Are you striving to understand and figure out how to respond to the EPA’s new methane regulations? You’re not the only one. That’s why we hosted a live webinar recently, exploring the complexity of the new rules and the role of advanced detection technologies in keeping compliant.
(If you missed the live webinar, don’t worry. You can catch an on-demand version right here.)
Not only did our webinar give us the opportunity to create clarity on how the new regulations will impact gas and oil operations, discuss aerial detection technology more in-depth, and share strategies for updates to make in the name of compliance—we also got to answer live questions from the audience.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to everyone’s questions. So, here are a few Q&As we wanted to circle back to here.
A: Getting Gas Mapping LiDAR approved by regulators will be the culmination of a multiyear effort here at Bridger. We anticipate that in 2024, Bridger Photonics will be approved for all sensitivity and frequency requirements within the EPA rules. We currently offer packages ranging from 3 kg/hr to 15 kg/hr and quarterly to monthly inspection frequencies.
When Gas Mapping LiDAR is an approved alternative test method, you can simply specify the test method and Gas Mapping LiDAR technology in your emissions monitoring plan without the need for additional approval. Just reach out to us to get started!
A: The EPA has developed a portal that will go live on May 7th, 2024 when the methane rule goes into effect. Applications containing a description of the technology and specific methodology can be submitted there. The EPA estimates they’ll review the applications within 90 days to determine if it’s complete or not. EPA can take up to 270 days to approve or deny an application. Bridger anticipates quick approval of our technology.
A: We will be able to meet any emission rate detection sensitivity tier, including down to 1 kg/hr at 90% probability of detection (PoD).
A: We’ve been working hard to prepare our application so it’s ready to go on May 7th. We will submit as soon as we are able and anticipate that we will be approved relatively quickly.
A: Not that we are aware of. Bridger Photonics will be able to meet every detection sensitivity level outlined in the rule. We are working with our customers to craft a program that best suits their needs and is flexible as their needs change.
A: Yes, in the new rule, OOOOa sites were incorporated such that an allowable work practice that covers OOOOb sites can be used for OOOOa as well.
A: 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. It is unknown at this time which satellite companies will be part of the third-party program.
A: In order to get a technology approved for the Super-Emitter Program, interested third parties will have to go through the same approval process outlined for the other advanced technologies that are going to be available for operators to use for their emissions monitoring program. We won’t be seeing third-party reports of super emitters until EPA has completed validation of those technologies. We expect this to be in 2025.
A: One thing you have to demonstrate in technology approval is localization capabilities. The native spatial resolution of a satellite is coarse compared to aircraft-based systems. Satellites may be detecting plumes that are so big it’ll be difficult to know where they are coming from and what facilities are emitting. Since satellites are designed to scan large areas quickly for the largest sources of emissions, they are less well suited to pinpointing the source of those emissions down to a particular facility or piece of equipment, particularly in very densely developed fields.
At Bridger Photonics, we will be able to tell you the specifics of what’s leaking so you are going to have the data that you need to refute super emitter claims because there’s a process of investigation and if you have the data available you will be able to prove whether or not that emission is yours. Many of our customers have asked us if we would be willing to validate or invalidate a detection once it occurs and we have packages that will support that. We have a version of this today for customers in response to natural disasters, etc.
A: The short answer is: With the exception of gas plants, all sites subject to OOOOb can use alternative test method monitoring (i.e., GML). This includes:
Interested in learning more about what sites are subject to which EPA rules? Check out EPA’s handy table.
A: A super emitter has broadly been considered any emission that is very large in size. With EPA’s final OOOOb rule, the agency chose 100 kilograms per hour of methane emissions as the threshold for an emission to be classified as a super emitter.