All You Need to Know About EPA Guidelines for Zone 1 Environments

Key Insights into EPA Guidelines for Zone 1 Environments

Recent industry data reveals global temperature has risen by an average of 0.17 degrees Fahrenheit per decade since 1901, with the U.S. warming faster than the global rate. These phenomena continue to have far-reaching and multifaceted impacts on the planet, including extreme weather events, ecosystem changes, health implications, and socio-economic impacts. Experts reveal global warming and climate change are primarily linked to greenhouse gas emissions that blanket the Earth and trap the sun's heat.

With studies that show 23% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions come directly from Zone 1 environments, such as oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, food processing, and construction, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is leading efforts to reverse greenhouse emissions in these industries and protect human health and the environment.

Consequently, the EPA has been launching a purview of targeted guidelines for Zone 1 environments aimed at reducing and mitigating the presence of hazardous pollutants and ensuring stringent regulatory compliance to safeguard public health and the ecosystem. This blog tracks the anticipated EPA guidelines and how digital solutions can help ensure full compliance.

New Changes to Greenhouse Gas Reporting Requirements in Subpart W

The EPA launched the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) in 2009 to collect and report greenhouse gas emissions data across certain industries, including Zone 1 environments. Through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA), Congress later expanded the GHGRP's mandate related to the oil and natural gas sector, popularly known as "Subpart W." The act requires the EPA to revise the program to enable reported data to be used to assess a fee on "excess" methane emissions. Consequently, the EPA published its proposed Subpart W revisions on August 1, 2023, and plans to finalize the amendments by August 16, 2024. Below is a summary of anticipated vital changes, including reporting requirements for new sources, changes to methods of data collection, and more:

• New sources: The EPA plans an additional new emission category called "large emission events" requiring reporting for specific significant emission events or super emitters related to the November 2022 OOOOb and OOOOc rules. For the first time, the EPA requires reporting on mud degassing, nitrogen removal units, produced water tanks, crankcase venting, and combustion slips in the E&P and midstream sectors.

• Site-specific measurements: The EPA is shifting from using standard emission factors to adopting site-specific measurement methods (direct and parametric) and more precise calculation techniques. While this shift should improve the accuracy of emissions estimation, it will also impose heavier resource demands on Subpart W reporters. Additionally, there will be tax implications as the reported data will determine "excess" emissions and the consequent Methane Fee.
• Use of parametric monitoring, satellites, and aerial flyovers: The EPA's proposal highlights the incorporation of innovative monitoring and measurement technologies, such as satellites and aerial surveys, in estimating emissions from the E&P and midstream sectors. It emphasizes the importance of harmonizing both top-down and bottom-up inventories, stressing that each company must establish a strong program for verifying and aligning their emissions inventories.

• Revised estimation methodologies for pneumatic controllers and pumps: The EPA updated its assessment techniques for pneumatic pumps and controllers by incorporating newer research and data. These changes should offer a more precise portrayal of emissions from these crucial sources and demand additional measurement and fieldwork.

• Comprehensive engine emissions capture: The EPA proposed significant changes in estimate emissions from reciprocating internal combustion engines and gas turbines, aiming to include factors like crankcase venting and methane/combustion "slip." Should these proposed changes be finalized, they are likely to yield significant implications for major E&P firms and all midstream companies.

How Aegex Technologies Can Help You Meet EPA Requirements

Meeting EPA compliance requirements in Zone 1 industries is crucial for ensuring safety, operational efficiency, and environmental protection. Aegex Technologies specializes in providing intrinsically safe solutions for hazardous environments, particularly in industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and others where explosive atmospheres may be present.

Aegex solutions can integrate with environmental monitoring sensors and systems to track various parameters, such as air quality, emissions, water quality, and more. These devices enable real-time data collection and reporting, aiding companies in adhering to EPA-mandated environmental monitoring requirements.

Moreover, these technologies provide accurate and reliable data collection capabilities, ensuring transparency in environmental reporting. This ensures that the information provided to regulatory bodies like the EPA is precise and complies with the set standards, thereby avoiding penalties due to inaccurate or incomplete reporting.

The following are some of the innovative solutions that could help companies in Zone 1 environments comply with EPA emission regulations and streamline the reporting process:

• FACTS: TheFeedstock and Compliance Tracking System (FACTS) is an all-encompassing solution that oversees the entire tracking and tracing process to handle the necessary recordkeeping for renewable feedstock. It anonymously matches UCO collection data with particular renewable fuel production batches. Moreover, it grants QAP providers access to the source data. Its primary objective is to assist reporters in meeting EPA regulations while upholding data integrity and ensuring information confidentiality.

• Aegex 100M tablet: This is a ruggedized Windows tablet designed to operate in potentially explosive atmospheres, certified ATEX/IECEx Zone 1, Zone 0, Class I, Division 1. It is intrinsically safe, meaning it is designed to prevent the ignition of surrounding gases or vapors, reducing the risk of explosions. The tablet features various sensors and connectivity options, allowing it to integrate with other data collection, monitoring, and communication systems.

Aegex Solutions to Help Your Company With Compliance

Aegex continually evolves its technologies to keep pace with changing regulatory requirements. As EPA standards evolve, Aegex aims to upgrade its solutions to meet these new standards, providing its clients with future-ready tools for compliance. We provide intrinsically safe devices, accurate data collection, efficient operations management, and compliance support, which help companies maintain environmental compliance as mandated by the EPA. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.