The May 29 DEP News contained this summary of how Pennsylvania regulates methane emissions from the oil and gas industry--

Pennsylvania set the bar for tough emission requirements and is a national leader in creating and implementing stringent enforceable regulations on the oil and gas industry.

As the first state in the country to require a comprehensive leak detection and repair program at natural gas operations, Pennsylvania has led the way in protecting public health and the environment from emissions resulting from natural gas operations in the Marcellus Shale region of the state. Today, although implemented differently than other states, we continue to regulate methane as stringently and effectively as any other state in the nation.

Here’s a glance into what we require:

Pennsylvania’s leak detection programs require operators to conduct leak detection and repair programs monthly using audible, visual and odor detection methods. In addition, on a quarterly basis, operators must use leak detection monitoring devices, such as a forward looking infrared camera, to detect methane leaks. All methane leaks at compressor stations or processing facilities must be fully repaired, completely eliminating the leak in 15 days or less.

On well pads, leak detection and repair must be conducted annually and include the entire well pad, not just the natural gas liquids tanks and piping as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the oil and gas sector. Going above what is required by EPA, any detected leaks on well pads in Pennsylvania are also required to be repaired within 15 days. Failure to comply with any criteria associated with the operation of a well pad may result in the requirement for that operator to cease operations.

DEP also incorporates leak detection and repair requirements as a permit condition for natural gas transmission projects. Once again going beyond what is federally required, Pennsylvania has also directed owners and operators of certain traditional oil and natural gas sources to report their emissions annually.

It is also important to note that Pennsylvania’s leak detection and repair programs not only control methane, they also are established to control volatile organic compounds and the associated hazardous air pollutants.

So, how do we compare to other states? Under the administration of Governor Corbett, environmental protection standards for the natural gas industry are among the most extensive and comprehensive in the nation. It has been and will continue to be our utmost priority to ensure that this valuable energy resource is produced and used with the safety, health and well-being of Pennsylvanians in the forefront.

A more detailed state-by-state comparison of how methane is being regulated in Pennsylvania and in other energy-producing states, is available here.

Related Story:

Opinion: Mitigate Methane Emissions In Pennsylvania

(Reprinted from the May 29 DEP News.  Click Here to sign up for your own copy.)

6/2/2014