
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 230 (Wednesday, November 30, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 86490-86519]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-27981]



[[Page 86489]]

Vol. 81

Wednesday,

No. 230

November 30, 2016

Part III





Environmental Protection Agency





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40 CFR Part 98





Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: Leak Detection Methodology Revisions and 
Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems; 
Final Rule

  Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 230 / Wednesday, November 30, 2016 / 
Rules and Regulations  

[[Page 86490]]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

40 CFR Part 98

[EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0764; FRL-9955-12-OAR]
RIN 2060-AS73


Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: Leak Detection Methodology 
Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural 
Gas Systems

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency is finalizing revisions 
and confidentiality determinations for the petroleum and natural gas 
systems source category of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program. In 
particular, this action adds new monitoring methods for detecting leaks 
from oil and gas equipment in the petroleum and natural gas systems 
source category consistent with the fugitive emissions monitoring 
methods in the recently finalized new source performance standards for 
the oil and gas industry. This action also adds emission factors for 
leaking equipment to be used in conjunction with these monitoring 
methods to calculate and report greenhouse gas emissions resulting from 
equipment leaks. Finally, this action finalizes reporting requirements 
and confidentiality determinations for nine new or substantially 
revised data elements contained in these amendments.

DATES: This final rule is effective on January 1, 2017.

ADDRESSES: The EPA has established a docket for this action under 
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0764. All documents in the docket are 
listed on the http://www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in 
the index, some information is not publicly available, e.g., 
confidential business information (CBI) or other information whose 
disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as 
copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be 
publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket 
materials are available electronically through http://www.regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Carole Cook, Climate Change Division, 
Office of Atmospheric Programs (MC-6207A), Environmental Protection 
Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 20460; telephone 
number: (202) 343-9334; fax number: (202) 343-2342; email address: 
GHGReporting@epa.gov. For technical information, please go to the 
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Web site, http://www.epa.gov/ghgreporting/. To submit a question, select Help Center, followed by 
``Contact Us.''
    Worldwide Web (WWW). In addition to being available in the docket, 
an electronic copy of this final rule will also be available through 
the WWW. Following the Administrator's signature, a copy of this action 
will be posted on the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule Web site at 
http://www.epa.gov/ghgreporting/index.html.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    Regulated Entities. These revisions affect entities that must 
submit annual greenhouse gas (GHG) reports under the Greenhouse Gas 
Reporting Program (GHGRP), codified in the Code of Federal Regulations 
(CFR) at 40 CFR part 98. This rule applies to all petroleum and natural 
gas systems facilities that are subject to 40 CFR part 98, regardless 
of the facility's location, and ensures that all these facilities 
across the United States (U.S.) report GHG data consistently, and 
therefore is ``nationally applicable'' within the meaning of section 
307(b)(1) of the Clean Air Act (CAA). Further, the Administrator has 
determined that rules codified in 40 CFR part 98 are subject to the 
provisions of CAA section 307(d). (See CAA section 307(d)(1)(V) (the 
provisions of section 307(d) apply to ``such other actions as the 
Administrator may determine'').) These are amendments to existing 
regulations. These amended regulations affect owners or operators of 
petroleum and natural gas systems that directly emit GHGs. Regulated 
categories and entities include, but are not limited to, those listed 
in Table 1 of this preamble:

           Table 1--Examples of Affected Entities by Category
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Examples of affected
            Category                NAICS \a\           facilities
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Petroleum and Natural Gas                486210  Pipeline transportation
 Systems.                                         of natural gas.
                                         221210  Natural gas
                                                  distribution.
                                         211111  Crude petroleum and
                                                  natural gas
                                                  extraction.
                                         211112  Natural gas liquid
                                                  extraction.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ North American Industry Classification System.

    Table 1 of this preamble is not intended to be exhaustive, but 
rather provides a guide for readers regarding facilities likely to be 
affected by this action. Other types of facilities than those listed in 
the table could also be subject to reporting requirements. To determine 
whether you are affected by this action, you should carefully examine 
the applicability criteria found in 40 CFR part 98, subpart A and 40 
CFR part 98, subpart W. If you have questions regarding the 
applicability of this action to a particular facility, consult the 
person listed in the preceding FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section.
    What is the effective date? The final rule is effective on January 
1, 2017. Section 553(d) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), 5 
U.S.C. Chapter 5, generally provides that rules may not take effect 
earlier than 30 days after they are published in the Federal Register. 
The EPA is issuing this final rule under section 307(d)(1) of the Clean 
Air Act, which states: ``The provisions of section 553 through 557 * * 
* of Title 5 shall not, except as expressly provided in this section, 
apply to actions to which this subsection applies.'' Thus, section 
553(d) of the APA does not apply to this rule. The EPA is nevertheless 
acting consistently with the purposes underlying APA section 553(d) in 
making the first set of amendments to this rule effective on January 1, 
2017. Section 553(d) allows an effective date less than 30 days after 
publication for a rule that ``grants or recognizes an exemption or 
relieves a restriction'' or ``as otherwise provided by the agency for 
good cause found and published with the rule.'' As explained below, the 
EPA finds that there is good cause for the first set of amendments to 
this rule to become effective on January 1, 2017, even though this may 
result in an effective date fewer than 30 days from date of publication 
in the Federal Register.
    While this action is being signed prior to December 1, 2016, there 
is likely to

[[Page 86491]]

be a significant delay in the publication of this rule as it contains 
complex equations and tables and is relatively long. As an example, the 
EPA Administrator signed the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: 2015 
Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural 
Gas Systems final rule on October 1, 2015, but the rule was not 
published in the Federal Register until October 22, 2015 (80 FR 64262). 
The purpose of the 30-day waiting period prescribed in 5 U.S.C. 553(d) 
is to give affected parties a reasonable time to adjust their behavior 
and prepare before the final rule takes effect. To employ the APA 
section 553(d)(3) ``good cause'' exemption, an agency must balance the 
necessity for immediate implementation against principles of 
fundamental fairness which require that all affected persons be 
afforded a reasonable amount of time to prepare for the effective date 
of its ruling.\1\ Where, as here, the final rule will be signed and 
made available on the EPA Web site more than 30 days before the 
effective date, but where the publication is likely to be delayed due 
to the complexity and length of the rule, the regulated entities are 
afforded this reasonable amount of time. We balance these circumstances 
with the need for the amendments to be effective by January 1, 2017; a 
delayed effective date would result in regulatory uncertainty, program 
disruption, and an inability to have the amendments effective for the 
2017 reporting year. Accordingly, we find good cause exists to make 
this rule effective on January 1, 2017, consistent with the purposes of 
APA section 553(d)(3).
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    \1\ Omnipoint Corp. v. FCC, 78 F3d 620, 630 (D.C. Cir. 1996), 
quoting U.S. v. Gavrilovic, 551 F.2d 1099, 1105 (8th Cir. 1977).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Judicial Review. Under CAA section 307(b)(1), judicial review of 
this final rule is available only by filing a petition for review in 
the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (the 
Court) by January 30, 2017 Under CAA section 307(d)(7)(B), only an 
objection to this final rule that was raised with reasonable 
specificity during the period for public comment can be raised during 
judicial review. Section 307(d)(7)(B) of the CAA also provides a 
mechanism for the EPA to convene a proceeding for reconsideration, 
``[i]f the person raising an objection can demonstrate to the EPA that 
it was impracticable to raise such objection within [the period for 
public comment] or if the grounds for such objection arose after the 
period for public comment (but within the time specified for judicial 
review) and if such objection is of central relevance to the outcome of 
the rule.'' Any person seeking to make such a demonstration to us 
should submit a Petition for Reconsideration to the Office of the 
Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, Room 3000, William 
Jefferson Clinton Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., Washington, DC 
20460, with a copy to the person listed in the preceding FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section, and the Associate General Counsel for the 
Air and Radiation Law Office, Office of General Counsel (Mail Code 
2344A), Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW., 
Washington, DC 20004. Note that under CAA section 307(b)(2), the 
requirements established by this final rule may not be challenged 
separately in any civil or criminal proceedings brought by the EPA to 
enforce these requirements.
    Acronyms and Abbreviations. The following acronyms and 
abbreviations are used in this document.

APA Administrative Procedure Act
CAA Clean Air Act
CBI Confidential Business Information
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CH4 methane
CO2 carbon dioxide
CRA Congressional Review Act
DOT Department of Transportation
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
FR Federal Register
GHG greenhouse gas
GHGRP Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program
GRI Gas Research Institute
ICR Information Collection Request
LNG liquefied natural gas
NAICS North American Industry Classification System
NSPS New Source Performance Standards
NTTAA National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
OGI optical gas imaging
OMB Office of Management and Budget
ppmv parts per million by volume
PRA Paperwork Reduction Act
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act
U.S. United States
UMRA Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
VOC volatile organic compounds
WWW Worldwide Web

    Organization of This Document. The following outline is provided to 
aid in locating information in this preamble.

I. Background
    A. Organization of This Preamble
    B. Background on This Action
    C. Legal Authority
    D. How do these amendments apply to 2016 and 2017 reports?
II. Summary of Final Revisions and Other Amendments to Subpart W and 
Responses to Public Comment
    A. Summary of Final Amendments--General
    B. Summary of Final Amendments to the Requirement To Use the 
Calculation Methodology Based on Equipment Leak Surveys
    C. Summary of Final Amendments to Monitoring Methods
    D. Summary of Final Amendments to Components To Be Surveyed
    E. Summary of Final Amendments to Leaker Emission Factors and 
the Calculation Methodology Based on Equipment Leak Surveys
    F. Summary of Final Amendments to Reporting Requirements
III. Final Confidentiality Determinations
    A. Summary of Final Confidentiality Determinations for New or 
Substantially Revised Subpart W Data Elements
    B. Summary of Public Comments and Responses on the Proposed 
Confidentiality Determinations
IV. Impacts of the Final Amendments to Subpart W
    A. Impacts of the Final Amendments
    B. Summary of Comments and Responses on the Impacts of the 
Proposed Rule
V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews
    A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and 
Executive Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review
    B. Paperwork Reduction Act
    C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)
    D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
    E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism
    F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With 
Indian Tribal Governments
    G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From 
Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks
    H. Executive Order 13211: Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution or Use
    I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act
    J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions to Address 
Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income 
Populations
    K. Congressional Review Act

I. Background

A. Organization of This Preamble

    Section I of this preamble provides background information 
regarding the origin of the final amendments. This section also 
discusses the EPA's legal authority under the CAA to promulgate and 
amend 40 CFR part 98 of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule (hereafter 
referred to as ``part 98'') as well as the legal authority for making 
confidentiality determinations for the data to be reported. Section II 
of this preamble contains information on the final amendments to part 
98, subpart W (Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems) (hereafter referred 
to as ``subpart W''), including a summary of the major comments that 
the EPA considered in the development of this final rule. Section III 
of this preamble discusses the final confidentiality determinations for 
new or substantially revised data

[[Page 86492]]

reporting elements. Section IV of this preamble discusses the impacts 
of the final amendments to subpart W. Finally, section V of this 
preamble describes the statutory and executive order requirements 
applicable to this action.

B. Background on This Action

    The EPA's GHGRP requires annual reporting of GHG data and other 
relevant information from large sources and suppliers in the United 
States. On October 30, 2009, the EPA published part 98 in the Federal 
Register (FR) for collecting information regarding GHG emissions from a 
broad range of industry sectors (74 FR 56260). Although reporting 
requirements for petroleum and natural gas systems were originally 
proposed to be part of part 98 (74 FR 16448, April 10, 2009), the final 
October 2009 rulemaking did not include the petroleum and natural gas 
systems source category as one of the 29 source categories for which 
reporting requirements were finalized. The EPA re-proposed subpart W in 
2010 (75 FR 18608; April 12, 2010), and a subsequent final rulemaking 
was published on November 30, 2010, with the requirements for the 
petroleum and natural gas systems source category at 40 CFR part 98, 
subpart W (75 FR 74458). Following promulgation, the EPA finalized 
several actions revising subpart W (76 FR 22825, April 25, 2011; 76 FR 
53057, August 25, 2011; 76 FR 59533, September 27, 2011; 76 FR 80554, 
December 23, 2011; 77 FR 51477, August 24, 2012; 78 FR 25392, May 1, 
2013; 78 FR 71904, November 29, 2013; 79 FR 70352, November 25, 2014; 
80 FR 64262, October 22, 2015).\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ See Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, Historical 
Rulemakings. Available at https://www.epa.gov/ghgreporting/rulemaking-notices-ghg-reporting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions in the President's Climate 
Action Plan summarizes the sources of CH4 emissions, commits 
to new steps to cut emissions of this potent GHG, and outlines the 
Administration's efforts to improve the measurement of these emissions. 
The strategy builds on progress to date and takes steps to further cut 
CH4 emissions from several sectors, including the oil and 
natural gas sector. In the strategy, the EPA was specifically tasked 
with continuing to review GHGRP regulatory requirements to address 
potential gaps in coverage, improve methods, and ensure high quality 
data reporting.\3\ On January 14, 2015, the Obama administration 
provided additional direction to the EPA to ``explore potential 
regulatory opportunities for applying remote sensing technologies and 
other innovations in measurement and monitoring technology to further 
improve the identification and quantification of emissions'' in the oil 
and natural gas sector, such as the emissions submitted as part of 
GHGRP annual reporting.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Climate Action Plan--Strategy to Reduce Methane Emissions. 
The White House, Washington, DC, March 2014. Available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/strategy_to_reduce_methane_emissions_2014-03-28_final.pdf.
    \4\ FACT SHEET: Administration Takes Steps Forward on Climate 
Action Plan by Announcing Actions to Cut Methane Emissions. The 
White House, Office of the Press Secretary, January 14, 2015. 
Available at https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/01/14/fact-sheet-administration-takes-steps-forward-climate-action-plan-anno-1.
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    Under subpart W, GHGs that must be reported by each industry 
segment and applicable source types are specified in 40 CFR 98.232, 
including equipment leaks from listed component types. In order to 
fulfill these equipment leak emissions reporting requirements, 
reporters must utilize one of two calculation methodologies \5\ to 
calculate GHG emissions from equipment leaks as specified in 40 CFR 
98.233: (1) Calculation methodology based on equipment leak surveys (40 
CFR 98.233(q)), or (2) calculation methodology based on population 
counts (40 CFR 98.233(r).\6\ For example, facilities in the Onshore 
Natural Gas Processing and Onshore Natural Gas Transmission Compression 
industry segments use the calculation methodology based on equipment 
leak surveys for most components at their facilities. If 40 CFR 
98.233(q) specifies that an equipment leak survey is required for the 
subsection of listed component types in 40 CFR 98.232, reporters must 
use one of the monitoring methods specified in 40 CFR 98.234 when 
conducting those equipment leak surveys to detect leaking components at 
the facility. The calculation methodology based on equipment leak 
surveys requires that the reporter then determine the total amount of 
time each component was assumed to be leaking and multiply that by the 
concentration of the methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide 
(CO2) in the gas and the applicable emission factor 
(referred to as a ``leaker emission factor''), listed in Table W-1E and 
Table W-2 through Table W-7, to calculate emissions. Finally, 40 CFR 
98.236 specifies the data elements that must be reported to the EPA.
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    \5\ Throughout this preamble, the term ``calculation 
methodology'' refers to the procedures used to calculate emissions 
(e.g., ``calculation methodology based on equipment leak surveys'' 
refers to the methodology described in 40 CFR 98.233(q)) and 
``monitoring method'' refers to the technology, test method, or 
other method of determining whether an individual component is 
leaking (see 40 CFR 98.234(a)). The term ``leak detection method'' 
that is used in the 40 CFR part 98 subpart W regulatory text has the 
same meaning as ``monitoring method'' used in this preamble.
    \6\ Reporters using the calculation methodology based on 
population counts determine the total number of all components in 
the facility and multiply that count by the average estimated time 
of operation, the concentration of the CH4 and 
CO2 in the gas, and the applicable emission factor 
(referred to as a ``population emission factor'') to calculate 
emissions.
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    On January 29, 2016, the EPA proposed ``Leak Detection Methodology 
Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural 
Gas Systems'' (81 FR 4987) to add new monitoring methods for detecting 
leaks from oil and gas equipment, to revise which industry segments and 
sources use the calculation methodology based on equipment leak surveys 
or the calculation methodology based on population counts, to clarify 
how the definition of fugitive emission components in the new source 
performance standards (NSPS) for the oil and natural gas sector (40 CFR 
part 60, subpart OOOOa, at 81 FR 35824) (hereafter referred to as the 
``NSPS subpart OOOOa'') aligns with the equipment components subject to 
subpart W, to add leaker emission factors for multiple industry 
segments, and to add reporting requirements and confidentiality 
determinations for new or substantially revised data elements. Under 
those proposed amendments, facilities with fugitive emissions 
components at a well site or compressor station subject to the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa would use data derived from the NSPS subpart OOOOa 
fugitive emissions requirements (i.e., which components were determined 
to have fugitive emissions) along with the subpart W leaker emission 
factors to calculate and report GHG emissions to the GHGRP. The 
proposed revisions provided the opportunity for owners and operators of 
sources not subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or compressor 
station fugitive emissions standards (e.g., sources participating in a 
voluntarily implemented program) and not already required to conduct 
leak surveys under subpart W to optionally use the calculation 
methodology at 40 CFR 98.233(q) to calculate and report their GHG 
emissions to the GHGRP. The EPA also proposed that facilities that are 
already required to conduct leak surveys under subpart W would be able 
to use the newly proposed monitoring method(s) in 40 CFR 98.234. In 
addition, the EPA proposed new reporting requirements for all reporters 
using the calculation methodology

[[Page 86493]]

based on equipment leak surveys and proposed to require reporters using 
the calculation methodology for the first time to begin reporting the 
information associated with that methodology. Finally, the EPA proposed 
confidentiality determinations for nine new or substantially revised 
data elements. The public comment period for these proposed rule 
amendments ended on March 15, 2016, following a 15-day extension of the 
original comment period end date (81 FR 9797; February 26, 2016). On 
June 3, 2016, the EPA published the final NSPS subpart OOOOa 
requirements (81 FR 35824).
    In this action, the EPA is finalizing revisions to subpart W 
largely as proposed, with some changes made after consideration of 
public comments. Summaries of significant comments submitted on the 
proposed amendments and the EPA's responses to those comments can be 
found in sections II, III, and IV of this preamble. All comments 
submitted on the proposed amendments and the EPA's additional responses 
to the comments can be found in ``Response to Public Comments on 
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: Leak Detection Methodology Revisions and 
Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems'' 
in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0764.
    As further detailed in the preamble to the proposed amendments, 
these revisions advance the EPA's goal of maximizing rule effectiveness 
by providing a mechanism for facilities to use the NSPS subpart OOOOa 
monitoring results for purposes of GHGRP subpart W reporting. This 
alignment reduces burden for entities subject to the fugitive 
emissions/equipment leak detection method requirements in both 
programs, and, when combined with the other amendments being finalized 
in this revision, provides clear monitoring methods, equipment leak 
survey and calculation methodologies and emission factors, and 
reporting requirements in subpart W, thus enabling government, 
regulated entities, and the public to easily identify and understand 
regulatory requirements. These amendments also further advance the 
ability of the GHGRP to provide access to high quality data on GHG 
emissions by adding the ability for reporters to use data collected 
during equipment leak surveys and to perform site-specific equipment 
leak calculations.

C. Legal Authority

    The EPA is finalizing these rule amendments under its existing CAA 
authority provided in CAA section 114. As stated in the preamble to the 
2009 final GHG reporting rule (74 FR 56260; October 30, 2009), CAA 
section 114(a)(1) provides the EPA broad authority to require the 
information to be gathered by this rule because such data will inform 
and are relevant to the EPA's carrying out a wide variety of CAA 
provisions. See the preambles to the proposed (74 FR 16448; April 10, 
2009) and final GHG reporting rule (74 FR 56260; October 30, 2009) for 
further information.
    In addition, pursuant to sections 114, 301, and 307 of the CAA, the 
EPA is publishing final confidentiality determinations for the new or 
substantially revised data elements required by these amendments. 
Section 114(c) requires that the EPA make information obtained under 
section 114 available to the public, except for information (excluding 
emission data) that qualifies for confidential treatment. The 
Administrator has determined that this action is subject to the 
provisions of section 307(d) of the CAA. Section 307(d) contains a set 
of procedures relating to the issuance and review of certain CAA rules.

