By Jennifer Valentine, Senior Corporate Emissions Advisor

The oil and gas industry is under increasing pressure to minimize methane emissions. Enter the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new Super Emitter Program, targeting those high-polluting events that can significantly impact the environment. But for operators, it’s not just about the environment – it’s also about your reputation and bottom line.

Super Emitters: The Ultimate Methane Leaks

A super emitter event is defined as a methane emission exceeding 100 kg/hr. These events, though infrequent, can be responsible for over 50% of emissions in the oil and gas sector. That’s a big deal, and the EPA is taking action.

The Super Emitter Program: A New Reality

The EPA’s Super Emitter program allows third-party detection using advanced technologies like satellites to identify super emitters. If your facility is flagged by one of these organizations, the EPA will notify you, giving you 5 days to investigate and 15 days to respond. Here’s where things can get tricky:

Public Reputation Risk: Identified super emitters become public record. Not a good look if it’s actually your equipment or you fail to respond promptly.

Potential Methane Fees: Exceeding allowable emissions under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) can lead to hefty fees. The duration of the emission event significantly impacts these fees.

Shepherd Safety’s Continuous Monitoring: Your Secret Weapon

This is where continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) come in. Here’s how CEMS can be your secret weapon in the Super Emitter era:

Proactive Leak Detection: CEMS provide real-time data, allowing you to identify and address leaks before they become super emitters.

Minimize Methane Fees: With accurate data on the duration of emission events, you can avoid inflated fees based on estimations.

Public Relations Protector: By proactively addressing leaks, you can prevent negative publicity associated with super emitters.

Continuous Monitoring: Beyond Super Emitters

CEMS offer a wider range of benefits:

Improved Efficiency: Real-time data allows for faster response times to leaks, minimizing product loss.

Enhanced Safety: Early leak detection helps ensure worker and environmental safety.

Stronger Environmental Management: CEMS data integration with existing systems streamlines environmental data analysis.

Shepherd Safety’s CEMS System is One of a Kind

We at Shepherd Safety System recently introduced our Intrinsically Safe Continuous Monitoring solution for methane emissions. Not only does our technology offer continuous monitoring, but it is also the only Class I Div 1 certified device in the United States that can be positioned directly at common leak sources.

Being Proactive is the Best Defense

The EPA’s Super Emitter Program is a game-changer. But with Shepherd Safety System’s Intrinsically Safe CEMS technology, you can be proactive, not reactive. By continuously monitoring your emissions, you can ensure compliance, minimize environmental impact, and protect your reputation.

Ready to take control of your emissions? Contact us today to discuss how intrinsically safe CEMS can be your secret weapon in the new era of methane detection.