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On 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"
News & Press
Proposed Revisions to AP-42 Chapter 7, Section 7.1 – Organic Liquid Storage Tanks
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Section 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
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On 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"
Oil & Gas Facilities Subject to NSPS Subpart OOOOa Must be in Compliance by October 31, 2017!
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The oil and gas air emissions management rules in NSPS OOOOa originally required a demonstration of compliance by August 2, 2017, per 40 CFR §60.5410a. EPA attempted to stay the rule twice, but only the 90-day stay, which ran from June 2, 2017, to August 31, 2017, was successful. The stay moved the compliance deadline … Continue reading "Oil & Gas Facilities Subject to NSPS Subpart OOOOa Must be in Compliance by October 31, 2017!"
Mona Johnson presents on emerging technologies at CTOTF Spring Conference
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On April 25, eSPARC President, Mona Johnson gave a presentation for a round table discussion at the Combustion Turbine Operations Technical Forum (CTOTF) 2017 Spring Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida. CTOTF is a four-day conference comprised of a trade show, formal presentations and open forum discussions pertaining to issues related to the operation, … Continue reading "Mona Johnson presents on emerging technologies at CTOTF Spring Conference"
President Trump Signs Executive Order Concerning “Waters of the United States” Rule
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Yesterday, President Trump signed an executive order concerning the controversial Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule finalized in June of 2015. The order requires the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to publish a new rule that either rescinds or revises the 2015 WOTUS rule. The order also suggests that the agencies follow … Continue reading "President Trump Signs Executive Order Concerning “Waters of the United States” Rule"
Responding to EPA’s Oil and Gas Information Collection Request
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Check your mailbox: The US EPA is seeking information about the oil & gas industry that will enable the development of new standards under the Clean Air Act. EPA has issued the Information Collection Request (ICR). Response to the ICR is mandatory; response time depends on the whether a Part 1 “Operator Survey” (60‐day response) … Continue reading "Responding to EPA’s Oil and Gas Information Collection Request"