D. How do these amendments apply to 2016 and 2017 reports?

    These amendments are effective on January 1, 2017. Starting with 
the 2017 reporting year, facilities must follow the revised methods to 
detect equipment leaks (if applicable) and to calculate and report 
their annual equipment leak emissions. The first annual reports of 
emissions calculated using the amended requirements will be those 
submitted by April 2, 2018, covering reporting year 2017. For reporting 
year 2016, reporters will calculate emissions according to the 
requirements in part 98 that are applicable to reporting year 2016 
(i.e., the requirements in place until the effective date of this final 
rule).

II. Summary of Final Revisions and Other Amendments to Subpart W and 
Responses to Public Comment

    Sections II.A through II.F of this preamble describe the revisions 
that we are finalizing in this rulemaking. Section II.A provides a 
general summary of the final amendments to subpart W. Section II.B 
describes the final amendments to the requirement to use the 
calculation methodology based on equipment leak surveys. Section II.C 
describes the final amendments to the subpart W monitoring methods. 
Section II.D describes the final amendments for component types to be 
surveyed. Section II.E describes the final amendments to the subpart W 
leaker emission factors. Finally, section II.F provides a summary of 
the final amendments to the subpart W reporting requirements. The 
amendments described in each section are followed by a summary of the 
major comments on those amendments and the EPA's responses. See 
``Response to Public Comments on Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: Leak 
Detection Methodology Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for 
Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems'' in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-
0764 for a complete listing of all comments and the EPA's responses.

A. Summary of Final Amendments--General

1. Summary of Final Amendments
    In this action, the EPA is amending subpart W to add new monitoring 
methods for detecting leaks from oil and gas equipment in the petroleum 
and natural gas systems source category consistent with the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa. The EPA is also specifying that facilities with a 
collection of fugitive emissions components at a well site or 
compressor station subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa (40 CFR 60.5397a) 
would be required to survey those components, except as otherwise 
specified in this subpart W final rule, for the subpart W calculation 
methodology based on equipment leak surveys using one of the new 
monitoring methods being added to subpart W. In practice, this means 
that facilities can use the results of the NSPS subpart OOOOa-required 
fugitive emissions monitoring survey to fulfill these subpart W 
requirements. The EPA is adding leaker emission factors to be used in 
conjunction with the calculation methodology based on equipment leak 
surveys to calculate and report GHG emissions. The revisions provide 
the opportunity for owners and operators of sources not subject to the 
NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station fugitive emissions 
standards (e.g., sources participating in a voluntarily implemented 
program) and not already required to conduct leak surveys under subpart 
W to optionally use the calculation methodology at 40 CFR 98.233(q) to 
calculate and report their GHG emissions, and to use the new monitoring 
methods in 40 CFR 98.234 to do so.
    Facilities in certain subpart W industry segments \7\ that are 
already required to conduct leak surveys will be able to use the new 
monitoring methods

[[Page 86494]]

in 40 CFR 98.234. If they use either of the two new monitoring methods 
in 40 CFR 98.234(a)(6) or (7) that are consistent with the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa, then in addition to surveying the components currently subject 
to the survey requirements in subpart W, they must also survey all 
other components that are fugitive emissions components in the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa, with limited exceptions, as specified in 40 CFR 98.232 
(see sections II.C and II.D of this preamble). If they use any of the 
monitoring methods currently in 40 CFR 98.234(a)(1) through (5), then 
in addition to surveying the components currently subject to the survey 
requirements in subpart W, they may elect to survey the other 
components specified in 40 CFR 98.232.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ These segments are Onshore Natural Gas Transmission 
Compression, Underground Natural Gas Storage, LNG Storage, and LNG 
Import and Export Equipment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The comments received on this rule generally do not dispute the 
merit of allowing the use of new monitoring methods in subpart W, but 
they do include issues related to the adequacy of the notice and 
comment process, the calculation methodology based on equipment leak 
surveys, reporting, and applicability.

2. Summary of Comments and Responses

    Comment: Numerous commenters stated that the EPA's reference to the 
proposed NSPS subpart OOOOa included in the subpart W proposal was 
premature, and substantively and procedurally flawed. According to 
these commenters, by relying on a proposed action, the EPA did not 
provide the opportunity for notice or comment on how the rule would 
ultimately affect stakeholders. These commenters stated that at the 
very least the EPA made it difficult and increased burden for 
stakeholders to evaluate scope and impacts and to provide comment. 
Commenters stated that they could only comment on the effect of the 
incorporation of the NSPS subpart OOOOa proposed requirements, as they 
could not review and comment on the effect of the finalized NSPS 
subpart OOOOa requirements on subpart W prior to closure of the comment 
period for the subpart W proposal. Specifically, the commenters 
expressed concern that because the EPA received so many comments on the 
proposed NSPS subpart OOOOa, the final NSPS subpart OOOOa provisions 
would likely be significantly different in certain aspects and that 
those details were unknowable at the time of comment. Noting that the 
EPA expressed intent in the preamble to the subpart W proposed 
amendments to incorporate the final NSPS subpart OOOOa provisions in 
the final subpart W rule, the commenters stated they inherently would 
have no formal opportunity to meaningfully comment on the effect those 
final NSPS subpart OOOOa provisions would have on subpart W reporters. 
Several commenters stated that this created substantive and procedural 
flaws in the proposed rule, as the EPA provided neither the ``terms or 
substance'' nor a ``description of the subjects and issues involved'' 
of the proposed rule as required for notice and comment rulemaking 
under the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553(b), nor did the 
EPA meet the more stringent notice and comment requirements of CAA 
section 307. Several commenters stated that EPA similarly did not 
consider changes that might be made to the final NSPS subpart OOOOa 
through the judicial review process.
    Several commenters requested that the EPA either finalize, or re-
propose or re-open the public comment period for, the proposed 
alignment of subpart W with the NSPS subpart OOOOa only after the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa is finalized. Other commenters requested that the EPA 
withdraw the proposal to amend subpart W and reconsider whether any 
revisions are necessary once the NSPS subpart OOOOa is in effect.
    Response: The EPA disagrees that the proposed rule for this subpart 
W revision was premature, or substantively and procedurally flawed. 
This action is focused on aligning the subpart W requirements, to the 
extent possible, with the finalized NSPS subpart OOOOa fugitive 
emission requirements so that facilities may use the results of the 
NSPS subpart OOOOa-required fugitive emissions monitoring surveys to 
fulfill subpart W requirements, and does so through revisions that 
incorporate final NSPS subpart OOOOa monitoring methods into subpart W 
and make their use mandatory in subpart W surveys for most components 
subject to NSPS subpart OOOOa. The proposed rule for subpart W clearly 
specified that only a monitoring method finalized in the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa rule would be finalized for subpart W, which ensured that no 
requirement would reference any monitoring method that was merely at 
proposal stage. The proposed rule provided adequate notice and 
opportunity to comment on how the rule will affect stakeholders, and 
thus this final rule is in compliance with the relevant requirements of 
CAA section 307(d). Multiple commenters cited the Administrative 
Procedure Act (APA), including 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(3), which requires that 
a notice of proposed rulemaking shall include ``either the terms or 
substance of the proposed rule or a description of the subjects and 
issues involved.'' The EPA notes that our process is also consistent 
with the notice and comment requirements of the APA, 5 U.S.C. 551-559. 
In the preamble to the proposed and final rule, as well as in 
``Response to Public Comments on Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: Leak 
Detection Methodology Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for 
Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems'' in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-
0764, the EPA describes at length the statement and purpose of the 
revisions, provides explanations for any changes in the rule, and 
responds to all comments submitted.
    Specifically, in regards to the proposed rule referencing the then 
proposed NSPS subpart OOOOa monitoring method(s) and fugitive emissions 
component definition,\8\ the EPA disagrees that the proposed rule did 
not give adequate notice and therefore the EPA did not re-propose or 
re-open the comment period for this action. The proposed rule clearly 
laid out the EPA's proposal and requested comment regarding 
alternatives, as well as the detailed reasoning behind and goals of the 
proposal. The EPA provided this detailed explanation to ensure that 
commenters had ample notice of the revisions under consideration, and 
provided 45 days for the public comment period. This process accords 
with proper notice and comment procedure. Commenters posit that 
referencing the then proposed NSPS subpart OOOOa standard in the 
proposed rule renders this notice premature and inadequate, and the EPA 
respectfully disagrees. First, in proposing to add the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa equipment leak detection methods as approved monitoring methods 
for subpart W surveys, the EPA was not proposing to require any new 
collection of data under subpart W, as the data on fugitive emissions 
components would already be collected to meet the requirements of NSPS 
subpart OOOOa. Instead, the EPA proposed to add these new monitoring 
methods under subpart W so that reporters would be able to use, for the 
purpose of compliance with the proposed mandatory subpart W equipment 
leak survey, calculation, and reporting requirements, whatever data 
would already be collected as a result of complying with the monitoring 
method(s) that would be finalized in the NSPS subpart OOOOa. Similarly, 
while the EPA proposed to include all fugitive emissions components 
subject to the

[[Page 86495]]

final NSPS subpart OOOOa monitoring methods within subpart W emissions 
reporting requirements, with some exceptions, which would mean that 
additional components would fall within the scope of subpart W 
applicability, these data would already be collected under the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa, meaning that no new data would need to be collected for 
subpart W that was not already required by another CAA program. As 
such, the substance of the monitoring method(s) and fugitive emission 
component definition was not at issue for purposes of subpart W within 
these revisions, as that process took place within the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa rulemaking. Rather, the EPA ensured that reporters were provided 
notice of the proposal to add the monitoring methods and scope of 
components that would be finalized under the NSPS OOOOa as additional 
monitoring methods and applicable components for subpart W, provided 
notice of the proposed additional subpart W equipment leak survey, 
calculation, and reporting requirements for equipment components 
subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa, and made clear that the intent of 
these revisions was to align the programs so that reporters would use 
the data gathered in complying with the finalized NSPS subpart OOOOa to 
comply with their subpart W requirements. The proposed rule further 
explained the purpose behind this proposed revision, as detailed in the 
proposed rule (81 FR 4987; January 29, 2016), including reducing burden 
on reporters by minimizing the potential equipment leak surveys 
required at a given facility across CAA programs. As noted earlier, the 
proposed rule for subpart W clearly specified that only a monitoring 
method finalized in the NSPS subpart OOOOa rule would be finalized for 
subpart W, which ensured that no requirement would reference any 
monitoring method that was merely at proposal stage. In fact, the 
proposed rule for subpart W clearly detailed the NSPS subpart OOOOa 
proposed monitoring method, and identified that the NSPS subpart OOOOa 
proposal included a potential alternative monitoring method, and 
furthermore explained that any method(s) added in this final subpart W 
action would be the method(s) that were finalized in the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ The NSPS subpart OOOOa rule has since been finalized. 81 FR 
35824 (June 3, 2016).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Furthermore, Subpart W currently includes an optical gas imaging 
(OGI) method (see 40 CFR 98.234(a)(1)) and Method 21 (40 CFR 
98.234(a)(2)) in the subpart W list of monitoring methods. While there 
are differences in the application of the methods between the current 
subpart W and the final NSPS subpart OOOOa,\9\ necessitating this 
revision, current use of OGI and Method 21 for purposes of subpart W 
provides support that the methods at issue provide reliable data for 
use in subpart W emissions reporting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See section II.C of this preamble.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    This final rule incorporates the monitoring methods finalized in 
the NSPS subpart OOOOa with some changes from proposal. To the extent 
the specifics of how this final subpart W rule is adding method(s) in 
accordance with the NSPS subpart OOOOa differ from the specifics in the 
subpart W proposal, as explained further in section II.C of this 
preamble, these changes are consistent with the purpose detailed in the 
proposed rule and were made to ensure only those portions of the final 
NSPS subpart OOOOa that are essential to the integrity of the methods 
are referenced within the requirements of subpart W. This final rule 
revises applicable components subject to subpart W to include all 
components subject to the final NSPS subpart OOOOa, except for the 
finalized as proposed exclusion of certain components, as further 
detailed in section II.D of this preamble. The EPA notes that while we 
finalized the reference to the NSPS subpart OOOOa with certain 
exceptions regarding applicable components as proposed, the final NSPS 
subpart OOOOa definition of fugitive emission components was narrower 
in scope than that rule's proposal. This final rule also includes 
revisions, with some changes from proposal as detailed in Sections 
II.B, II.D, II.E, and II.F of this preamble, to how reporters must use 
the data obtained in accordance with the methods finalized in the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa for subpart W reporting.
    Although the EPA's own reasoned consideration and its assessment of 
public comment have resulted in some modifications to the final rule, 
as explained further in sections II.B through II.F of this preamble, 
such changes reflect the goals and alternatives in the EPA's original 
proposal, and the proposed rule ensured that interested parties were 
``fairly apprised'' of the elements ultimately included in this final 
rulemaking. See, e.g., United Steelworkers of America v. Schuylkill 
Metals, 828 F.2d 314 (5th Cir. 1987).
    While some changes occurred to the NSPS subpart OOOOa requirements 
from proposal to final in that rulemaking, including changes to the 
substance of the monitoring methods and the fugitive emission component 
definition, those substantive changes are out of scope of this subpart 
W rulemaking that is intended to align with the final NSPS subpart 
OOOOa requirements; however, commenters were provided full notice and 
opportunity to comment within that NSPS subpart OOOOa rulemaking, as 
fully explained within those proposed and final preambles, the EPA's 
response to comments, and the docket of that action.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0505.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The commenter is correct that the EPA did not consider changes that 
may be made to the final NSPS subpart OOOOa through the judicial review 
process. Any such potential, future changes are premature to consider 
at this time.

B. Summary of Final Amendments to the Requirement To Use the 
Calculation Methodology Based on Equipment Leak Surveys

1. Summary of Final Amendments
    As noted in section I.B of this preamble, subpart W presently 
requires reporters with sources in certain industry segments to use the 
calculation methodology based on population counts according to 40 CFR 
98.233(r). For example, reporters in the Onshore Petroleum and Natural 
Gas Production and the Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Gathering and 
Boosting industry segments are required either to count the number of 
equipment components of each type (e.g., valve, connector, open-ended 
line, or pressure relief valve) or to count the number of major 
equipment at the facility and then calculate the number of equipment 
components of each type using default average component counts for each 
piece of major equipment in Tables W-1B and W-1C to subpart W (40 CFR 
98.233(r)(2)). The resulting equipment component counts are then 
multiplied by default ``population emission factors'' in Table W-1A to 
subpart W to calculate emissions from equipment leaks.
    Other reporters are required to use the calculation methodology 
based on equipment leak surveys according to 40 CFR 98.233(q) using one 
of the monitoring methods in 40 CFR 98.234(a). For example, reporters 
in the Onshore Natural Gas Transmission Compression industry segment 
must conduct at least one equipment leak survey in a calendar year for 
the compressor and non-compressor components in gas service listed in 
Table W-3A to subpart W. These reporters then use the number of leaking

[[Page 86496]]

components in the calendar year, the average amount of time each 
component was leaking, and the default ``leaker emission factors'' in 
Table W-3A to subpart W to calculate emissions according to Equation W-
30.
    The EPA is finalizing the proposal to apply the calculation 
methodology based on equipment leak surveys in 40 CFR 98.233(q) to 
additional reporters in subpart W. Specifically, reporters in any 
subpart W industry segment with a well site(s) and/or compressor 
station(s) required to conduct fugitive emissions monitoring to comply 
with the NSPS subpart OOOOa will be required to use the calculation 
methodology based on equipment leak surveys for those components \11\ 
under subpart W using the new monitoring methods consistent with the 
NSPS subpart OOOOa (see section II.C of this preamble). While these are 
new calculation methodology and equipment leak survey requirements for 
the subpart W reporting of these components, reporters may meet the 
survey requirements by counting the actual number of components with 
fugitive emissions identified through implementation of the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa as leaks for purposes of subpart W and use those counts 
with the calculation methodologies specified in 40 CFR 98.233(q) to 
determine equipment leak emissions for those components.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \11\ See section II.D of this preamble.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We received extensive comment regarding the proposed revisions to 
require facilities in the Onshore Natural Gas Processing industry 
segment to use the results of the leak surveys conducted to comply with 
the NSPS subpart OOOOa equipment leak requirements for reporting under 
subpart W. We are still reviewing those comments and are not taking 
final action on those revisions at this time.
    For other sources of equipment leaks (i.e., those not subject to 
the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station fugitive 
emissions standards),\12\ the amended subpart W requirements depend on 
whether the component types are currently required to be reported using 
the calculation methodology based on equipment leak surveys (40 CFR 
98.233(q)) or the calculation methodology based on population counts 
(40 CFR 98.233(r)). For components at facilities in industry segments 
that are currently required to use the calculation methodology based on 
equipment leak surveys to comply with subpart W, the EPA is finalizing 
as proposed that reporters must continue to conduct equipment leak 
surveys as required by subpart W but may use any monitoring method in 
40 CFR 98.234(a). If they use either of the two new monitoring methods 
in 40 CFR 98.234(a)(6) or (7) that are consistent with the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa, then in addition to surveying the components currently subject 
to the survey requirements in subpart W, they must also survey all 
other components that are fugitive emissions components in the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa, with limited exceptions, as specified in 40 CFR 98.232 
(see sections II.C and II.D of this preamble). If they use any of the 
monitoring methods currently in 40 CFR 98.234(a)(1) through (5), then 
in addition to surveying the components currently subject to the survey 
requirements in subpart W, they may elect to survey the other 
components specified in 40 CFR 98.232.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \12\ Except for onshore natural gas processing and natural gas 
distribution.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For components at facilities in industry segments that are 
currently required to use the calculation methodology based on 
population counts, the reporter may continue to use that methodology. 
Alternatively, the EPA is finalizing as proposed the option that the 
reporter may elect to use the calculation methodology based on 
equipment leak surveys (40 CFR 98.233(q)(1)(iv)) in lieu of the 
calculation methodology based on population counts (40 CFR 98.233(r)). 
If this option is selected, then the reporter must use any of the 
monitoring methods in 40 CFR 98.234(a). If they use a monitoring method 
in 40 CFR 98.234(a)(6) or (7), then they must survey all components 
that would otherwise be subject to the calculation methodology based on 
population counts, and they must also survey all other components that 
are fugitive emissions components in the NSPS subpart OOOOa, with 
limited exceptions, as specified in 40 CFR 98.232. If they use any of 
the monitoring methods currently in 40 CFR 98.234(a)(1) through (5), 
then in addition to surveying the components that would otherwise be 
subject to the calculation methodology based on population counts, they 
may elect to survey the other specified in 40 CFR 98.232. The intent of 
the new provision in 40 CFR 98.233(q)(1)(iv) is to allow flexibility 
for reporters currently required to use the calculation methodology 
based on population counts for components that are not subject to the 
NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station fugitive emissions 
standards.
    The burden of using the calculation methodology based on equipment 
leak surveys will be similar to using the existing subpart W 
calculation methodology based on population counts, and the results 
will be more representative of the number of leaks at the facility than 
the calculation methodology based on population counts. Table 2 of this 
preamble provides a summary of the equipment leak calculation 
methodologies and monitoring methods that will be available to each 
industry segment covered by subpart W under these amendments.

