOOOb: Fugitive emissions components and compliance verification for cover/closed vent systems for sites regulated after December 6, 2022.
• Subpart OOOOc: Compliance options for sites regulated under state plans developed after December 6, 2022.

Additionally, Bridger is actively working with state environmental departments to expand compliance options under these evolving frameworks.
 

What infrastructure is covered under monitoring requirements?

The following components fall under GML monitoring for methane emissions compliance:

• Fugitive Emissions Components: This includes any component at a well site, centralized production facility, or compressor station with the potential to emit fugitive methane or VOCs. Examples include valves (e.g., separator dump valves), connectors, pressure relief devices, open-ended lines, flanges, and yard piping.
• Covers: These are continuous impermeable barriers over potential emissions sources, preventing direct emissions into the atmosphere. Covers include access hatches, sampling ports, pressure relief devices, and gauge wells. For emissions reduction standards, covers are subject to a "no identifiable emissions" standard.
• Closed Vent Systems: Hard-piping, ductwork, connections, and flow-inducing devices that transport gas or vapor from equipment to a control device or process. These systems must meet the "no identifiable emissions" standard when used for methane reduction compliance.

This comprehensive coverage ensures key infrastructure elements are monitored efficiently and in compliance with EPA standards.
 

What detection sensitivity tiers can you use GML for?

We support compliance with any site scan frequency tier of EPA requirements, from 1 kg/hr to 15 kg/hr, giving operators the flexibility to choose what works best for their operations.
 

How do I decide on my program?

Bridger is here to help you seamlessly comply with environmental regulations. We know each of our industry partners has different needs and objectives, and we are happy to share our experience scanning infrastructure throughout the US to help you design your program.
 

If my ATM detection sensitivity choice requires an annual OGI survey, when should it happen?

If your monitoring plan includes an annual Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) survey requirement, the schedule is as follows:

• The first annual OGI survey must occur within 12 months of your initial periodic GML screening
• Subsequent annual OGI surveys must take place within 12 months of the previous OGI survey

If you replace a periodic GML screening with an OGI survey or perform a full-site OGI survey during a follow-up to detected emissions, this resets the timer for the next required annual OGI survey.
 

When do we need to start emissions monitoring or Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR)?

Your timeline for initiating periodic screening depends on the status of your site:

• Newly regulated sites: Monitoring must begin within 90 days of the startup of fugitive emissions components and storage vessels requiring emissions reductions  (i.e. after startup of fugitive emissions components and storage vessels that require emissions reductions if these sources are new, modified, or reconstructed).
• Previously monitored sites: If you were previously using OGI, Method 21, or Audio-Visual-Olfactory (AVO) inspections, your GML screening should align with the next monitoring survey you would have conducted under those methods.

These guidelines help ensure a seamless transition to advanced technologies like GML.
 

What is the follow-up for confirmed detections using GML?

Follow up starts with ground-based inspections of emitting equipment. Because GML precisely localizes sources, you can keep those inspections focused on a small area - within 4 meters for some equipment and 2 meters for others.
 

What about pipeline leak detection and repair?

Pipeline leak detection is not covered under EPA rules. Instead, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). 

Bridger’s GML technology is well-positioned to support compliance with PHMSA’s Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair rulemaking, offering high-precision monitoring for gathering, transmission, and distribution pipelines.

For more details, see Bridger’s regulations page.
 

Ready to Take the Next Step and Meet EPA's Methane Monitoring Requirements?

Gas Mapping LiDAR is a powerful tool for methane monitoring, offering precision, flexibility, and compliance-ready emissions data. By addressing these common questions, we hope to clarify how GML can fit into your emissions management strategy in a way that lets you meet regulations, reduce operational risks, and streamline your monitoring program.

Have additional questions about implementing GML? Contact us today—we’re here to help you take the next step.