On August 28, 2019, the EPA published proposed rule changes affecting NSPS OOOO and OOOOa oil and gas regulations and have entered a sixty-day public comment period. The EPA has developed two proposals, one they describe as “primary” and the other as “alternative”. The primary proposal seeks to accomplish two things. First, to remove the … Continue reading "Proposed Changes to NSPS OOOO and OOOOa"
eSPARC Welcomes Derek Furstenwerth
Posted onWe are pleased to announce that Mr. Derek Furstenwerth has joined eSPARC as a Vice President of Operations. Mr. Furstenwerth has over 28 years of experience in environmental program management, environmental and energy policy advocacy, acquisition and divestiture support, licensing and permitting, and operations excellence. He began his career as a junior engineer at Houston Lighting … Continue reading "eSPARC Welcomes Derek Furstenwerth"
TCEQ introduces new tools and policies to process New Source Review applications more efficiently
Posted onNew Direct Assistance Guidance The workbooks listed below are now available on New Source Review Application Tools. NSR Application Workbook This workbook contains data currently submitted through the PI-1, Table 1(a), and Table 30 for New Source Review Permit Applications. It also guides the applicant through Best Available Control Technology, monitoring, and impacts summary requirements. Note: … Continue reading "TCEQ introduces new tools and policies to process New Source Review applications more efficiently"
TCEQ announces new round of grants to help make Stationary sources cleaner
Posted onOn September 28, 2018, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) announced that up to $3.6 million in grants are available for projects that reduce air pollutants from facilities and other stationary sources in Texas. Eligible individuals or businesses must own and operate, or intend to build, own, and operate, stationary sources in Texas. Following … Continue reading "TCEQ announces new round of grants to help make Stationary sources cleaner"
Proposed Revisions to AP-42 Chapter 7, Section 7.1 – Organic Liquid Storage Tanks
Posted onSection 7.1 of AP-42 presents emissions estimating methodologies for storage tanks of various types and operating conditions. The current version of Section 7.1 (dated November 2016) includes emissions estimating methodologies for routine emissions from fixed roof tanks and floating roof tanks. These equations were developed to estimate average annual losses for storage tanks. In September … Continue reading "Proposed Revisions to AP-42 Chapter 7, Section 7.1 – Organic Liquid Storage Tanks"
EPA Proposes Revision to NSPS OOOOa New Source Performance Standards for the Oil and Gas Industry
Posted onOn September 11, 2018, EPA proposed improvements to the 2016 New Source Performance Standards for the oil and gas industry (“2016 NSPS OOOOa”). The main changes involve amendments to the fugitive monitoring frequency and repairing schedule requirements. The new rule will significantly reduce regulatory burden and cost for energy producers and will streamline implementation and … Continue reading "EPA Proposes Revision to NSPS OOOOa New Source Performance Standards for the Oil and Gas Industry"
Updates to Qualified Changes Under Senate Bill 1126 Section 116.116(e) Guidance and PI-E Form
Posted onThe TCEQ updated Qualified Changes Under Senate Bill 1126 Section 116.116(e) Guidance and PI-E Form and associated instructions. The updates clarify which “qualified” facilities may make physical and operational revisions without being required to obtain a permit amendment by including certain criteria to allow a facility to obtain a no net increase in allowable emissions. … Continue reading "Updates to Qualified Changes Under Senate Bill 1126 Section 116.116(e) Guidance and PI-E Form"
TCEQ to require all Applicants to submit requests for Ownership Change via ePermits
Posted onBeginning July 1, 2018, the Air Permits Division (“APD”) of Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (“TCEQ”) will require all applicants to submit requests for change in ownership for all New Source Review (“NSR”) authorizations (including registrations under permits by rule or Standard Permits) via ePermits. Contact eSPARC here if your facility needs assistance with developing and submitting applications via … Continue reading "TCEQ to require all Applicants to submit requests for Ownership Change via ePermits"
Texas Railroad Commission Announces 2019 Oil and Gas Division Monitoring and Enforcement Plan
Posted onKey provisions of the Plan: Defines “Major Violations” more clearly for inspectors; Identifies means for RRC to widely communicate compliance and enforcement data; Increases number of annual inspections; and Establishes targets for the periodic inspection of all wells. On March 20th, 2018, the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) disclosed its priorities to audit and enforce … Continue reading "Texas Railroad Commission Announces 2019 Oil and Gas Division Monitoring and Enforcement Plan"
Take a break from work Fridays
Posted oneSPARC team unwinds by the beautiful Clear Lake bay in Houston. Happy Friday Y’all!