                            Table 2--Final Equipment Leak Requirements for Subpart W
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Components subject to 40 CFR 60.5397a     Components not subject to 40 CFR
                                         of the NSPS subpart OOOOa          60.5397a of the NSPS subpart OOOOa
                                 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subpart W industry  segments \a\                           Subpart W                               Subpart W
                                       Subpart W       monitoring method       Subpart W       monitoring method
                                      calculation     for leak detection      calculation     for leak detection
                                    methodology \b\           \c\             methodology             \d\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Onshore Petroleum and Natural     Leak survey (40     OGI or Method 21    Leak survey (40     Any method in 40
 Gas Production.                   CFR 98.233(q)).     as specified in     CFR 98.233(q));     CFR 98.234(a).
                                                       the NSPS subpart    OR                 N/A.
                                                       OOOOa.             Population count
                                                                           (40 CFR
                                                                           98.233(r)).
Onshore Natural Gas Transmission  Leak survey (40     OGI or Method 21    Leak survey (40     Any method in 40
 Compression; Underground          CFR 98.233(q)).     as specified in     CFR 98.233(q))      CFR 98.234(a).
 Natural Gas Storage: Storage                          the NSPS subpart    \e\.
 stations, gas service.                                OOOOa.

[[Page 86497]]

 
Underground Natural Gas Storage:  Leak survey (40     OGI or Method 21    Leak survey (40     Any method in 40
 Storage wellheads, gas service.   CFR 98.233(q)).     as specified in     CFR 98.233(q));     CFR 98.234(a).
                                                       the NSPS subpart    OR                 N/A.
                                                       OOOOa.             Population count
                                                                           (40 CFR
                                                                           98.233(r)).
LNG \f\ Storage: LNG Service;     Leak survey (40     OGI or Method 21    Leak survey (40     Any method in 40
 LNG Import and Export             CFR 98.233(q)).     as specified in     CFR 98.233(q)).     CFR 98.234(a).
 Equipment: LNG Service.                               the NSPS subpart
                                                       OOOOa.
LNG Storage: Gas Service; LNG     Leak survey (40     OGI or Method 21    Leak survey (40     Any method in 40
 Import and Export Equipment:      CFR 98.233(q)).     as specified in     CFR 98.233(q));     CFR 98.234(a).
 Gas Service.                                          the NSPS subpart    OR                 N/A.
                                                       OOOOa.             Population count
                                                                           (40 CFR
                                                                           98.233(r)) g.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
a Onshore Natural Gas Processing and Natural Gas Distribution are not included in this table because we are not
  revising the calculation methodology and monitoring method for leak detection for these industry segments in
  this action. The current requirements are still applicable to components in these industry segments.
b The term ``calculation methodology'' refers to the procedures used to calculate emissions (e.g., ``calculation
  methodology based on equipment leak surveys'' refers to the methodology described in 40 CFR 98.233(q)) and
  ``monitoring method'' refers to the technology, test method, or other method of determining whether an
  individual component is leaking (see 40 CFR 98.234(a)).
c OGI as specified in the NSPS subpart OOOOa is codified in subpart W at 40 CFR 98.234(a)(6) and Method 21 as
  specified in the NSPS subpart OOOOa is codified in subpart W at 40 CFR 98.234(a)(7).
d ``Any method in 40 CFR 98.234(a)'' means any of the following methods: OGI as specified in 40 CFR 60.18 (40
  CFR 98.234(a)(1)), Method 21 with a leak definition of 10,000 parts per million by volume (ppmv)(40 CFR
  98.234(a)(2)), Infrared laser beam illuminated instrument (40 CFR 98.234(a)(3)), Acoustic leak detection
  device (40 CFR 98.234(a)(5)), OGI as specified in the NSPS subpart OOOOa (40 CFR 98.234(a)(6)) or Method 21
  with a leak definition of 500 ppmv (40 CFR 98.234(a)(7)).
e Reporting is required for emissions from valves, connectors, open-ended lines, pressure relief valves, and
  meters but is optional for instruments and other components unless the reporter elects to use either OGI or
  Method 21 as specified in the NSPS subpart OOOOa (40 CFR 98.234(a)(6) or (7)), in which case reporting is also
  required for instruments and other fugitive emissions components.13
f LNG = liquefied natural gas.
g Reporting is only required for emissions from vapor recovery compressors if this option is chosen.

2. Summary of Comments and Responses

    Comment: Several commenters stated that facilities in the Onshore 
Petroleum and Natural Gas Production and Onshore Petroleum and Natural 
Gas Gathering and Boosting industry segments should not be required to 
use the NSPS subpart OOOOa results to calculate GHG emissions to comply 
with subpart W. They stated that the proposed NSPS subpart OOOOa leak 
detection program was limited to one monitoring method, which is 
inconsistent with the current flexibility for reporters conducting 
equipment leak surveys for subpart W to choose any monitoring method 
within 40 CFR 98.234(a). The commenters asserted that this requirement 
will result in some subpart W reporters having to manage multiple 
equipment leak survey programs within one facility, especially if the 
facility is located within a state with a different leak detection 
program, and this result is overly burdensome. In addition, the 
commenters stated that the equipment leak survey results will be 
internally inconsistent if they use different methods, and a facility's 
emissions could appear to increase one year simply because the number 
of sites subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa increases, requiring the 
reporter to use the OGI method in the NSPS subpart OOOOa for an 
increased number of components. Instead, the reporters suggested, use 
of the calculation methodology based on equipment leak surveys, 
including the selection of monitoring method within 40 CFR 98.234(a), 
should be voluntary for all facilities not currently required to 
conduct leak surveys under subpart W.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ See section II.D.1 of this preamble for the EPA's decision 
on the final subpart W requirements for components not subject to 40 
CFR 60.5397a of the NSPS Subpart OOOOa from affected facilities in 
the Onshore Natural Gas Transmission Compression industry segment, 
and storage stations in gas service within the Underground Natural 
Gas Storage industry segment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In contrast, another commenter requested that the EPA require all 
subpart W reporters to detect leaks using direct equipment leak 
detection technologies such as OGI. The commenter stated that leak 
detection using OGI can produce more accurate data than current subpart 
W methods and that the EPA's approach is consistent with the EPA's 
stated goals to enhance the rigor and transparency of subpart W data. 
In addition, the commenter stated that applying OGI detection uniformly 
across subpart W sources will produce data that is readily comparable 
across facilities and will allow the EPA to assess the performance of 
facilities over time.
    Response: For facilities that have affected sources required to 
conduct fugitive emissions monitoring to comply with the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa well site or compressor station fugitive emissions standards, the 
EPA is finalizing as proposed that these components must meet the 
subpart W calculation methodology based on equipment leak survey 
requirements. In practice, this means reporters can meet these 
requirements by counting the actual number of components with fugitive 
emissions identified through implementation of the NSPS subpart OOOOa 
as leaks for purposes of subpart W. This requirement will achieve the 
EPA's stated goal of alignment with the NSPS subpart OOOOa and will 
assist in providing the EPA with a greater understanding of emission 
reductions.
    At this time, we are not requiring all subpart W facilities to 
perform a leak detection survey using direct equipment leak detection 
technologies such as OGI. Rather this action is focused on aligning the 
subpart W requirements, to the extent possible, with the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa fugitive emission requirements so that facilities may use the 
results of the NSPS subpart OOOOa-required

[[Page 86498]]

fugitive emissions monitoring surveys to fulfill subpart W 
requirements.
    The EPA does not agree that a subpart W requirement to use the 
results of a previously completed leak survey within the subpart W 
calculation methodology based on equipment leak surveys will result in 
an undue burden to these reporters. For components subject to the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station fugitive emissions 
standards, there is little to no burden associated with using the 
number of components found to have fugitive emissions as the number of 
leaking components in the subpart W calculation methodology based on 
equipment leak surveys. The only additional piece of information these 
reporters need to calculate emissions is the amount of time each 
component was leaking, and this is a straightforward determination 
based on the dates of the equipment leak surveys. See section IV.B of 
this preamble for information and responses to comments related to the 
EPA's burden estimates for these amendments.

C. Summary of Final Amendments to Monitoring Methods

1. Summary of Final Amendments
    The EPA is finalizing the proposal to add OGI, as specified in the 
NSPS subpart OOOOa, to the list of monitoring methods in 40 CFR 
98.234(a). The addition of this specific OGI method to subpart W at 40 
CFR 98.234(a)(6) aligns the methods in the two rulemakings and allows 
subpart W facilities to directly use information derived from the 
implementation of the fugitive emissions monitoring conducted under the 
NSPS subpart OOOOa to calculate and report equipment leak emissions to 
the GHGRP.
    The EPA has made changes to the proposed subpart W amendments after 
consideration of public comment and/or to be consistent with the final 
revisions made to the corresponding proposed NSPS subpart OOOOa 
specifications. The proposed subpart W amendments cross-referenced the 
proposed 40 CFR 60.5397a(b) through (e) and (g) through (i), which 
included the requirements to: (1) Develop a corporate-wide fugitive 
emissions monitoring plan; (2) develop a site-specific monitoring plan; 
(3) observe each fugitive emissions component for fugitive emissions; 
(4) conduct monitoring surveys semiannually; and (5) adjust the 
frequency of monitoring surveys based on the percent of the fugitive 
emissions components detected to have fugitive emissions. For the 
reasons described below, the final amendments to subpart W for the OGI 
method cross-reference a portion of the NSPS subpart OOOOa requirements 
to develop the fugitive emissions monitoring plan and the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa requirements to observe each fugitive emissions component for 
fugitive emissions.
    The final NSPS subpart OOOOa requires an emissions monitoring plan 
that covers the affected sources within each company-defined area. This 
monitoring plan includes information about the survey frequency, 
monitoring method and instrument selected, repair procedures and 
timeframes, recordkeeping, and procedures for calibrating the 
monitoring instrument and verifying that it can detect fugitive 
emissions at the required levels.
    For the final subpart W amendments, the EPA evaluated the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa requirements for the monitoring plan along with the level 
of detail in the existing monitoring methods in 40 CFR 98.234(a). The 
EPA determined that information about the monitoring instrument 
selected and procedures for calibrating the monitoring instrument and 
verifying that it can detect fugitive emissions at the required levels 
is necessary to ensure the OGI monitoring is performed correctly. 
Therefore, the new OGI detection method in subpart W does include the 
NSPS subpart OOOOa requirement to develop a monitoring plan that 
describes the OGI instrument (40 CFR 60.5397a(c)(3)) and how the OGI 
survey will be conducted to ensure that fugitive emissions can be 
imaged effectively (40 CFR 60.5397a(c)(7)). The EPA determined that the 
NSPS subpart OOOOa survey frequency should not be cross-referenced in 
subpart W because cross-referencing these frequencies would override 
the current annual survey requirement in subpart W regardless of 
whether the use of the new monitoring methods is voluntary or 
mandatory. The EPA determined that the repair procedures and timeframes 
should not be cross-referenced because subpart W is part of a reporting 
program and does not require repair of detected leaks. The EPA also 
determined that the NSPS subpart OOOOa recordkeeping requirements 
should not be cross-referenced because they include provisions that are 
not applicable to greenhouse gas reporting, such as records related to 
repairs. Applicable recordkeeping requirements for all leak detection 
methods in subpart W are specified at 40 CFR 98.237.
    The final site-specific monitoring plan in the NSPS subpart OOOOa 
includes three items specific to the OGI method: (1) A sitemap; (2) a 
defined observation path for the operator that ensures that all 
fugitive emissions components are within sight of the path; and (3) a 
monitoring plan for difficult-to-monitor and unsafe-to-monitor fugitive 
emissions components. The EPA has reviewed these elements as well and 
determined not to cross-reference these three elements in subpart W. 
The observation path and the sitemap ensure that the OGI operator 
visualizes all of the components that must be surveyed, analogous to 
requirements in some rules to identify all of the equipment that must 
be monitored using Method 21 (e.g., 40 CFR 60.486a(e)(1) and 40 CFR 
63.162(c)). Subpart W does not include these identification 
requirements as part of the Method 21 requirements in 40 CFR 
98.234(a)(2), so it would be inconsistent to require the observation 
path as part of the new OGI method. However, while we are not 
finalizing the explicit requirement to define the observation path the 
operator will follow during their survey, we do note that 40 CFR part 
98, subpart A requires a written GHG monitoring plan for all facilities 
subject to the GHGRP (see 40 CFR 98.4(g)(5)). Defining an observation 
path is one item that could be included in the GHG monitoring plan to 
meet the requirement to describe ``procedures and methods that are used 
for quality assurance . . . of all . . . other instrumentation'' used 
to collect data to comply with the GHGRP (40 CFR 98.3(g)(5)(i)(C)).
    The EPA is finalizing the proposed requirement to observe each 
fugitive emissions component for fugitive emissions (40 CFR 
60.5397a(e)).\14\ The EPA considers surveying all fugitive emissions 
components (instead of just the current list of equipment in subpart W 
for a particular industry segment) to be an inherent part of the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa OGI method.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ See section II.D.1 of this preamble for details regarding 
the specific NSPS subpart OOOOa-defined fugitive emissions 
components that are not considered sources of ``equipment leaks'' in 
subpart W.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The EPA is not cross-referencing the semi-annual (well sites) and 
quarterly (compressor stations) monitoring frequencies of the final 
NSPS subpart OOOOa. As noted above, cross-referencing these monitoring 
frequencies would override the current annual survey requirement in 
subpart W regardless of whether the use of the new monitoring methods 
is voluntary or mandatory. The EPA is instead clarifying that for 
reporters with components subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site 
or compressor station fugitive emissions requirements and for which 
surveys are required or elected, the results from each equipment leak

[[Page 86499]]

survey must be used to calculate GHG emissions for subpart W. The EPA 
is further clarifying that it is not our intent to require reporters 
that are not subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or compressor 
station fugitive emissions requirements to conduct more than one 
equipment leak survey in a calendar year for purposes of GHGRP 
reporting, solely because they choose to use the OGI method. The EPA 
also notes that the proposed NSPS subpart OOOOa provisions for 
adjusting the frequency of equipment leak surveys based on the percent 
of the fugitive emissions components detected to have fugitive 
emissions were not included in the final NSPS subpart OOOOa and 
therefore are not cross-referenced in the final subpart W revisions.
    Finally, consistent with the final NSPS subpart OOOOa, the EPA is 
finalizing the use of Method 21 as an alternative monitoring method to 
OGI (as specified in the NSPS subpart OOOOa) at 40 CFR 98.234(a)(7). As 
the EPA noted in the preamble for this proposed revision to subpart W 
(81 FR 4989; Jan. 29, 2016), the NSPS subpart OOOOa proposal identified 
EPA Method 21 as a monitoring method that may also be used to conduct 
resurveys of repaired components when fugitive emissions are detected 
(80 FR 56612 (well sites) and 80 FR 56612 (compressor stations)), and 
the EPA requested comment on including in the final rule the use of 
Method 21 for fugitive emissions monitoring as well (80 FR 56638 (well 
sites) and 80 FR 56643 (compressor stations)). The EPA also made clear 
in the preamble to these proposed revisions to subpart W that, 
consistent with the goal of aligning the methods in the two rulemakings 
(subpart W and the NSPS subpart OOOOa), the EPA expected that the final 
amendments to subpart W for monitoring methods would reference the 
final version of the method(s) in the NSPS subpart OOOOa, including any 
changes made to the NSPS subpart OOOOa in response to comments on the 
proposed monitoring method(s) (81 FR 4991). Accordingly, the EPA is 
finalizing the use of Method 21 as an alternative monitoring method to 
OGI (as specified in the NSPS subpart OOOOa) at 40 CFR 98.234(a)(7).
    For reporters that elect to use Method 21 as specified in 40 CFR 
98.234(a)(7), either for components that are subject to the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station fugitive emissions 
requirements or voluntarily, a leak is detected if an instrument 
reading of 500 ppmv or greater is measured. As explained in this 
section regarding the NSPS subpart OOOOa OGI monitoring method, we 
determined that the requirements in 40 CFR 60.5397a(b) are consistent 
with the requirements of subpart W regarding the development of an 
emissions monitoring plan; this monitoring plan is required to include 
verification that the procedures of Method 21 are followed consistent 
with the requirements in 40 CFR 60.5397a(c)(8). Also, as with the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa OGI method, the EPA is requiring in subpart W observation 
of each fugitive emissions component for fugitive emissions consistent 
with the requirements in 40 CFR 60.5397a(e); the EPA considers 
surveying all fugitive emissions components to be an inherent part of 
the NSPS subpart OOOOa Method 21 alternative to the OGI method and is 
consistent with requirements in subpart W to conduct a complete 
equipment leak survey.
    At this time, the EPA is not adding any other monitoring methods to 
subpart W. We will continue to evaluate equipment leak detection 
methods and technologies \15\ and may amend subpart W to allow the use 
of additional methods in the future.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ For example, the EPA has issued a voluntary request for 
information inviting all parties to provide information on 
innovative technologies to detect, measure, and mitigate emissions 
from the oil and gas industry. See 81 FR 46670 (July 18, 2016).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. Summary of Comments and Responses
    Comment: Many commenters disagreed with the EPA's proposal to add 
only the OGI method as specified in the NSPS subpart OOOOa to 40 CFR 
98.234(a) of subpart W. They asserted that while OGI is an effective 
method for finding the majority of emissions more quickly than EPA 
Method 21, it is also a costly technology that cannot quantify 
emissions. The commenters stated that OGI has other limitations, 
especially in non-ideal weather conditions; one commenter also stated 
that use of the OGI camera requires a hot work permit in many 
instances.
    Response: Due to similar comments on the proposed NSPS subpart 
OOOOa, the final NSPS subpart OOOOa provides owners and operators of 
new, modified, or reconstructed well sites or compressor stations with 
the option of using EPA Method 21 with a repair threshold of 500 ppmv 
if they elect not to use the OGI method (40 CFR 60.5397a). As discussed 
in section II.C.1 of this preamble, the final amendments to subpart W 
provide for the use of EPA Method 21 where a leak is detected for 
purposes of subpart W if an instrument reading of 500 ppmv or greater 
is measured. This amendment to subpart W maintains the alignment with 
the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site and compressor station fugitive 
emissions monitoring requirements, so that reporters can directly use 
the NSPS subpart OOOOa monitoring results to count the number of leaks 
under subpart W.
    Comment: Many commenters stated that leak detection technology is a 
rapidly growing field and there are many alternative technologies and 
new technologies in development that may be more accurate and less 
costly than OGI. Some commenters noted that recent emphasis on 
CH4 emissions has caused vendors to focus on CH4 
leak detection. Therefore, according to the commenters, some of those 
technologies may be better options for the purpose of reporting 
emissions under subpart W than other leak detection programs. The 
commenters stated that the EPA's proposal to limit leak surveys to a 
prescriptive list of methods could limit development of these new 
technologies.
    Commenters provided a variety of suggestions for incorporation of 
new and emerging technologies into subpart W. Three commenters 
recommended that the EPA establish a clear process for industry, 
vendors, and/or the EPA to evaluate the efficacy and accuracy of 
alternative CH4 monitoring technologies and approve the use 
of those technologies. One of these commenters noted that any 
technology evaluation process should be straightforward and more 
streamlined than the years-long process needed to approve emissions 
control devices or continuous emissions monitoring systems. Another of 
these commenters suggested that the EPA model a technology evaluation 
process after the vendor testing program for flares and combustors, in 
which the EPA sets testing protocols and vendors demonstrate that they 
can meet specific criteria. A fourth commenter suggested that the EPA 
develop a pilot program to incentivize the accelerated development and 
deployment of advanced monitoring and detection technologies and to 
compare the effectiveness of these approaches to periodic, OGI-based 
surveys.
    Response: The EPA agrees with the commenters that emissions 
monitoring in the oil and gas sector is a field of emerging technology, 
and major advances are expected in the near future. We are seeing a 
rapidly growing push to develop and produce low-cost monitoring 
technologies to find fugitive CH4 emissions sooner and at 
lower levels than current technology allows, thus enhancing the ability 
of operators to detect fugitive emissions. The EPA agrees that 
continued development of these cost-effective technologies is

[[Page 86500]]

important. However, the EPA does not have enough information at this 
time to evaluate specific technologies to determine if they are 
equivalent to or better than the monitoring methods provided in and 
being added to 40 CFR 98.234(a). The EPA may evaluate new options as 
they become available and determine if they are equivalent to existing 
methods. For example, the final NSPS subpart OOOOa provides a process 
for the EPA to determine that a technology can be used as an 
``alternative means of emission limitation.'' \16\ As technologies are 
approved through this process, the EPA anticipates that it would 
contemporaneously incorporate these monitoring methods in subpart W to 
ensure continued alignment between the NSPS subpart OOOOa and subpart W 
through future notice and comment rulemaking.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \16\ See 40 CFR 60.5398a titled ``What are the alternative means 
of emission limitations for GHG and volatile organic compounds from 
well completions, reciprocating compressors, the collection of 
fugitive emissions components at a well site and the collection of 
fugitive emissions components at a compressor station?''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Comment: Multiple commenters addressed the proposed requirement to 
consider any fugitive emissions observed using OGI during the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa fugitive emissions monitoring as a leak for purposes of 
subpart W. Most of these commenters objected to the proposal and stated 
that the definition of a leak for subpart W should be 10,000 ppmv, 
regardless of the monitoring method used. These commenters asserted 
that setting the leak definition consistent with the current methods in 
subpart W would ensure that the new methods result in new information 
being collected and reported consistently within a facility and 
consistent with the equipment leak data already in the GHGRP. One 
commenter noted that defining a leak as emissions at a set 
concentration is much less subjective than defining a leak as any 
emissions observed with OGI, and setting the leak definition at 10,000 
ppmv rather than a lower concentration would allow operators to focus 
on finding (and fixing) large leaks instead of spending resources to 
identify many small leaks that do not contribute much to overall 
emissions. Another commenter noted that a leak definition of 10,000 
ppmv is consistent with the leaker emission factors currently provided 
in subpart W as well as the proposed new leaker emission factors.
    One commenter agreed with a subpart W leak being defined as any 
fugitive emissions observed using OGI during the NSPS subpart OOOOa 
fugitive emissions monitoring or emissions above 500 ppmv detected via 
EPA Method 21, but the commenter asserted that the leak definition for 
any new or emerging technologies used in a voluntary leak survey should 
be 5,000 ppmv. The commenter noted that these new technologies are 
likely to be more sensitive and detect emissions at lower 
concentrations than OGI, and companies that are employing more accurate 
instruments should not be ``penalized'' by having to report more leaks 
than if they used OGI.
    Response: Subpart W already includes OGI and EPA Method 21 with a 
leak definition of 10,000 ppmv for use by reporters currently required 
to conduct leak surveys for subpart W. The final amendments also 
provide for use of these methods by reporters electing to conduct an 
equipment leak survey voluntarily (i.e., for sources currently required 
to use the calculation methodology based on population counts that are 
not subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station 
fugitive emissions requirements). The EPA is adding the methods used 
for fugitive emissions monitoring in the NSPS subpart OOOOa to 40 CFR 
98.234(a), as approved monitoring methods for subpart W leak surveys. 
This addition facilitates alignment with the NSPS subpart OOOOa and 
will allow reporters to directly use the NSPS subpart OOOOa monitoring 
results to count the number of leaks under subpart W. Finally, as noted 
in section II.C.1 of this preamble, the EPA is not adding any other 
monitoring methods to subpart W at this time, so it is not necessary to 
consider a different leak definition for new or emerging technologies.
    The EPA disagrees that using a leak definition other than 10,000 
ppmv would undermine the quality of the data reported to the GHGRP. 
First, subpart W currently includes an OGI monitoring method in 40 CFR 
98.234(a)(1). While this monitoring method allows facilities to screen 
the observed leaks using Method 21, it does not require it, and we do 
not expect that many reporters actively use dual monitoring methods in 
their leak surveys to screen all OGI-detected leaks using Method 21.
    Second, we are also finalizing, consistent with the final NSPS 
subpart OOOOa rule, the ability to use Method 21 with a leak definition 
of 500 ppmv as an alternative to the OGI method. We agree with 
commenters that the average emissions rate of leaks identified using 
Method 21 with a leak definition of 500 ppmv would be less than the 
average emissions rate of leaks identified using Method 21 with a leak 
definition of 10,000 ppmv. To address this issue, we are also 
finalizing separate leaker factors that are appropriate for reporters 
using this alternative method (Method 21 with a leak definition of 500 
ppmv). As described in further detail in section II.E.1 of this 
preamble and in the document ``Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: Technical 
Support for Leak Detection Methodology Revisions and Confidentiality 
Determinations for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems Final Rule'' in 
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0764, these additional emission factors 
were developed from the same data set that was used to develop the 
original population emission factors and the proposed leaker 
factors.\17\ Therefore, this additional Method 21 monitoring method, 
which includes a different leak definition than the other Method 21-
based method already available in subpart W at 40 CFR 98.234(a)(2), has 
been specifically considered and new emission factors are provided in 
the final rule to ensure that this new monitoring method's leak 
definition will not undermine the quality of the emissions reported 
under subpart W.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ This data set was developed from monitoring conducted using 
Method 21 with a leak definition of 10,000 ppmv.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If the EPA did not provide the ability for reporters to use the 
monitoring methods required by the NSPS subpart OOOOa within subpart W, 
reporters would not be able to use the NSPS subpart OOOOa monitoring 
results directly; instead, they would have to measure each occurrence 
of fugitive emissions individually to determine if it is a leak for 
purposes of subpart W, which would increase the burden for those 
reporters.

D. Summary of Final Amendments for Components To Be Surveyed

1. Summary of Final Amendments
    The EPA proposed to align the subpart W equipment components with 
the NSPS subpart OOOOa definition of ``fugitive emissions component,'' 
with certain exceptions.\18\ After careful consideration of comments, 
the EPA is finalizing that provision consistent with the final NSPS 
subpart OOOOa definition of ``fugitive emissions component'' with 
certain exceptions consistent with the proposal, as described in 
further detail in this section below. A ``fugitive emissions 
component'' is defined in 40 CFR 60.5430a of the final NSPS subpart

[[Page 86501]]

OOOOa to include any component that has the potential to emit fugitive 
emissions of CH4 or volatile organic compounds at a well site or 
compressor station, including but not limited to valves, connectors, 
pressure relief devices, open-ended lines, flanges, covers and closed 
vent systems not subject to 40 CFR 60.5411a, thief hatches or other 
openings on a controlled storage vessel not subject to 40 CFR 60.5395a, 
compressors, instruments, and meters. Devices that vent as part of 
normal operations, such as natural gas-driven pneumatic controllers or 
natural gas-driven pumps, are not fugitive emissions components, as the 
natural gas discharged from the device's vent is not considered a 
fugitive emission. Emissions originating from a location other than the 
vent are considered fugitive emissions.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ See 81 FR 4994 for a discussion of the differences between 
the proposed definition of ``fugitive emissions component'' and the 
proposed components subject to equipment leak reporting in subpart 
W.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As noted in the preamble to the proposed subpart W amendments, some 
of the components listed in the NSPS subpart OOOOa definition of 
fugitive emissions component are already included as part of the 
subpart W equipment leaks calculation methodologies (either based on 
equipment leak surveys or on population counts), while other fugitive 
emissions components are specifically addressed in other calculation 
methodologies in subpart W. As part of developing the proposed 
amendments for subpart W, we compared the list of components in the 
NSPS subpart OOOOa proposed definition of fugitive emissions component 
with the current methodologies in subpart W to identify which fugitive 
emissions components were already covered by an existing requirement in 
subpart W and which fugitive emissions components would be specifically 
covered in subpart W when using the OGI method as specified in the 
proposed NSPS subpart OOOOa.
    Table 3 of this preamble provides a summary of the applicable 
subpart W calculation methodologies for components subject to the 
fugitive emissions standards in the final NSPS subpart OOOOa. The basis 
for excluding certain components that are subject to the fugitive 
emissions standards in the final NSPS subpart OOOOa from the final 
equipment leak survey requirements in 40 CFR 98.233(q) is discussed 
below.

 Table 3--Final Subpart W Calculation Methodology Requirements for Components Subject to the Fugitive Emissions
                                         Standards in NSPS Subpart OOOOa
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Applicable GHG emissions calculation methodology in subpart W by industry
                                         segment for components that are also subject to the fugitive emissions
                                          standards for well sites or compressor stations in the NSPS  subpart
  Type of component in definition of                                     OOOOaa
   fugitive emissions component and   --------------------------------------------------------------------------
  subject to the fugitive emissions     Onshore petroleum and
   standards in NSPS subpart OOOOa     natural gas production,  Underground natural gas    Onshore natural gas
                                        onshore  petroleum and   storage, LNG storage,         transmission
                                        natural gas  gathering   LNG import and  export        compression
                                             and boosting              equipment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thief hatches or other openings on      40 CFR           40 CFR           40 CFR
 controlled storage vessels not         98.233(j).               98.233(q) (use factor    98.233(k).
 subject to 40 CFR 60.5395a.                                     for ``other''
                                                                 components in Tables W-
                                                                 4A, W-5A, and W-6A to
                                                                 subpart W) b.
Compressors, excluding emissions from   40 CFR           40 CFR           40 CFR
 vents that are part of normal          98.233(q) for blowdown   98.233(o) for blowdown   98.233(o) for blowdown
 operations (i.e., wet seal oil         valve leakage and        valve leakage and        valve leakage and
 degassing vents).                      isolation valve          isolation valve          isolation valve
                                        leakage (use factor      leakage from             leakage from
                                        for ``open-ended         centrifugal              centrifugal
                                        line'' in Table W-1E     compressors.             compressors
                                        to subpart W) b.         40 CFR           40 CFR
                                        40 CFR           98.233(p) for blowdown   98.233(p) for blowdown
                                        98.233(q) for all        valve leakage,           valve leakage,
                                        other leaks from the     isolation valve          isolation valve
                                        housing (use factor      leakage, and rod         leakage, and rod
                                        for ``other''            packing venting from     packing venting from
                                        components in Table W-   reciprocating            reciprocating
                                        1E to subpart W) b.      compressors.             compressors
                                        40 CFR           40 CFR           40 CFR
                                        98.233(p)(10) for rod    98.233(q) for all        98.233(q) for all
                                        packing venting from     other leaks from the     other leaks from the
                                        reciprocating            housing (use factor      housing (use factor
                                        compressors.             for ``other''            for ``other''
                                                                 components in Table W-   components in Tables W-
                                                                 4A, W-5A, and W-6A to    3A, to subpart W) b
                                                                 subpart W) b.
All other components.................   40 CFR           40 CFR           40 CFR
                                        98.233(q) (use factors   98.233(q) (use factors   98.233(q) (use factors
                                        for applicable           for applicable           for applicable
                                        component types in       component types in       component types in
                                        Table W-1E to subpart    Tables W-4A, W-5A, and   Table W-3A to subpart
                                        W) b.                    W-6A to subpart W) c.    W) c.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\a\ Onshore Natural Gas Processing and Natural Gas Distribution are not included in this table because we are
  not revising the calculation methodology and monitoring method for leak detection for these industry segments
  in this action. The current requirements are still applicable to components in these industry segments.
\b\ The leaker emission factors for ``other'' components are being finalized in this revision.
\c\ The leaker emission factors include both factors in the current rule and factors that are being finalized in
  this action, depending on the specific component and the monitoring method used to conduct the survey, as
  discussed in section II.E.1 of this preamble.

    At proposal, we determined that the subpart W calculation 
methodology for storage tanks in 40 CFR 98.233(j) already includes 
emissions from thief hatches or other openings on storage vessels in 
the Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Production and Onshore Petroleum 
and Natural Gas Gathering and Boosting industry segments. However, we 
requested comment on whether the agency should consider separate 
approaches for controlled storage tanks and uncontrolled storage tanks. 
The final definition of ``fugitive emissions component'' in the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa (40 CFR 60.5430a) includes only thief hatches or other 
openings on a controlled storage vessel; it does not specifically list 
openings on uncontrolled storage vessels. We reviewed the subpart W 
calculation methodology specifically for storage tanks with a vapor 
recovery system (40 CFR 98.233(j)(4)) and storage tanks with a flare 
(40 CFR 98.233(j)(5)). The procedure for determining emissions from a 
tank with a vapor recovery system instructs reporters to adjust the 
storage tank emissions downward by the magnitude of emissions recovered 
using

[[Page 86502]]

a vapor recovery system as determined by engineering estimate based on 
best available data (40 CFR 98.233(j)(4)(i)). The procedure for 
determining emissions from a tank with a flare references 40 CFR 
98.233(n), which instructs reporters to use engineering calculations 
based on process knowledge, company records, and best available data to 
determine the flow to the flare if the flare does not have a continuous 
flow measurement device. If a reporter sees fugitive emissions from a 
thief hatch or other opening on a controlled storage vessel during an 
equipment leak survey conducted using OGI, the reporter should consider 
that information as part of the ``best available data'' used to 
calculate emissions from that storage tank. Therefore, we have 
concluded that emissions from thief hatches or other openings on 
storage vessels in the Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Production and 
Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Gathering and Boosting industry 
segments are already included in the subpart W storage tank emission 
calculations in 40 CFR 98.233(j) and are finalizing, consistent with 
the proposal, that they are not to be considered when determining 
emissions from equipment leaks for purposes of subpart W.
    We are also finalizing as proposed the exclusion of thief hatches 
and other openings on transmission storage tanks from the equipment 
leak reporting requirements.\19\ We note that, for purposes of subpart 
W reporting, a leaking thief hatch or other opening is functionally a 
secondary vent, and thus subject to annual screening on an uncontrolled 
tank according to 40 CFR 98.233(k)(1). If screening shows vapors from 
the thief hatch or opening are continuous for 5 minutes, then a method 
in 40 CFR 98.233(k)(2) must be used to quantify the leak rate, and this 
amount must be combined with any other vent leak rates for reporting.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ The exceptions to equipment leak reporting requirements 
were included in Tables W-1E and W-3 through W-6 of the proposal. 
The final rule moves these exceptions to 40 CFR 98.232, to increase 
clarity and reduce confusion while achieving the same purpose and 
effect.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We are also finalizing the proposed distinction between equipment 
leak emissions and compressor emissions. Specifically, for centrifugal 
compressors, emission sources include wet seal oil degassing vents (for 
centrifugal compressors with wet seals), blowdown valve leakage, and 
isolation valve leakage. For reciprocating compressors, emission 
sources include reciprocating compressor rod packing vents, blowdown 
valve leakage, and isolation valve leakage.
    For compressors in the Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Production 
and the Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Gathering and Boosting 
industry segments under subpart W, the compressor methodologies only 
cover emissions from centrifugal compressor wet seal oil degassing 
vents and from reciprocating compressor rod packing vents. Thus, the 
EPA is finalizing as proposed, for these industry segments, that 
blowdown valve leakage and isolation valve leakage are considered 
equipment leaks (i.e., open-ended lines), and finalizing as proposed 
that emissions from centrifugal compressor wet seal oil degassing vents 
and from reciprocating compressor rod packing vents are not considered 
equipment leaks when using the calculation methodology based on 
equipment leak surveys in 40 CFR 98.233(q).\20\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ 40 CFR 98.233(q) specifies which subsections in 40 CFR 
98.232 (i.e., which components) must follow the calculation 
methodology based on equipment leak surveys in 40 CFR 98.233(q), and 
40 CFR 98.232 subsections identify exceptions from the list of 
components for which equipment leak reporting is required.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    For the Onshore Natural Gas Transmission Compression, Underground 
Natural Gas Storage, LNG Storage, and LNG Import and Export Equipment 
segments, subpart W requires reporters to make ``as found'' or 
continuous measurements for compressor emission sources, so the 
reporters will have either direct measurement data or site-specific 
emission factors by which to calculate emissions from all of the 
compressor sources listed above (i.e., wet seal oil degassing vents for 
centrifugal compressors with wet seals, rod packing vents for 
reciprocating compressors, and blowdown valve leakage and isolation 
valve leakage for both centrifugal and reciprocating compressors). 
Therefore, we are finalizing as proposed to exclude these compressor 
emission sources from the requirements in the calculation methodology 
based on equipment leak surveys so that reporters do not double-count 
emissions from these sources in their GHGRP reports.
    Finally, as noted in section II.C.1 of this preamble, we are 
finalizing the proposed determination that for purposes of subpart W, 
all other fugitive emissions components as defined in the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa not specifically identified above (e.g., thief hatches or other 
openings on a controlled storage vessel, compressor sources with 
explicit calculation methodologies in subpart W) will be considered 
equipment components when conducting an equipment leak survey using the 
OGI method as specified in the NSPS subpart OOOOa or EPA Method 21 with 
a leak definition of 500 ppmv. In other words, we consider the 
provision requiring monitoring of fugitive emissions components as 
defined in the NSPS subpart OOOOa in 40 CFR 60.5397a(e) to be an 
inherent part of the NSPS subpart OOOOa OGI method and EPA Method 21 
with a leak definition of 500 ppmv. Therefore, if a reporter with 
components not subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or 
compressor station fugitive emission requirements elects to use the 
NSPS subpart OOOOa OGI method or EPA Method 21 with a leak definition 
of 500 ppmv for purposes of subpart W, they are also electing to survey 
these additional components.
2. Summary of Comments and Responses
    Comment: Several commenters stated that the NSPS subpart OOOOa 
proposed definition of ``fugitive emissions component'' is too 
expansive. Because it includes many more emission sources than a more 
traditional definition of equipment, the commenters asserted that it is 
inconsistent with current subpart W requirements. The commenters stated 
that aligning subpart W with the NSPS subpart OOOOa in this respect 
will complicate the question of which components must be monitored at 
subpart W facilities and will result in facilities having higher 
numbers of leaks than they would have if they used any other equipment 
leak detection method in subpart W. Some commenters stated that even 
for well sites and compressor station sites subject to the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa, component types considered to be equipment under subpart W 
should be consistent with a more traditional definition of equipment. 
Other commenters requested that equipment under subpart W only include 
component types for which the EPA can provide specific population 
factors and leaker emission factors.
    Response: As noted in section II.D.1 of this preamble, the final 
definition of ``fugitive emissions component'' in the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa (40 CFR 60.5430a) does not list as many explicit individual 
component types, as originally proposed. The EPA is finalizing, with 
the exceptions discussed in section II.D.1 of this preamble and 
consistent with the extent proposed, this alignment with the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa, so that reporters may directly use the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa monitoring results to count the number of leaks under subpart W. 
Reporters using the calculation methodology based on equipment leak 
surveys for

[[Page 86503]]

components not subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa may choose which 
monitoring method to use. If a reporter chooses to use one of the 
monitoring methods listed in 40 CFR 98.234(a)(1) through (5), that 
reporter would use the current list of equipment components for the 
appropriate industry segment in 40 CFR 98.232 (e.g., the list of 
equipment at 40 CFR 98.232(e)(7) for the Onshore Natural Gas 
Transmission Compression industry segment). If a reporter chooses to 
use the OGI method as specified in the NSPS subpart OOOOa or EPA Method 
21 with a leak definition of 500 ppmv, the reporter would use both the 
current list and the newly added list of equipment components for the 
appropriate industry segment in 40 CFR 98.232, which in conjunction 
include the NSPS subpart OOOOa definition of ``fugitive emissions 
component'' in 40 CFR 60.5430a with the exceptions discussed in section 
II.D.1 of this preamble (e.g., the list of equipment at 40 CFR 
98.232(e)(7) and (8) for the Onshore Natural Gas Transmission 
Compression industry segment).

E. Summary of Final Amendments to Leaker Emission Factors and the 
Calculation Methodology Based on Equipment Leak Surveys

1. Summary of Final Amendments
    To quantify emissions from leaking equipment components, subpart W 
includes leaker emission factors for each component type in each 
industry segment currently required to use the calculation methodology 
based on equipment leak surveys. In contrast to the population emission 
factors, which are multiplied by the total facility component counts, 
leaker emission factors are multiplied by the actual number of leaks 
for each component type, as identified by the equipment leak survey. 
These amendments increase the component types that are required or may 
elect to use the calculation methodology based on equipment leak 
surveys, including most of the component types currently using the 
subpart W calculation methodology based on population counts.\21\ 
Therefore, new leaker emission factors are being added so that 
reporters can calculate their GHG emissions for these new component 
types.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \21\ The NSPS subpart OOOOa fugitive emission requirements do 
not apply to fugitive emissions components in the Natural Gas 
Distribution industry segment.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Specifically, the EPA proposed to add new sets of leaker emission 
factors to subpart W for: (1) The Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas 
Production industry segment; (2) the Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas 
Gathering and Boosting industry segment; (3) storage wellheads in gas 
service in the Underground Natural Gas Storage industry segment; (4) 
LNG storage components in gas service in the LNG Storage industry 
segment; and (5) LNG terminals components in gas service for the LNG 
Import and Export Equipment industry segment. For industry segments 
that already include a set of leaker emission factors, the EPA also 
proposed to expand that set of leaker emission factors to include 
certain additional components to better align with the definition of 
fugitive emissions components in the NSPS subpart OOOOa. See the 
document ``Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: Technical Support for Leak 
Detection Methodology Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for 
Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems'' in Docket Item No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-
0764-0028, for more information on the development of the proposed 
leaker emission factors.
    We are finalizing the leaker emission factors for the Onshore 
Petroleum and Natural Gas Production and the Onshore Petroleum and 
Natural Gas Gathering and Boosting industry segments as proposed, with 
clarifications for flanges and connectors noted below. We are also 
finalizing the following leaker emission factors as proposed: (1) The 
leaker emission factors for ``other'' components in Tables W-3A, W-4A, 
W-5A, and W-6A to subpart W; (2) the leaker emission factors for 
storage wellhead equipment in gas service within Table W-4A to subpart 
W; and (3) the leaker emission factors for equipment in gas service for 
LNG storage components within Table W-5A to subpart W and for LNG 
terminal components within Table W-6A to subpart W. We are also 
finalizing the proposal to expand the existing leaker emission factor 
for meters to also include instruments in Tables W-3A and W-4A to 
subpart W for the Onshore Natural Gas Transmission Compression and 
Underground Natural Gas Storage industry segments, respectively. All 
but one of the proposed leaker factors for flanges in Tables W-3 
through W-6 to subpart W (Tables W-3A, W-4A, W-5A, and W-6A to subpart 
W in these final amendments) were the same as the leaker factors for 
connectors; the exception was for flanges in gas service associated 
with storage wellheads at Underground Natural Gas Storage facilities, 
which had a proposed leaker factor that differed from the proposed 
leaker factor for connectors in the same service. Flanges are a type of 
connector, which means the proposed flange factors that were identical 
to the existing connector factors were redundant. Therefore, we have 
not finalized the proposed separate factors for flanges where the 
factor was the same as the factor for connectors and are finalizing 
that flanges must use the final connector factor, meaning the effect of 
the final amendments is the same as the proposal. The separate factors 
for connectors and flanges for storage wellheads in gas service at 
Underground Natural Gas Storage facilities are finalized as proposed, 
but to clarify that the factor for connectors applies only to all types 
of connectors other than flanges, the component name has been changed 
from ``connector'' in the proposal to ``connector (other)'' in Table W-
4A of the final amendments. This change also makes the terminology in 
Table W-4A consistent with the terminology in Tables W-1A and W-1E, 
which also specify factors for flanges that differ from the factors for 
other types of connectors.
    We are not finalizing the proposed addition of pumps to the leaker 
factors in Table W-2 for the Onshore Natural Gas Processing industry 
segment. As described in section II.B.1 of this preamble, we are not 
taking final action on the Onshore Natural Gas Processing revisions at 
this time.
    In addition to finalizing nearly all of the proposed leaker 
factors, we are also finalizing an additional set of emission factors 
corresponding to the average emissions rates of components identified 
using Method 21 with a leak definition of 500 ppmv. The proposed leaker 
factors were developed based on Method 21 monitoring using a leak 
definition of 10,000 ppmv and were to be applied by all reporters 
regardless of the leak survey monitoring method used. As noted in 
section II.C of this preamble, the final NSPS subpart OOOOa includes an 
additional alternative that allows reporters to use Method 21 with a 
leak definition of 500 ppmv. On average, the emissions from a leak 
identified with a Method 21 reading above 500 ppmv are less than the 
emissions from a leak identified with a Method 21 reading of 10,000 
ppmv or higher. Consequently, the leaker factor (which is the average 
emissions rate) for leaks identified when using a leak definition of 
500 ppmv is smaller than the leaker factor for leaks identified when 
using a leak definition of 10,000 ppmv. Therefore, in order to use the 
NSPS subpart OOOOa survey results directly to calculate equipment leak 
emissions for subpart W when Method 21 with a leak definition of 500

[[Page 86504]]

ppmv is used, leaker factors were developed consistent with the average 
emissions rate of a ``leak'' defined as a measurement reading of 500 
ppmv or more using Method 21. We developed these new leaker factors 
using data from EPA's Protocol for Equipment Leak Emissions Estimates 
\22\ consistent with the data used to develop the proposed leaker 
factors for Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Production and the 
Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Gathering and Boosting industry 
segments. See the document ``Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: Technical 
Support for Leak Detection Methodology Revisions and Confidentiality 
Determinations for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems Final Rule'' in 
Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0764, which provides more information on 
the development of the final leaker emission factors. The inclusion of 
leaker factors specific to Method 21 with a leak definition of 500 ppmv 
is consistent with our proposal to align subpart W calculation 
methodologies with the monitoring requirements in the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \22\ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Protocol for 
Equipment Leak Emissions Estimates. EPA-453/R-95-017. November 1995. 
Docket Item No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0927-0043.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We are also finalizing the proposed amendments to the time variable 
Tp,z in Equation W-30 to clarify the total time a surveyed 
component found leaking is assumed to be leaking and operational. The 
previous language for the definition of the time variable specifically 
considers a first leak survey and a last leak survey in the year but 
does not provide specific language with respect to the duration of any 
``intermediate'' survey conducted between the first and last survey. 
Therefore, the EPA proposed to amend the definition of the time 
variable to clarify how to determine the duration of a leak if more 
than two leak surveys are conducted in a year and to instruct reporters 
to sum the individual durations to determine the total time the 
component was leaking during the year.
    The EPA is finalizing this amendment as proposed. The amendments to 
the time variable Tp,z define each equipment leak survey as 
covering a unique, non-overlapping time period and we are clarifying 
our intent that a leak detected in the first or any intermediate survey 
is not considered to continue leaking past the date of that specific 
equipment leak survey. For the last survey conducted in the calendar 
year, the leak is assumed to continue until the end of the year. For 
example, if a reporter conducts three equipment leak surveys in a 
calendar year and a particular component is found to be leaking in the 
first and second surveys but not the third, the total leak duration is 
the sum of the time from January 1 to the date of the second survey. If 
a reporter conducts three equipment leak surveys in a calendar year and 
a particular component is found to be leaking in the first and last 
surveys but not the second, then the total leak duration is the sum of 
the time from January 1 to the date of the first survey and the time 
from the date of the second survey to December 31.
    See ``Response to Public Comments on Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: 
Leak Detection Methodology Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations 
for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems'' in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2015-0764 for all comments and the EPA's responses to comments on other 
aspects of the time variable Tp,z in Equation W-30.
    Finally, 40 CFR 98.233(q) includes a provision requiring reporters 
to conduct one equipment leak survey in a calendar year (which must 
include ``all component types'' subject to 40 CFR 98.233(q)) or 
multiple ``complete'' equipment leak surveys in a calendar year. In 
response to comments as part of the 2010 subpart W final rule, the EPA 
noted that subsequent equipment leak surveys should be ``conducted for 
an entire facility.'' \23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \23\ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Mandatory Greenhouse 
Gas Reporting Rule Subpart W--Petroleum and Natural Gas: EPA's 
Response to Public Comments. November 2010. Docket Item No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2009-0923-3608. Response to Comment Number EPA-HQ-OAR-2009-0923-
1014-9, pp. 1281-1282.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The EPA has reviewed how this interpretation could interact with 
these final amendments for components subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa 
well site or compressor station fugitive emissions requirements and 
finds that additional clarification is necessary. For example, a 
facility in the Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Production industry 
segment or the Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Gathering and Boosting 
industry segment may have some components that are subject to the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station fugitive emissions 
requirements and some components that are not. In such a case, multiple 
equipment leak surveys would be conducted for the components subject to 
the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station fugitive 
emissions requirements, to fulfill the requirements of the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa for those components, that would be consistent with subpart W 
monitoring methods under these final revisions.
    However, under the current interpretation of a ``complete'' survey, 
it would appear that these reporters would either: (1) Be unable to use 
the NSPS subpart OOOOa fugitive emissions monitoring results as 
directed, because they did not survey all components at the facility; 
or (2) be forced to monitor all components at the facility on the same 
frequency as the components subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site 
or compressor station fugitive emissions requirements to meet the 
subpart W requirement to use all additional leak surveys conducted in 
accordance with NSPS OOOOa. The first interpretation would render these 
final amendments useless, and the second interpretation would increase 
the burden beyond the EPA's intentions, and could also have unintended 
consequences for the components subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa 
(e.g., a subpart W facility with some components subject to the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa well site fugitive emissions requirements and others 
subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa compressor station fugitive emissions 
requirements could end up being required to monitor the fugitive 
emissions components at a well site four times a year instead of 
twice). Therefore, the EPA is clarifying in 40 CFR 98.233(q)(2)(i) that 
any monitoring conducted pursuant to and in compliance with the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station fugitive emissions 
requirements constitutes a ``complete'' survey for purposes of subpart 
W and must be used for subpart W reporting. The EPA is further 
clarifying that, to meet the requirements of 40 CFR 98.233(q), at least 
one equipment leak survey must be conducted in a calendar year.
2. Summary of Comments and Responses
    Comment: Several commenters addressed the EPA's proposed leaker 
emission factors. Some of the commenters indicated that the EPA/Gas 
Research Institute (GRI) data set upon which the proposed factors are 
based is an older data set and asserted that it may not be 
representative of operating practices and procedures that have changed 
significantly over the past 20 years. In addition, the commenters 
stated that the EPA/GRI data set includes a limited population of 
measurements, so the proposed leaker emission factors may not account 
for operational variability on a regional or national level. Some 
commenters requested that the EPA consider newer studies, including 
those cited in

[[Page 86505]]

``Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: Technical Support for Leak Detection 
Methodology Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum 
and Natural Gas Systems'' (Docket Item No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0764-0028) 
either instead of or in combination with the EPA/GRI data set.
    Several commenters urged the EPA to work with the regulated 
community to improve the default leaker emission factors in subpart W. 
One commenter noted that the proposed leaker emission factors may be a 
viable interim solution but recommended that the EPA analyze more 
robust data sets consisting of the combined results of all studies for 
each industry segment and evaluate whether the subpart W leaker 
emission factors should be revised.
    Response: As described in the preamble to the proposed rule and the 
document ``Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: Technical Support for Leak 
Detection Methodology Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for 
Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems Final Rule'' (Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-
OAR-2015-0764), the EPA has determined that the EPA/GRI data set is 
appropriate to base leaker emission factors in these subpart W 
amendments. We note that the EPA/GRI data set provides sufficient data 
to develop leaker emission factors and that using this data set for the 
leaker emission factors provides consistency with the population 
emission factors used by reporters that do not conduct equipment leak 
surveys.
    The EPA agrees that there are numerous recent studies that could be 
used to either replace or supplement the EPA/GRI study data, and many 
of these are described in the technical support document. The EPA 
evaluated these other studies and found that the leaker emission 
factors determined from these data sets agreed reasonably well with the 
leaker emission factors developed from the EPA/GRI data set, suggesting 
that the EPA/GRI leaker emission factors are still valid. Commenters 
that supported a different basis for the leaker emission factors than 
the EPA/GRI data set did not provide specific information explaining 
why another study would be a better basis or address any of the 
specific considerations listed above, although the comments received 
suggest that stakeholders are interested in further involvement in the 
assessment of the available data. Therefore, for the reasons stated in 
the preamble to the proposed rule and the document ``Greenhouse Gas 
Reporting Rule: Technical Support for Leak Detection Methodology 
Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural 
Gas Systems Final Rule'' in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0764, the EPA 
is finalizing the leaker emission factors as proposed.
    The EPA appreciates the commenters' interest in providing a 
thorough review of the available study data to develop an accurate set 
of leaker emission factors. The EPA is committed to working with 
stakeholders to ensure that GHGRP requirements and calculation methods 
are based upon the most robust data available. If the EPA determines 
that revisions to the subpart W leaker emission factors are appropriate 
in the future based on additional information, we anticipate that we 
will propose to amend the rule accordingly.
    Comment: Numerous commenters stated that reporters should be 
allowed to use site-specific leak quantification data if available, 
either directly for each individual leak (i.e., direct measurement 
data) or to develop their own leaker emission factors on a facility-
specific, company-specific, or product-specific basis. Most of these 
commenters supported the EPA's proposal to include default leaker 
emission factors, but stated that reporters should not be limited to 
using them if the facility has more accurate, site-specific 
information. Some commenters further noted that the site-specific data 
reported to the GHGRP could be used to improve the default leaker 
emission factors in the future. One commenter also requested that the 
EPA require quantification of any leak that a reporter elects not to 
repair.
    Response: The EPA did not propose and, after review and 
consideration of comments, is not finalizing provisions allowing 
reporters to use site-specific information to calculate equipment leak 
emissions for subpart W. While we agree that direct measurement has the 
potential to provide more accurate emissions data than using emission 
factors, we would need to develop criteria and guidelines for using 
direct measurement data consistently across subpart W reporters for 
calculating equipment leak emissions. Similarly, we agree that using 
site-specific emission factors can provide more accurate emissions data 
than using default emission factors, but a robust set of requirements 
would be needed for reporters to use when developing their own emission 
factors to ensure that those factors are as unbiased and representative 
as possible. In addition, if reporters are using direct measurement or 
their own emission factors, we would most likely need to amend the 
reporting requirements (e.g., to require reporters to provide site-
specific emission factors), and we would need to consider whether any 
other amendments would be needed to enable us to review and verify 
reported data. In either of these cases, we would provide the 
opportunity for the public to comment on those amended requirements 
before finalizing them within subpart W.

F. Summary of Final Amendments to Reporting Requirements

1. Summary of Final Amendments
    The EPA is finalizing largely as proposed the new reporting 
requirements for facilities conducting equipment leak surveys under 
subpart W. Reporters in the Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas 
Production and the Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Gathering and 
Boosting industry segments, reporters with storage wellheads in the 
Underground Natural Gas Storage industry segment, and reporters with 
components in gas service in the LNG Storage and LNG Import and Export 
Equipment industry segments that begin using the calculation 
methodology based on equipment leak surveys must report the information 
currently listed in 40 CFR 98.236(q)(1) and (2), which includes the 
number of equipment leak surveys, component types, number of leaking 
components, average time the components were assumed to be leaking, and 
annual CO2 and CH4 emissions. Facilities that 
conduct surveys using the new monitoring methods in 40 CFR 98.234(a)(6) 
or (7) must also report the data elements in 40 CFR 98.236(q)(2) for 
additional component types specified in 40 CFR 98.232. Reporters may 
elect to report the data elements in 40 CFR 98.236(q)(2) for the 
additional component types if they conduct surveys using a monitoring 
method in 40 CFR 98.234(a)(1) through (5).
    The data elements in 40 CFR 98.236(q)(1) and (2) are already 
required to be reported by facilities conducting equipment leak surveys 
in the Onshore Natural Gas Transmission Compression, Underground 
Natural Gas Storage (storage stations), and LNG Storage and LNG Import 
and Export Equipment (components in LNG service) industry segments. 
However, facilities in those segments conducting equipment leak surveys 
using the new OGI method or Method 21, as specified in the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa (finalized in subpart W as 40 CFR 98.234(a)(6) or (7)), must 
begin reporting the data elements in 40 CFR 98.236(q)(2) for component 
types with the new leaker emission factors, including component types 
that are not currently subject to reporting. Facilities conducting 
equipment leak surveys using a monitoring method in 40 CFR

[[Page 86506]]

98.234(a)(1) through (5) may elect to begin reporting the data elements 
in 40 CFR 98.236(q)(2) for other components that are not currently 
subject to reporting.
    In addition, the EPA is finalizing as proposed three new reporting 
requirements for facilities conducting equipment leak surveys in all of 
the above segments as well as the Onshore Natural Gas Processing and 
Natural Gas Distribution segments. First, facilities in those segments 
will be required to report the monitoring method(s) in 40 CFR 98.234(a) 
used to conduct the survey(s). Second, facilities in the above segments 
except for Onshore Natural Gas Processing and Natural Gas Distribution 
will be required to indicate whether any of their component types are 
subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station 
fugitive emissions requirements. Finally, facilities with components 
for which the calculation methodology based on equipment leak surveys 
is optional (e.g., facilities in the Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas 
Production segment) will be required to indicate whether they elected 
to use the calculation methodology based on equipment leak surveys for 
any of their component types at the facility.
    Additionally, in reviewing specific reporting requirements while 
responding to public comments, we recognized that the reporting 
requirements at 40 CFR 98.236(r)(3)(ii) were unclear, and could be 
misinterpreted with respect to how this reporting element relates to 
the calculated emissions. Therefore, we are revising 40 CFR 
98.236(r)(3)(ii) by adding the phrase ``. . . for which equipment leak 
emissions are calculated using the methodology in Sec.  98.233(r)'' to 
clarify our original intent that the major equipment counts reported 
under this requirement are specific to equipment for which emissions 
are calculated using the population count methodology.
2. Summary of Comments and Responses
    Comment: Two commenters addressed the proposed requirement in 40 
CFR 98.236(q)(1)(iii) to indicate whether any component types at a 
facility are subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa. One commenter opposed 
the addition, stating that it is overly burdensome to require reporters 
to delineate reporting of emission sources subject to the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa, especially if this is intended to be a numeric response 
regarding the number of individual components subject to the NSPS 
subpart OOOOa. Another commenter asserted that it is not clear if the 
response to proposed 40 CFR 98.236(q)(1)(iii) is a single yes or no for 
each facility or if the EPA will be expecting a yes or no response for 
each component type.
    Response: In the final rule, the EPA has revised the proposed 
requirement in 40 CFR 98.236(q)(1)(iii) (indicate whether any component 
types are subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa) to be clear that the EPA 
expects only one yes or no response for an entire facility. While the 
EPA understands that the number of leaking components and equipment 
leak emissions may increase as the number of components subject to the 
NSPS subpart OOOOa increases, this response will allow the EPA to 
provide transparent data related to changes in emissions for facilities 
with components subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or 
compressor station fugitive emissions requirements over time. This data 
element will also support verification that the appropriate GHGRP 
monitoring method was used by the facility.

III. Confidentiality Determinations

A. Summary of Final Confidentiality Determinations for New Subpart W 
Data Elements

    As noted in the proposed rule, we are applying the same approach as 
previously used for making confidentiality determinations for data 
elements reported under the GHGRP. In the ``Confidentiality 
Determinations for Data Required Under the Mandatory Greenhouse Gas 
Reporting Rule and Amendments to Special Rules Governing Certain 
Information Obtained Under the Clean Air Act'' (hereafter referred to 
as ``2011 Final CBI Rulemaking'') (76 FR 30782, May 26, 2011), the EPA 
grouped part 98 data elements for which EPA was determining 
confidentiality status through that rulemaking into 22 data categories 
(11 direct emitter data categories and 11 supplier data categories) 
with each of the 22 data categories containing data elements that are 
similar in type or characteristics. The EPA then made categorical 
confidentiality determinations for eight direct emitter data categories 
and eight supplier data categories and applied the categorical 
confidentiality determination to all data elements assigned to the 
category. Of these data categories with categorical determinations, the 
EPA determined that four direct emitter data categories are comprised 
of those data elements that meet the definition of ``emission data,'' 
as defined at 40 CFR 2.301(a), and are, therefore, not entitled to 
confidential treatment under section 114(c) of the CAA.\24\ The EPA 
determined that the other four direct emitter data categories and the 
eight supplier data categories do not meet the definition of ``emission 
data.'' For these data categories that are determined not to be 
emission data, the EPA determined categorically that data in three 
direct emitter data categories and five supplier data categories are 
eligible for confidential treatment as CBI, and that the data in one 
direct emitter data category and three supplier data categories are 
ineligible for confidential treatment as CBI. For two direct emitter 
data categories, ``Unit/Process `Static' Characteristics that Are Not 
Inputs to Emission Equations'' and ``Unit/Process Operating 
Characteristics that Are Not Inputs to Emission Equations,'' and three 
supplier data categories, ``GHGs Reported,'' ``Production/Throughput 
Quantities and Composition,'' and ``Unit/Process Operating 
Characteristics,'' the EPA determined in the 2011 Final CBI Rulemaking 
that the data elements assigned to those categories are not emission 
data, but the EPA did not make categorical CBI determinations for them. 
Rather, the EPA made CBI determinations for each individual data 
element included in those categories on a case-by-case basis taking 
into consideration the criteria in 40 CFR 2.208. The EPA did not make a 
final confidentiality determination for data elements assigned to the 
inputs to emission equation data category (a direct emitter data 
category) in the 2011 Final CBI Rulemaking. However, the EPA has since 
proposed and finalized an approach for addressing disclosure concerns 
associated with inputs to emissions equations.\25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \24\ Direct emitter data categories that meet the definition of 
``emission data'' in 40 CFR 2.301(a) are ``Facility and Unit 
Identifier Information,'' ``Emissions,'' ``Calculation Methodology 
and Methodological Tier,'' and ``Data Elements Reported for Periods 
of Missing Data that are not Inputs to Emission Equations.''
    \25\ Revisions to Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements, and 
Confidentiality Determinations Under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting 
Program; Final Rule. (79 FR 63750, October 24, 2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    In the proposed rule, we assigned the nine proposed new or 
substantially revised data elements to the appropriate direct emitter 
data categories created in the 2011 Final CBI Rulemaking based on the 
type and characteristics of each data element. For the seven data 
elements the EPA assigned to a direct emitter category with a 
categorical determination, the EPA proposed that the categorical 
determination for the category be applied to the proposed new or 
substantially revised data elements,

[[Page 86507]]

as shown in Table 4 of this preamble. For the two data elements 
assigned to the ``Unit/Process Operating Characteristics that Are Not 
Inputs to Emission Equations,'' we proposed confidentiality 
determinations on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the 
criteria in 40 CFR 2.208, consistent with the approach used for data 
elements previously assigned to these two data categories, as shown in 
Table 5 of this preamble. Refer to the preamble to the proposed rule 
(81 FR 4987; January 29, 2016) for additional information regarding the 
proposed confidentiality determinations.
    With consideration of the information provided by commenters, the 
EPA is finalizing the confidentiality determinations as proposed. 
Specifically, the EPA is finalizing the proposed determination for each 
of the nine new or substantially revised data elements to be designated 
as ``emission data'' or ``not CBI.''

  Table 4--Final Data Category Assignments and Confidentiality Determinations for New Data Elements Assigned to
                                   Categories With Categorical Determinations
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                Categorical
                                                                      Final category         determination (as
              Citation                       Data element               assignment         established in 2011)
                                                                                                   \26\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.   98.236(q)(1)(i).............  The number of complete       Test and Calibration    Not Emission Data and
                                      equipment leak surveys       Methods.                Not CBI.
                                      performed during the
                                      calendar year.
Sec.   98.236(q)(1)(iii)...........  Whether any component types  Facility and Unit       Emission Data.
                                      were subject to 40 CFR       Identifier
                                      part 60, subpart OOOOa.      Information.
Sec.   98.236(q)(1)(iv)............  Whether you elected to       Facility and Unit       Emission Data.
                                      comply with Sec.             Identifier
                                      98.233(q) per Sec.           Information.
                                      98.233(q)(1)(iii).
Sec.   98.236(q)(1)(v).............  Each type of method          Test and Calibration    Not Emission Data and
                                      described in Sec.            Methods.                Not CBI.
                                      98.234(a) that was used to
                                      conduct leak surveys.
Sec.   98.236(q)(2)(i).............  For each component type      Facility and Unit       Emission Data.
                                      that is located at your      Identifier
                                      facility, component type.    Information.
Sec.   98.236(q)(2)(iv)............  For each component type      Emissions.............  Emission Data.
                                      that is located at your
                                      facility, annual CO2
                                      emissions, in metric tons
                                      CO2.
Sec.   98.236(q)(2)(v).............  For each component type      Emissions.............  Emission Data.
                                      that is located at your
                                      facility, annual CH4
                                      emissions, in metric tons
                                      CH4.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \26\ The categorical confidentiality determinations for the data 
categories listed in this table were finalized on May 26, 2011 (see 
76 FR 30782).

 Table 5--Final Confidentiality for Data Elements Assigned to the ``Unit/Process Operating Characteristics That
                              Are Not Inputs to Emission Equations'' Data Category
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Final confidentiality determination and
                Citation                          Data element                         rationale
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sec.   98.236(q)(2)(ii).................  For each component type      Not Emission Data (Categorical
                                           that is located at your      Determination as Established in 2011).
                                           facility, total number of   Not CBI. The term ``equipment leaks''
                                           the surveyed component       refers to those emissions which could
                                           type that were identified    not reasonably pass through a stack,
                                           as leaking in the calendar   chimney, vent, or other functionally-
                                           year (``xp'' in Equation W-  equivalent opening. Leaking components
                                           30).                         at a facility may have a correlation to
                                                                        the level of maintenance at a facility.
                                                                        However, there is no direct correlation
                                                                        between the level of maintenance and
                                                                        process efficiency, i.e., a higher
                                                                        number of leaks in one facility do not
                                                                        indicate that the processes have been
                                                                        running longer or more frequently than
                                                                        those processes at another facility that
                                                                        has a lower number of leaks.
                                                                        Furthermore, Department of
                                                                        Transportation (DOT) regulations require
                                                                        natural gas distribution companies and
                                                                        transmission pipeline companies to
                                                                        conduct periodic leak detection and fix
                                                                        any leaking equipment. The number of
                                                                        leaks detected and fixed is reported to
                                                                        the DOT and is publicly available.
                                                                        Finally, 40 CFR part 60, subpart OOOOa
                                                                        requires reporting for each component
                                                                        with visible emissions at affected well
                                                                        sites and compressor station sites. The
                                                                        EPA is finalizing that this data element
                                                                        is not confidential; and that it will be
                                                                        considered ``not CBI.''
Sec.   98.236(q)(2)(iii)................  For each component type      Not Emission Data (Categorical
                                           that is located at your      Determination as Established in 2011).
                                           facility, average time the  Not CBI. This data element will provide
                                           surveyed components are      information on the amount of time
                                           assumed to be leaking and    operational components were found to be
                                           operational, in hours        leaking. This information provides
                                           (average of ``Tp,z'' from    little insight into maintenance
                                           Equation W-30).              practices at a facility because it does
                                                                        not identify the cause of the leaks or
                                                                        the nature and cost of repairs.
                                                                        Therefore, this information would not be
                                                                        likely to cause substantial competitive
                                                                        harm to reporters. For this reason, we
                                                                        are finalizing the average time
                                                                        operational components were found
                                                                        leaking be designated as ``not CBI.''
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Summary of Comments and Responses

    This section summarizes the major comments and responses related to 
the proposed categorical assignments and confidentiality 
determinations. See ``Response to Public Comments on Greenhouse Gas 
Reporting Rule: Leak Detection Methodology Revisions and 
Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems'' 
in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-

[[Page 86508]]

0764 for a complete listing of all comments and responses. See the 
memorandum ``Final Data Category Assignments and Confidentiality 
Determinations for Data Elements in the `Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: 
Leak Detection Methodology Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations 
for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems; Final Rule' '' in Docket ID No. 
EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0764 for a complete listing of final data category 
assignments and confidentiality determinations.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the EPA should reconsider the 
proposed determination of ``not CBI'' for the number of components 
identified as leaking in a calendar year and the average time the 
surveyed components are assumed to be leaking. The commenter asserted 
that designating this information as CBI would encourage more reporters 
to voluntarily conduct leak surveys. The commenter also noted that this 
information is publically available for some sources and suggested that 
the rule provide an exception from classification as CBI for components 
subject to State programs or NSPS that already require public 
disclosure. Another commenter requested that the EPA protect the 
community's right to know and not allow companies to keep the public 
from finding out about leaks from hydrocarbon facilities.
    Response: While it is possible that the requirement to report the 
number of leaking components and the average time those components were 
leaking could discourage some reporters from conducting voluntary 
equipment leak surveys, this is not a valid reason to allow reporters 
to claim these data elements as confidential. As noted in section III.C 
of the preamble to the proposed rule, the EPA proposed that disclosure 
of these data elements is unlikely to cause substantial harm to a 
business's competitive position, and the commenter did not indicate 
that the EPA's determination was incorrect. Therefore, the EPA is 
finalizing the confidentiality determinations for these data elements 
as ``not CBI.''

IV. Impacts of the Final Amendments to Subpart W

A. Impacts of the Final Amendments

    The final amendments to subpart W revise costs associated with the 
use of the monitoring methods and the calculation methodology based on 
equipment leak surveys for reporters in the following industry 
segments: Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Production, Onshore 
Petroleum and Natural Gas Gathering and Boosting, Onshore Natural Gas 
Transmission Compression, Underground Natural Gas Storage, LNG Storage, 
and LNG Import and Export Equipment. Reporters in these industry 
segments are required to use the results of fugitive emissions 
component monitoring required for well sites and compressor stations 
under the NSPS subpart OOOOa. Reporters in these segments with 
components not subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or 
compressor station fugitive emissions requirements and for which they 
are currently required to use the calculation methodology based on 
population counts under subpart W may voluntarily use the calculation 
methodology based on equipment leak surveys for those components if the 
equipment leak survey is conducted following a monitoring method listed 
in subpart W.
    The EPA received comments from one commenter regarding the specific 
impacts of the proposed amendments. After evaluating these comments and 
reviewing other changes from proposal, the EPA revised the impacts 
assessment from proposal. The EPA estimates that the costs of the final 
amendments to subpart W are slightly more burdensome than we estimated 
at proposal, but they do not significantly change the overall burden to 
subpart W reporters. The EPA estimated that the additional costs to 
subpart W reporters in the Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Production 
and the Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Gathering and Boosting 
industry segments to transition their existing equipment leak 
recordkeeping, calculating, and reporting systems to use the 
calculation methodology based on equipment leak surveys and to 
determine which components are subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa well 
site or compressor station fugitive emissions requirements and which 
are not, will be approximately $110,000 per year, or about $410 per 
reporter. The EPA estimated that the additional costs for subpart W 
reporters in the other industry segments (i.e., Onshore Natural Gas 
Transmission Compression, Underground Natural Gas Storage, Liquefied 
Natural Gas (LNG) Storage, and LNG Import and Export Equipment) to add 
a few new emission factors to their existing systems (rather than 
transitioning their recordkeeping, calculating, and reporting systems) 
and to determine which components are covered by the NSPS subpart OOOOa 
well site or compressor station fugitive emissions requirements and 
which are not, will be approximately $20,000 per year or about $110 per 
reporter. The total costs are approximately $128,400 per year for all 
reporters, or about $286 per reporter. See the memorandum, ``Assessment 
of Impacts of the Final Leak Detection Methodology Revisions and 
Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems'' 
in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0764 for additional information.

B. Summary of Comments and Responses

    This section summarizes the major comments and responses related to 
the impacts of the proposed amendments to subpart W of part 98. We note 
that while several commenters asserted that the proposed rule would be 
burdensome for many operators and suggested revisions to the rule 
requirements that would reduce the burden, only one commenter provided 
comments on the EPA's impacts estimate and supporting statement, and 
that commenter's major comments are summarized in this section. See 
``Response to Public Comments on Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule: Leak 
Detection Methodology Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for 
Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems'' in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-
0764 for a complete listing of all comments and responses.
    Comment: One commenter stated that the EPA's estimate of two hours 
of labor and $198 per reporter significantly underestimates and 
misrepresents the amount of time and effort that goes into implementing 
a new rule. The commenter provided a cost estimate that assumes more 
labor hours than in the EPA's memorandum ``Assessment of Impacts of the 
Leak Detection Methodology Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations 
for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems'' (Docket Item No. EPA-HQ-OAR-
2015-0764-0025). The commenter noted that as more sites become subject 
to the NSPS subpart OOOOa at a facility, the costs of managing the data 
and processing it into a usable format for the GHGRP will increase each 
year for that reporter. The commenter also noted that the EPA was 
incorrect in assuming that there would be no costs for facilities in 
the Onshore Natural Gas Processing segment.
    Response: The EPA has evaluated the comments and has made changes 
to the estimate of burden in the supporting statement. The following 
paragraphs address each of the points in the commenter's detailed cost 
estimate included with the comment letter and explain how the points 
are being addressed in the final burden and cost estimate.

[[Page 86509]]

    The commenter suggested adding burden of two hours in the first 
year related to the initial monitoring plan development and burden of 
0.5 hours in subsequent years related to yearly monitoring plan 
revisions. The EPA did not include costs at proposal related to the 
monitoring plan because the subpart W amendments do not require the 
development of a separate monitoring plan. Instead, the subpart W 
amendments cross reference the monitoring plan that is already being 
developed according to the NSPS subpart OOOOa. The EPA recognizes that 
reporters that are not subject to the NSPS subpart OOOOa would not 
already be required to develop a monitoring plan under the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa; however, reporters that elect to use one of the new leak 
detection methods are also electing to incur the burden of developing a 
monitoring plan. Therefore, there is no monitoring plan burden 
associated with the subpart W amendments and the final burden and cost 
estimate has not changed from proposal as a result of this comment.
    The commenter suggested changing the number of hours to revise the 
reporting system to five hours and to allow one hour for maintenance in 
each subsequent year. At proposal, the EPA estimated that revising the 
reporting system to use the calculation methodology based on equipment 
leak surveys would require two hours. The commenter did not provide the 
basis for their estimate of five hours to update the data management 
system. The overall reporting costs for compliance already include a 
burden of ten hours per year and the EPA disagrees that updating the 
data management system would encompass half of that allotment because 
EPA anticipates that reporters would only need to add a few emission 
factors for leaking components to their existing system, rather than 
something more time-intensive such as creating a new data management 
system. We reviewed the revisions expected to be needed in the data 
management system. While we maintain that two hours are sufficient to 
implement the calculation methodology based on equipment leak surveys 
into a reporter's existing system, we recognize that this process will 
also require quality assurance reviews and testing to ensure the data 
are stored properly and the calculations are performed correctly. 
Therefore, we increased the number of hours estimated to revise the 
reporting system from two hours to 3.5 hours to account for these 
additional quality reviews of the data management system. However, the 
EPA has made no changes to burden associated with maintenance of the 
revised reporting system because the EPA asserts that any reporting 
system maintenance related to subpart W is already reflected in the 
twenty hours per year allotted to each subpart W reporter for 
recordkeeping and reporting activities.
    The commenter suggested that the EPA adjust the proposed burden and 
cost estimate by adding the following activities and burden estimates: 
(1) Time for staff to process the survey data resulting from the 
calculation methodology based on equipment leak surveys and to enter it 
into the GHGRP system at a burden of three hours per year; (2) time for 
staff training at a burden of two hours for initial training and one 
hour per year in subsequent years; and (3) time for staff to review the 
data for quality assurance, follow missing data requirements, report 
data to the EPA, and retain all records at a burden of four total hours 
per year.
    At proposal, the EPA did not include burden related to these 
activities because they are covered by the twenty hours per year 
already accounted for in the overall subpart W reporter burden for 
recordkeeping and reporting activities. Therefore, the final burden and 
cost estimate has not changed from proposal as a result of these 
comments.
    However, at proposal, the EPA did not account for the time 
associated with determining which components in the reporting system 
are covered by the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station 
fugitive emissions requirements and which are not. As a result, the EPA 
has added 0.5 hours per reporter in the first year that the reporter 
has an affected collection of fugitive emissions components subject to 
the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station fugitive 
emissions requirements and 0.1 hours per reporter in subsequent years.
    Finally, for the reasons described in section II.B.2 of this 
preamble, the final rule language specifies that the requirement to use 
the NSPS subpart OOOOa results as part of the calculation methodology 
based on equipment leak surveys only applies to components subject to 
the NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station fugitive 
emissions requirements. The subpart W equipment leak survey 
requirements for facilities in the Onshore Natural Gas Processing 
segment do not change as a result of these amendments. Therefore, the 
EPA is not including any burden estimate for Onshore Natural Gas 
Processing reporters (i.e., the revisions to the burden estimate 
described in this response do not apply to the Onshore Natural Gas 
Processing segment).
    Overall, the burden and cost estimate has been revised as discussed 
above from 502 hours and $50,000 per year at proposal to approximately 
1,295 hours and $128,400 per year for all reporters.

V. Statutory and Executive Order Reviews

    Additional information about these statutes and Executive Orders 
can be found at http://www2.epa.gov/laws-and-executive orders.

A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review and Executive 
Order 13563: Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review

    This action is not a significant regulatory action and was 
therefore not submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) 
for review.

B. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    The information collection activities in this rule have been 
submitted for approval to the OMB under the PRA. The Information 
Collection Request (ICR) document that the EPA prepared has been 
assigned EPA ICR number 2300.19. You can find a copy of the ICR in the 
docket for this rule, and it is briefly summarized here. The 
information collection requirements are not enforceable until OMB 
approves them.
    This action increases burden for industry segments that conduct 
equipment leak surveys. These revisions are expected to increase 
respondent burden for subpart W reporters that become subject to the 
NSPS subpart OOOOa well site or compressor station fugitive 
requirements. To accommodate the new methods and emission factors added 
by these final amendments, the EPA expects that each affected subpart W 
reporter will either revise their reporter-specific calculation 
mechanism (i.e., calculation spreadsheet, recordkeeping database, etc.) 
or add a few new emission factors to the reporter-specific calculation 
mechanism, when and if the reporter becomes subject to the NSPS subpart 
OOOOa well site or compressor station fugitive requirements. The 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements are being finalized as 
proposed. Impacts associated with the final revisions to the 
recordkeeping and reporting requirements are detailed in the memorandum 
``Assessment of Impacts of the Final Leak Detection Methodology 
Revisions and Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural 
Gas Systems''

[[Page 86510]]

(see Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0764).
    Data collection provides a critical tool for communities to 
identify nearby sources of GHGs and provides information to state and 
local governments. The data can be used to complement atmospheric GHG 
studies and inform updates to emission inventories such as the 
Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks (Inventory). 
Various activity data are collected that can be used to improve 
understanding of the occurrence of emissions from a variety of sources.
    Data collected must be made available to the public unless the data 
qualify for CBI treatment under the CAA and EPA regulations. All data 
determined by the EPA to be CBI are safeguarded in accordance with 
regulations in 40 CFR chapter 1, part 2, subpart B.
    Respondents/affected entities: The respondents in this information 
collection include owners and operators of petroleum and natural gas 
systems facilities that report their GHG emissions from equipment leaks 
to the EPA to comply with subpart W.
    Respondent's obligation to respond: The respondent's obligation to 
respond is mandatory under the authority provided in CAA section 114.
    Estimated number of respondents: Approximately 899 respondents per 
year.
    Frequency of response: Annual.
    Total estimated burden: 1,295 hours (per year). Burden is defined 
at 5 CFR 1320.3(b).
    Total estimated cost: $128,400 (per year), includes $0 annualized 
capital or operation and maintenance costs.
    An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required 
to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a 
currently valid OMB control number. The OMB control numbers for the 
EPA's regulations in 40 CFR are listed in 40 CFR part 9. When OMB 
approves this ICR, the EPA will announce that approval in the Federal 
Register and publish a technical amendment to 40 CFR part 9 to display 
the OMB control number for the approved information collection 
activities contained in this final rule.

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA)

    I certify that this action will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities under the RFA. The 
small entities directly regulated by this final rule include small 
businesses in the petroleum and natural gas industry. The EPA has 
determined that some small businesses will be affected because their 
production processes emit GHGs exceeding the reporting threshold. This 
action includes amendments that may result in a small burden increase 
on some subpart W reporters, but the EPA has determined that the 
increased cost of less than $286 per reporter is not a significant 
impact. Details of this analysis are presented in ``Assessment of 
Impacts of the Final Leak Detection Methodology Revisions and 
Confidentiality Determinations for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems'' 
in Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0764.

D. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)

    This action does not contain an unfunded mandate of $100 million or 
more as described in UMRA, 2 U.S.C. 1531-1538, and does not 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. As shown in 
sections IV.A and V.B of this preamble, the annual cost of this action 
is $128,400, which is well under $100 million per year.

E. Executive Order 13132: Federalism

    This action does not have federalism implications. It will not have 
substantial direct effects on the states, on the relationship between 
the national government and the states, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.

F. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian 
Tribal Governments

    This action has tribal implications. However, it will neither 
impose substantial direct compliance costs on federally recognized 
tribal governments, nor preempt tribal law. This regulation will apply 
directly to petroleum and natural gas facilities that emit GHGs. 
Although few facilities that will be subject to the rule are likely to 
be owned by tribal governments, the EPA sought opportunities to provide 
information to tribal governments and representatives during the 
development of the proposed and final subpart W that was promulgated on 
November 30, 2010 (75 FR 74458).
    The EPA consulted with tribal officials under the EPA Policy on 
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribes early in the process 
of developing this regulation to permit them to have meaningful and 
timely input into its development. A summary of that consultation is 
provided in section IV.F of the preamble to the re-proposal of subpart 
W published on April 12, 2010 (75 FR 18608), and section IV.F of the 
preamble to the subpart W 2010 final rule published on November 30, 
2010 (75 FR 74458).

G. Executive Order 13045: Protection of Children From Environmental 
Health Risks and Safety Risks

    The EPA interprets Executive Order 13045 as applying only to those 
regulatory actions that concern environmental health or safety risks 
that the EPA has reason to believe may disproportionately affect 
children, per the definition of ``covered regulatory action'' in 
section 2-202 of the Executive Order. This action is not subject to 
Executive Order 13045 because it does not concern an environmental 
health risk or safety risk.

H. Executive Order 13211: Actions That Significantly Affect Energy 
Supply, Distribution, or Use

    This action is not subject to Executive Order 13211, because it is 
not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866.

I. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (NTTAA)

    This rulemaking does not involve technical standards.

J. Executive Order 12898: Federal Actions To Address Environmental 
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations

    The EPA believes that this action is not subject to Executive Order 
12898 (59 FR 7629, February 16, 1994) because it does not establish an 
environmental health or safety standard. Instead, this rule addresses 
information collection and reporting and verification procedures.

K. Congressional Review Act (CRA)

    This action is subject to the CRA, and the EPA will submit a rule 
report to each House of the Congress and to the Comptroller General of 
the United States. This action is not a ``major rule'' as defined by 5 
U.S.C. 804(2).

List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 98

    Environmental protection, Administrative practice and procedure, 
Greenhouse gases, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

    Dated: November 10, 2016.
Gina McCarthy,
Administrator.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, title 40, chapter I, of the 
Code of Federal Regulations is amended as follows:

[[Page 86511]]

PART 98--MANDATORY GREENHOUSE GAS REPORTING

0
1. The authority citation for part 98 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  42 U.S.C. 7401-7671q.

Subpart W--Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems

0
2. Section 98.232 is amended by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (c)(21);
0
b. Adding paragraph (e)(8);
0
c. Revising paragraph (f)(5);
0
d. Adding paragraphs (f)(6) through (8);
0
e. Revising paragraphs (g)(3) and (4);
0
f. Adding paragraphs (g)(5) through (7);
0
g. Revising paragraphs (h)(4) and (5);
0
h. Adding paragraphs (h)(6) through (8); and
0
i. Revising paragraph (j)(10).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  98.232  GHGs to report.

* * * * *
    (c) * * *
    (21) Equipment leaks from valves, connectors, open ended lines, 
pressure relief valves, pumps, flanges, and other components (such as 
instruments, loading arms, stuffing boxes, compressor seals, dump lever 
arms, and breather caps, but does not include components listed in 
paragraph (c)(11) or (19) of this section, and it does not include 
thief hatches or other openings on a storage vessel).
* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (8) Equipment leaks from all other components that are not listed 
in paragraph (e)(1), (2), or (7) of this section and are either subject 
to the well site or compressor station fugitive emissions standards in 
Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter or you elect to survey using a leak 
detection method described in Sec.  98.234(a)(6) or (7). The other 
components subject to this paragraph (e)(8) also do not include thief 
hatches or other openings on a storage vessel. If these other 
components are not subject to the well site or compressor station 
fugitive emissions standards in Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter, you may 
also elect to report emissions from these other components if you elect 
to survey them using a leak detection method described in Sec.  
98.234(a)(1) through (5).
    (f) * * *
    (5) Equipment leaks from valves, connectors, open ended lines, 
pressure relief valves, and meters associated with storage stations.
    (6) Equipment leaks from all other components that are associated 
with storage stations, are not listed in paragraph (f)(1), (2), or (5) 
of this section, and are either subject to the well site or compressor 
station fugitive emissions standards in Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter 
or you elect to survey using a leak detection method described in Sec.  
98.234(a)(6) or (7). If these other components are not subject to the 
well site or compressor station fugitive emissions standards in Sec.  
60.5397a of this chapter, you may also elect to report emissions from 
these other components if you elect to survey them using a leak 
detection method described in Sec.  98.234(a)(1) through (5).
    (7) Equipment leaks from valves, connectors, open-ended lines, and 
pressure relief valves associated with storage wellheads.
    (8) Equipment leaks from all other components that are associated 
with storage wellheads, are not listed in paragraph (f)(1), (2), or (7) 
of this section, and are either subject to the well site or compressor 
station fugitive emissions standards in Sec.  60.5397a, of this chapter 
or you elect to survey using a leak detection method described in Sec.  
98.234(a)(6) or (7). If these other components are not subject to the 
well site or compressor station fugitive emissions standards in Sec.  
60.5397a of this chapter, you may also elect to report emissions from 
these other components if you elect to survey them using a leak 
detection method described in Sec.  98.234(a)(1) through (5).
    (g) * * *
    (3) Flare stack emissions.
    (4) Equipment leaks from valves, pump seals, connectors, and other 
equipment leak sources in LNG service.
    (5) Equipment leaks from vapor recovery compressors, if you do not 
survey components associated with vapor recovery compressors in 
accordance with paragraph (g)(6) of this section.
    (6) Equipment leaks from all components in gas service that are 
associated with a vapor recovery compressor, are not listed in 
paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this section, and that are either subject to 
the well site or compressor station fugitive emissions standards in 
Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter or you elect to survey using a leak 
detection method described in Sec.  98.234(a).
    (7) Equipment leaks from all components in gas service that are not 
associated with a vapor recovery compressor, are not listed in 
paragraph (g)(1) or (2) of this section, and are either subject to the 
well site or compressor station fugitive emissions standards in Sec.  
60.5397a of this chapter or you elect to survey using a leak detection 
method described in Sec.  98.234(a)(6) or (7). If these components are 
not subject to the well site or compressor station fugitive emissions 
standards in Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter, you may also elect to 
report emissions from these components if you elect to survey them 
using a leak detection method described in Sec.  98.234(a)(1) through 
(5).
    (h) * * *
    (4) Flare stack emissions.
    (5) Equipment leaks from valves, pump seals, connectors, and other 
equipment leak sources in LNG service.
    (6) Equipment leaks from vapor recovery compressors, if you do not 
survey components associated with vapor recovery compressors in 
accordance with paragraph (h)(7) of this section.
    (7) Equipment leaks from all components in gas service that are 
associated with a vapor recovery compressor, are not listed in 
paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this section, and that are either subject to 
the well site or compressor station fugitive emissions standards in 
Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter or you elect to survey using a leak 
detection method described in Sec.  98.234(a).
    (8) Equipment leaks from all components in gas service that are not 
associated with a vapor recovery compressor, are not listed in 
paragraph (h)(1) or (2) of this section, and that are either subject to 
the well site or compressor station fugitive emissions standards in 
Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter or you elect to survey using a leak 
detection method described in Sec.  98.234(a)(6) or (7). If these 
components are not subject to the well site or compressor station 
fugitive emissions standards in Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter, you may 
also elect to report emissions from these components if you elect to 
survey them using a leak detection method described in Sec.  
98.234(a)(1) through (5).
* * * * *
    (j) * * *
    (10) Equipment leaks from valves, connectors, open ended lines, 
pressure relief valves, pumps, flanges, and other components (such as 
instruments, loading arms, stuffing boxes, compressor seals, dump lever 
arms, and breather caps, but does not include components in paragraph 
(j)(8) or (9) of this section, and it does not include thief hatches or 
other openings on a storage vessel).
* * * * *

0
3. Section 98.233 is amended by:
0
a. Revising the parameter EFt of Equation W-1 in paragraph 
(a) introductory text, and paragraph (q);

[[Page 86512]]

0
b. Removing the first two sentences of paragraph (r) introductory text 
and adding four sentences in their place; and
0
c. Revising the parameters Counte and EFs,e of 
Equation W-32A in paragraph (r) introductory text, and paragraphs 
(r)(3) through (5).
    The revisions read as follows:


Sec.  98.233  Calculating GHG emissions.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
* * * * *

EFt = Population emission factors for natural gas 
pneumatic device vents (in standard cubic feet per hour per device) 
of each type ``t'' listed in Tables W-1A, W-3B, and W-4B to this 
subpart for onshore petroleum and natural gas production, onshore 
natural gas transmission compression, and underground natural gas 
storage facilities, respectively. Onshore petroleum and natural gas 
gathering and boosting facilities must use the population emission 
factors listed in Table W-1A to this subpart.

* * * * *
    (q) Equipment leak surveys. For the components identified in 
paragraphs (q)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section, you must conduct 
equipment leak surveys using the leak detection methods specified in 
paragraphs (q)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section. For the components 
identified in paragraph (q)(1)(iv) of this section, you may elect to 
conduct equipment leak surveys, and if you elect to conduct surveys, 
you must use a leak detection method specified in paragraph (q)(1)(iv) 
of this section. This paragraph (q) applies to components in streams 
with gas content greater than 10 percent CH4 plus 
CO2 by weight. Components in streams with gas content less 
than or equal to 10 percent CH4 plus CO2 by 
weight are exempt from the requirements of this paragraph (q) and do 
not need to be reported. Tubing systems equal to or less than one half 
inch diameter are exempt from the requirements of this paragraph (q) 
and do not need to be reported.
    (1) Survey requirements. (i) For the components listed in Sec.  
98.232(e)(7), (f)(5), (g)(4), and (h)(5), that are not subject to the 
well site or compressor station fugitive emissions standards in Sec.  
60.5397a of this chapter, you must conduct surveys using any of the 
leak detection methods listed in Sec.  98.234(a) and calculate 
equipment leak emissions using the procedures specified in paragraph 
(q)(2) of this section.
    (ii) For the components listed in Sec.  98.232(d)(7) and (i)(1), 
you must conduct surveys using any of the leak detection methods listed 
in Sec.  98.234(a)(1) through (5) and calculate equipment leak 
emissions using the procedures specified in paragraph (q)(2) of this 
section.
    (iii) For the components listed in Sec.  98.232(c)(21), (e)(7), 
(e)(8), (f)(5), (f)(6), (f)(7), (f)(8), (g)(4), (g)(6), (g)(7), (h)(5), 
(h)(7), (h)(8), and (j)(10) that are subject to the well site or 
compressor station fugitive emissions standards in Sec.  60.5397a of 
this chapter, you must conduct surveys using any of the leak detection 
methods in Sec.  98.234(a)(6) or (7) and calculate equipment leak 
emissions using the procedures specified in paragraph (q)(2) of this 
section.
    (iv) For the components listed in Sec.  98.232(c)(21), (e)(8), 
(f)(6), (f)(7), (f)(8), (g)(6), (g)(7), (h)(7), (h)(8), or (j)(10), 
that are not subject to fugitive emissions standards in Sec.  60.5397a 
of this chapter, you may elect to conduct surveys according to this 
paragraph (q), and, if you elect to do so, then you must use one of the 
leak detection methods in Sec.  98.234(a).
    (A) If you elect to use a leak detection method in Sec.  
98.234(a)(1) through (5) for the surveyed component types in Sec.  
98.232(c)(21), (f)(7), (g)(6), (h)(7), or (j)(10) in lieu of the 
population count methodology specified in paragraph (r) of this 
section, then you must calculate emissions for the surveyed component 
types in Sec.  98.232(c)(21), (f)(7), (g)(6), (h)(7), or (j)(10) using 
the procedures in paragraph (q)(2) of this section.
    (B) If you elect to use a leak detection method in Sec.  
98.234(a)(1) through (5) for the surveyed component types in Sec.  
98.232(e)(8), (f)(6), (f)(8), (g)(7), and (h)(8), then you must use the 
procedures in paragraph (q)(2) of this section to calculate those 
emissions.
    (C) If you elect to use a leak detection method in Sec.  
98.234(a)(6) or (7) for any elective survey under this subparagraph 
(q)(1)(iv), then you must survey the component types in Sec.  
98.232(c)(21), (e)(8), (f)(6), (f)(7), (f)(8), (g)(6), (g)(7), (h)(7), 
(h)(8), and (j)(10) that are not subject to fugitive emissions 
standards in Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter, and you must calculate 
emissions from the surveyed component types in Sec.  98.232(c)(21), 
(e)(8), (f)(6), (f)(7), (f)(8), (g)(6), (g)(7), (h)(7), (h)(8), and 
(j)(10) using the emission calculation requirements in paragraph (q)(2) 
of this section.
    (2) Emission calculation methodology. For industry segments listed 
in Sec.  98.230(a)(2) through (9), if equipment leaks are detected 
during surveys required or elected for components listed in paragraphs 
(q)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section, then you must calculate 
equipment leak emissions per component type per reporting facility 
using Equation W-30 of this section and the requirements specified in 
paragraphs (q)(2)(i) through (xi) of this section. For the industry 
segment listed in Sec.  98.230(a)(8), the results from Equation W-30 
are used to calculate population emission factors on a meter/regulator 
run basis using Equation W-31 of this section. If you chose to conduct 
equipment leak surveys at all above grade transmission-distribution 
transfer stations over multiple years, ``n,'' according to paragraph 
(q)(2)(x)(A) of this section, then you must calculate the emissions 
from all above grade transmission-distribution transfer stations as 
specified in paragraph (q)(2)(xi) of this section.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR30NO16.000

Where:

Es,p,i = Annual total volumetric emissions of GHGi from 
specific component type ``p'' (in accordance with paragraphs 
(q)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section) in standard (``s'') cubic 
feet, as specified in paragraphs (q)(2)(ii) through (x) of this 
section.
xp = Total number of specific component type ``p'' 
detected as leaking in any leak survey during the year. A component 
found leaking in two or more surveys during the year is counted as 
one leaking component.
EFs,p = Leaker emission factor for specific component 
types listed in Tables W-1E, W-2, W-3A, W-4A, W-5A, W-6A, and W-7 to 
this subpart.
GHGi = For onshore petroleum and natural gas production 
facilities and onshore petroleum and natural gas gathering and 
boosting facilities, concentration of GHGi, 
CH4, or CO2, in produced natural gas as 
defined in paragraph (u)(2) of this section; for onshore natural gas 
processing facilities, concentration of GHGi, 
CH4 or CO2, in the total hydrocarbon of the 
feed natural gas; for onshore natural gas transmission compression 
and underground natural

[[Page 86513]]

gas storage, GHGi equals 0.975 for CH4 and 1.1 
x 10-2 for CO2; for LNG storage and LNG import 
and export equipment, GHGi equals 1 for CH4 
and 0 for CO2; and for natural gas distribution, 
GHGi equals 1 for CH4 and 1.1 x 
10-2 CO2.
Tp,z = The total time the surveyed component ``z,'' 
component type ``p,'' was assumed to be leaking and operational, in 
hours. If one leak detection survey is conducted in the calendar 
year, assume the component was leaking for the entire calendar year. 
If multiple leak detection surveys are conducted in the calendar 
year, assume a component found leaking in the first survey was 
leaking since the beginning of the year until the date of the 
survey; assume a component found leaking in the last survey of the 
year was leaking from the preceding survey through the end of the 
year; assume a component found leaking in a survey between the first 
and last surveys of the year was leaking since the preceding survey 
until the date of the survey; and sum times for all leaking periods. 
For each leaking component, account for time the component was not 
operational (i.e., not operating under pressure) using an 
engineering estimate based on best available data.

    (i) You must conduct at least one leak detection survey in a 
calendar year. The leak detection surveys selected must be conducted 
during the calendar year. If you conduct multiple complete leak 
detection surveys in a calendar year, you must use the results from 
each complete leak detection survey when calculating emissions using 
Equation W-30. For components subject to the well site and compressor 
station fugitive emissions standards in Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter, 
each survey conducted in accordance with Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter 
will be considered a complete leak detection survey for purposes of 
this section.
    (ii) Calculate both CO2 and CH4 mass 
emissions using calculations in paragraph (v) of this section.
    (iii) Onshore petroleum and natural gas production facilities must 
use the appropriate default whole gas leaker emission factors for 
components in gas service, light crude service, and heavy crude service 
listed in Table W-1E to this subpart.
    (iv) Onshore petroleum and natural gas gathering and boosting 
facilities must use the appropriate default whole gas leaker factors 
for components in gas service listed in Table W-1E to this subpart.
    (v) Onshore natural gas processing facilities must use the 
appropriate default total hydrocarbon leaker emission factors for 
compressor components in gas service and non-compressor components in 
gas service listed in Table W-2 to this subpart.
    (vi) Onshore natural gas transmission compression facilities must 
use the appropriate default total hydrocarbon leaker emission factors 
for compressor components in gas service and non-compressor components 
in gas service listed in Table W-3A to this subpart.
    (vii) Underground natural gas storage facilities must use the 
appropriate default total hydrocarbon leaker emission factors for 
storage stations or storage wellheads in gas service listed in Table W-
4A to this subpart.
    (viii) LNG storage facilities must use the appropriate default 
methane leaker emission factors for LNG storage components in LNG 
service or gas service listed in Table W-5A to this subpart.
    (ix) LNG import and export facilities must use the appropriate 
default methane leaker emission factors for LNG terminals components in 
LNG service or gas service listed in Table W-6A to this subpart.
    (x) Natural gas distribution facilities must use Equation W-30 of 
this section and the default methane leaker emission factors for 
transmission-distribution transfer station components in gas service 
listed in Table W-7 to this subpart to calculate component emissions 
from annual equipment leak surveys conducted at above grade 
transmission-distribution transfer stations. Natural gas distribution 
facilities are required to perform equipment leak surveys only at above 
grade stations that qualify as transmission-distribution transfer 
stations. Below grade transmission-distribution transfer stations and 
all metering-regulating stations that do not meet the definition of 
transmission-distribution transfer stations are not required to perform 
equipment leak surveys under this section.
    (A) Natural gas distribution facilities may choose to conduct 
equipment leak surveys at all above grade transmission-distribution 
transfer stations over multiple years ``n,'' not exceeding a five year 
period to cover all above grade transmission-distribution transfer 
stations. If the facility chooses to use the multiple year option, then 
the number of transmission-distribution transfer stations that are 
monitored in each year should be approximately equal across all years 
in the cycle.
    (B) Use Equation W-31 of this section to determine the meter/
regulator run population emission factors for each GHGi. As 
additional survey data become available, you must recalculate the 
meter/regulator run population emission factors for each 
GHGi annually according to paragraph (q)(2)(x)(C) of this 
section.
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TR30NO16.001

Where:

EFs,MR,i = Meter/regulator run population emission factor 
for GHGi based on all surveyed above grade transmission-
distribution transfer stations over ``n'' years, in standard cubic 
feet of GHGi per operational hour of all meter/regulator 
runs.
Es,p,i,y = Annual total volumetric emissions at standard 
conditions of GHGi from component type ``p'' during year 
``y'' in standard (``s'') cubic feet, as calculated using Equation 
W-30 of this section.
p = Seven component types listed in Table W-7 to this subpart for 
transmission-distribution transfer stations.
Tw,y = The total time the surveyed meter/regulator run 
``w'' was operational, in hours during survey year ``y'' using an 
engineering estimate based on best available data.
CountMR,y = Count of meter/regulator runs surveyed at 
above grade transmission-distribution transfer stations in year 
``y''.
y = Year of data included in emission factor ``EFs,MR,i'' 
according to paragraph (q)(2)(x)(C) of this section.
n = Number of years of data, according to paragraph (q)(2)(x)(A) of 
this section, whose results are used to calculate emission factor 
``EFs,MR,i'' according to paragraph (q)(2)(x)(C) of this 
section.

    (C) The emission factor ``EFs,MR,i,'' based on annual 
equipment leak surveys at above grade transmission-distribution 
transfer stations, must be calculated

[[Page 86514]]

annually. If you chose to conduct equipment leak surveys at all above 
grade transmission-distribution transfer stations over multiple years, 
``n,'' according to paragraph (q)(2)(x)(A) of this section and you have 
submitted a smaller number of annual reports than the duration of the 
selected cycle period of 5 years or less, then all available data from 
the current year and previous years must be used in the calculation of 
the emission factor ``EFs,MR,i'' from Equation W-31 of this 
section. After the first survey cycle of ``n'' years is completed and 
beginning in calendar year (n+1), the survey will continue on a rolling 
basis by including the survey results from the current calendar year 
``y'' and survey results from all previous (n-1) calendar years, such 
that each annual calculation of the emission factor 
``EFs,MR,i'' from Equation W-31 is based on survey results 
from ``n'' years. Upon completion of a cycle, you may elect to change 
the number of years in the next cycle period (to be 5 years or less). 
If the number of years in the new cycle is greater than the number of 
years in the previous cycle, calculate ``EFs,MR,i'' from 
Equation W-31 in each year of the new cycle using the survey results 
from the current calendar year and the survey results from the 
preceding number years that is equal to the number of years in the 
previous cycle period. If the number of years, ``nnew,'' in 
the new cycle is smaller than the number of years in the previous 
cycle, ``n,'' calculate ``EFs,MR,i'' from Equation W-31 in 
each year of the new cycle using the survey results from the current 
calendar year and survey results from all previous (nnew-1) 
calendar years.
    (xi) If you chose to conduct equipment leak surveys at all above 
grade transmission-distribution transfer stations over multiple years, 
``n,'' according to paragraph (q)(2)(x)(A) of this section, you must 
use the meter/regulator run population emission factors calculated 
using Equation W-31 of this section and the total count of all meter/
regulator runs at above grade transmission-distribution transfer 
stations to calculate emissions from all above grade transmission-
distribution transfer stations using Equation W-32B in paragraph (r) of 
this section.
    (r) * * * This paragraph (r) applies to emissions sources listed in 
Sec.  98.232(c)(21), (f)(7), (g)(5), (h)(6), and (j)(10) if you are not 
required to comply with paragraph (q) of this section and if you do not 
elect to comply with paragraph (q) of this section for these components 
in lieu of this paragraph (r). This paragraph (r) also applies to 
emission sources listed in Sec.  98.232(i)(2), (i)(3), (i)(4), (i)(5), 
(i)(6), and (j)(11). To be subject to the requirements of this 
paragraph (r), the listed emissions sources also must contact streams 
with gas content greater than 10 percent CH plus 
CO2 by weight. Emissions sources that contact streams with 
gas content less than or equal to 10 percent CH4 plus 
CO2 by weight are exempt from the requirements of this 
paragraph (r) and do not need to be reported. * * *
* * * * *

Counte = Total number of the emission source type at the 
facility. For onshore petroleum and natural gas production 
facilities and onshore petroleum and natural gas gathering and 
boosting facilities, average component counts are provided by major 
equipment piece in Tables W-1B and Table W-1C to this subpart. Use 
average component counts as appropriate for operations in Eastern 
and Western U.S., according to Table W-1D to this subpart. Onshore 
petroleum and natural gas gathering and boosting facilities must 
also count the miles of gathering pipelines by material type 
(protected steel, unprotected steel, plastic, or cast iron). 
Underground natural gas storage facilities must count each component 
listed in Table W-4B to this subpart. LNG storage facilities must 
count the number of vapor recovery compressors. LNG import and 
export facilities must count the number of vapor recovery 
compressors. Natural gas distribution facilities must count: (1) The 
number of distribution services by material type; (2) miles of 
distribution mains by material type; and (3) number of below grade 
metering-regulating stations, by pressure type; as listed in Table 
W-7 to this subpart.
* * * * *
EFs,e = Population emission factor for the specific 
emission source type, as listed in Tables W-1A, W-4B, W-5B, W-6B, 
and W-7 to this subpart. Use appropriate population emission factor 
for operations in Eastern and Western U.S., according to Table W-1D 
to this subpart.
* * * * *

    (3) Underground natural gas storage facilities must use the 
appropriate default total hydrocarbon population emission factors for 
storage wellheads in gas service listed in Table W-4B to this subpart.
    (4) LNG storage facilities must use the appropriate default methane 
population emission factor for LNG storage compressors in gas service 
listed in Table W-5B to this subpart.
    (5) LNG import and export facilities must use the appropriate 
default methane population emission factor for LNG terminal compressors 
in gas service listed in Table W-6B to this subpart.
* * * * *

0
4. Section 98.234 is amended by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (a) introductory text, the paragraph (a)(1) 
heading, and the fourth sentence in paragraph (a)(2); and
0
b. Adding paragraphs (a)(6) and (7).
    The revisions and additions read as follows:
* * * * *


Sec.  98.234  Monitoring and QA/QC requirements.

    (a) You must use any of the methods described in paragraphs (a)(1) 
through (5) of this section to conduct leak detection(s) of through-
valve leakage from all source types listed in Sec.  98.233(k), (o), and 
(p) that occur during a calendar year. You must use any of the methods 
described in paragraphs (a)(1) through (7) of this section to conduct 
leak detection(s) of equipment leaks from components as specified in 
Sec.  98.233(q)(1)(i) that occur during a calendar year. You must use 
any of the methods described in paragraphs (a)(1) through (5) of this 
section to conduct leak detection(s) of equipment leaks from components 
as specified in Sec.  98.233(q)(1)(ii) that occur during a calendar 
year. You must use one of the methods described in paragraph (a)(6) or 
(7) of this section to conduct leak detection(s) of equipment leaks 
from components as specified in Sec.  98.233(q)(1)(iii). If electing to 
comply with Sec.  98.233(q) as specified in Sec.  98.233(q)(1)(iv), you 
must use any of the methods described in paragraphs (a)(1) through (7) 
of this section to conduct leak detection(s) of equipment leaks from 
component types as specified in Sec.  98.233(q)(1)(iv) that occur 
during a calendar year.
    (1) Optical gas imaging instrument as specified in Sec.  60.18 of 
this chapter. * * *
* * * * *
    (2) * * * If the equipment leak detection methods in this paragraph 
cannot be used, you must use alternative leak detection devices as 
described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section to monitor inaccessible 
equipment leaks or vented emissions.
* * * * *
    (6) Optical gas imaging instrument as specified in Sec.  60.5397a 
of this chapter. Use an optical gas imaging instrument for equipment 
leak detection in accordance with Sec.  60.5397a(b), (c)(3), (c)(7), 
and (e) of this chapter and paragraphs (a)(6)(i) through (iii) of this 
section. Unless using methods in paragraph (a)(7) of this section, an 
optical gas imaging instrument must be used for all source types that 
are inaccessible and cannot be monitored without elevating the 
monitoring

[[Page 86515]]

personnel more than 2 meters above a support surface.
    (i) For the purposes of this subpart, any visible emissions from a 
component listed in Sec.  98.232 observed by the optical gas imaging 
instrument is a leak.
    (ii) For the purposes of this subpart, the term ``fugitive 
emissions component'' in Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter means 
``component.''
    (iii) For the purpose of complying with Sec.  98.233(q)(1)(iv), the 
phrase ``the collection of fugitive emissions components at well sites 
and compressor stations'' in Sec.  60.5397a(b) of this chapter means 
``the collection of components for which you elect to comply with Sec.  
98.233(q)(1)(iv).''
    (7) Method 21 as specified in Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter. Use 
the equipment leak detection methods in appendix A-7 to part 60 of this 
chapter, Method 21, in accordance with Sec.  60.5397a(b), (c)(8), and 
(e) of this chapter and paragraphs (a)(7)(i) through (iii) of this 
section. Inaccessible emissions sources, as defined in part 60 of this 
chapter, are not exempt from this subpart. If the equipment leak 
detection methods in this paragraph cannot be used, you must use 
alternative leak detection devices as described in paragraph (a)(6) of 
this section to monitor inaccessible equipment leaks.
    (i) For the purposes of this subpart, any instrument reading from a 
component listed in Sec.  98.232 of this chapter of 500 ppm or greater 
using Method 21 is a leak.
    (ii) For the purposes of this subpart, the term ``fugitive 
emissions component'' in Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter means 
``component.''
    (iii) For the purpose of complying with Sec.  98.233(q)(1)(iv), the 
phrase ``the collection of fugitive emissions components at well sites 
and compressor stations'' in Sec.  60.5397a(b) of this chapter means 
``the collection of components for which you elect to comply with Sec.  
98.233(q)(1)(iv).''
* * * * *

0
5. Section 98.236 is amended by:
0
a. Redesignating paragraphs (a)(1)(xiv) through (xvii) as paragraphs 
(a)(1)(xv) through (xviii), respectively;
0
b. Adding new paragraph (a)(1)(xiv);
0
c. Redesignating paragraphs (a)(9)(x) and (xi) as paragraphs (a)(9)(xi) 
and (xii), respectively;
0
d. Adding new paragraph (a)(9)(x);
0
e. Revising paragraph (q) introductory text, paragraph (q)(1), 
paragraph (q)(2) introductory text, paragraph (r)(3)(ii) introductory 
text, and the second sentence of paragraph (z) introductory text.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  98.236   Data reporting requirements.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    (1) * * *
    (xiv) Equipment leak surveys. Report the information specified in 
paragraph (q) of this section.
* * * * *
    (9) * * *
    (x) Equipment leak surveys. Report the information specified in 
paragraph (q) of this section.
* * * * *
    (q) Equipment leak surveys. For any components subject to or 
complying with the requirements of Sec.  98.233(q), you must report the 
information specified in paragraphs (q)(1) and (2) of this section. 
Natural gas distribution facilities with emission sources listed in 
Sec.  98.232(i)(1) must also report the information specified in 
paragraph (q)(3) of this section.
    (1) You must report the information specified in paragraphs 
(q)(1)(i) through (v) of this section.
    (i) Except as specified in paragraph (q)(1)(ii) of this section, 
the number of complete equipment leak surveys performed during the 
calendar year.
    (ii) Natural gas distribution facilities performing equipment leak 
surveys across a multiple year leak survey cycle must report the number 
of years in the leak survey cycle.
    (iii) Except for onshore natural gas processing facilities and 
natural gas distribution facilities, indicate whether any equipment 
components at your facility are subject to the well site or compressor 
station fugitive emissions standards in Sec.  60.5397a of this chapter. 
Report the indication per facility, not per component type.
    (iv) For facilities in onshore petroleum and natural gas 
production, onshore petroleum and natural gas gathering and boosting, 
onshore natural gas transmission compression, underground natural gas 
storage, LNG storage, and LNG import and export equipment, indicate 
whether you elected to comply with Sec.  98.233(q) according to Sec.  
98.233(q)(1)(iv) for any equipment components at your facility.
    (v) Report each type of method described in Sec.  98.234(a) that 
was used to conduct leak surveys.
    (2) You must indicate whether your facility contains any of the 
component types subject to or complying with Sec.  98.233(q) that are 
listed in Sec.  98.232(c)(21), (d)(7), (e)(7), (e)(8), (f)(5), (f)(6), 
(f)(7), (f)(8), (g)(4), (g)(6), (g)(7), (h)(5), (h)(7), (h)(8), (i)(1), 
or (j)(10) for your facility's industry segment. For each component 
type that is located at your facility, you must report the information 
specified in paragraphs (q)(2)(i) through (v) of this section. If a 
component type is located at your facility and no leaks were identified 
from that component, then you must report the information in paragraphs 
(q)(2)(i) through (v) of this section but report a zero (``0'') for the 
information required according to paragraphs (q)(2)(ii) through (v) of 
this section.
* * * * *
    (r) * * *
    (3) * * *
    (ii) Onshore petroleum and natural gas production facilities and 
onshore petroleum and natural gas gathering and boosting facilities 
must report the information specified in paragraphs (r)(3)(ii)(A) and 
(B) of this section, for each major equipment type, production type 
(i.e., natural gas or crude oil), and geographic location combination 
in Tables W-1B and W-1C to this subpart for which equipment leak 
emissions are calculated using the methodology in Sec.  98.233(r).
* * * * *
    (z) * * * If your facility contains any combustion units subject to 
reporting according to paragraph (a)(1)(xviii), (a)(8)(i), or 
(a)(9)(xii) of this section, then you must report the information 
specified in paragraphs (z)(1) and (2) of this section, as applicable.
* * * * *

0
6. Add Table W-1E to subpart W of part 98 in numerical order to read as 
follows:

[[Page 86516]]



  Table W-1E to Subpart W of Part 98--Default Whole Gas Leaker Emission
  Factors for Onshore Petroleum and Natural Gas Production and Onshore
            Petroleum and Natural Gas Gathering and Boosting
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Emission factor (scf/hour/component)
                             -------------------------------------------
                               If you survey using
    Equipment components       any of the methods    If you survey using
                                     in Sec.            Method 21  as
                                  98.234(a)(1)       specified in  Sec.
                                   through (6)          98.234(a)(7)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Leaker Emission Factors--All Components, Gas Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valve.......................                   4.9                   3.5
Flange......................                   4.1                   2.2
Connector (other)...........                   1.3                   0.8
Open-Ended Line 2...........                   2.8                   1.9
Pressure Relief Valve.......                   4.5                   2.8
Pump Seal...................                   3.7                   1.4
Other 3.....................                   4.5                   2.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Leaker Emission Factors--All Components, Light Crude Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valve.......................                   3.2                   2.2
Flange......................                   2.7                   1.4
Connector (other)...........                   1.0                   0.6
Open-Ended Line.............                   1.6                   1.1
Pump........................                   3.7                   2.6
Agitator Seal...............                   3.7                   2.6
Other 3.....................                   3.1                   2.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Leaker Emission Factors--All Components, Heavy Crude Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valve.......................                   3.2                   2.2
Flange......................                   2.7                   1.4
Connector (other)...........                   1.0                   0.6
Open-Ended Line.............                   1.6                   1.1
Pump........................                   3.7                   2.6
Agitator Seal...............                   3.7                   2.6
Other 3.....................                   3.1                   2.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 For multi-phase flow that includes gas, use the gas service emission
  factors.
2 The open-ended lines component type includes blowdown valve and
  isolation valve leaks emitted through the blowdown vent stack for
  centrifugal and reciprocating compressors.
3 ``Others'' category includes any equipment leak emission point not
  specifically listed in this table, as specified in Sec.
  98.232(c)(21) and (j)(10).
4 Hydrocarbon liquids greater than or equal to 20[deg]API are considered
  ``light crude.''
5 Hydrocarbon liquids less than 20[deg]API are considered ``heavy
  crude.''


0
7. Remove Table W-3 to subpart W of part 98 and add Table W-3A and 
Table W-3B to subpart W of part 98 in numerical order to read as 
follows:

  Table W-3A to Subpart W of Part 98--Default Total Hydrocarbon Leaker
    Emission Factors for Onshore Natural Gas Transmission Compression
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Emission factor  (scf/hour/component)
                             -------------------------------------------
                               If you survey using
     Onshore natural gas       any of the methods    If you survey using
  transmission compression           in Sec.            Method 21 as
                                  98.234(a)(1)       specified in  Sec.
                                   through (6)          98.234(a)(7)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Leaker Emission Factors--Compressor Components, Gas Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valve \1\...................                 14.84                  9.51
Connector...................                  5.59                  3.58
Open-Ended Line.............                 17.27                 11.07
Pressure Relief Valve.......                 39.66                 25.42
Meter or Instrument.........                 19.33                 12.39
Other \2\...................                   4.1                  2.63
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Leaker Emission Factors--Non-Compressor Components, Gas Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valve \1\...................                  6.42                  4.12
Connector...................                  5.71                  3.66
Open-Ended Line.............                 11.27                  7.22

[[Page 86517]]

 
Pressure Relief Valve.......                  2.01                  1.29
Meter or Instrument.........                  2.93                  1.88
Other \2\...................                   4.1                  2.63
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Valves include control valves, block valves and regulator valves.
\2\ Other includes any potential equipment leak emission point in gas
  service that is not specifically listed in this table, as specified in
  Sec.   98.232(e)(8).


Table W-3B to Subpart W of Part 98--Default Total Hydrocarbon Population
    Emission Factors for Onshore Natural Gas Transmission Compression
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Population emission factors--gas service onshore   Emission factor (scf/
       natural gas transmission compression            hour/component)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Low Continuous Bleed Pneumatic Device Vents \1\...                  1.37
High Continuous Bleed Pneumatic Device Vents \1\..                 18.20
Intermittent Bleed Pneumatic Device Vents \1\.....                  2.35
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Emission Factor is in units of ``scf/hour/device.''


0
8. Remove Table W-4 to subpart W of part 98 and add Table W-4A and 
Table W-4B to subpart W of part 98 in numerical order to read as 
follows:

  Table W-4A to Subpart W of Part 98--Default Total Hydrocarbon Leaker
          Emission Factors for Underground Natural Gas Storage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Emission factor  (scf/hour/component)
                             -------------------------------------------
                               If you survey using
   Underground natural gas     any of the methods    If you survey using
           storage                   in Sec.            Method 21 as
                                  98.234(a)(1)       specified in  Sec.
                                   through (6)          98.234(a)(7)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Leaker Emission Factors--Storage Station, Gas Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valve \1\...................                 14.84                  9.51
Connector (other)...........                  5.59                  3.58
Open-Ended Line.............                 17.27                 11.07
Pressure Relief Valve.......                 39.66                 25.42
Meter and Instrument........                 19.33                 12.39
Other \2\...................                   4.1                  2.63
------------------------------------------------------------------------
         Leaker Emission Factors--Storage Wellheads, Gas Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valve \1\...................                   4.5                   3.2
Connector (other than                          1.2                   0.7
 flanges)...................
Flange......................                   3.8                   2.0
Open-Ended Line.............                   2.5                   1.7
Pressure Relief Valve.......                   4.1                   2.5
Other \2\...................                   4.1                   2.5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Valves include control valves, block valves and regulator valves.
\2\ Other includes any potential equipment leak emission point in gas
  service that is not specifically listed in this table, as specified in
  Sec.   98.232(f)(6) and (8).


Table W-4B to Subpart W of Part 98--Default Total Hydrocarbon Population
          Emission Factors for Underground Natural Gas Storage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Emission factor
          Underground natural gas storage           (scf/hour/component)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Population Emission Factors--Storage Wellheads, Gas Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Connector.........................................                  0.01

[[Page 86518]]

 
Valve.............................................                   0.1
Pressure Relief Valve.............................                  0.17
Open-Ended Line...................................                  0.03
------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Population Emission Factors--Other Components, Gas Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Low Continuous Bleed Pneumatic Device Vents \1\...                  1.37
High Continuous Bleed Pneumatic Device Vents \1\..                 18.20
Intermittent Bleed Pneumatic Device Vents \1\.....                  2.35
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Emission Factor is in units of ``scf/hour/device.''


0
9. Remove Table W-5 to subpart W of part 98 and add Table W-5A and 
Table W-5B to subpart W of part 98 in numerical order to read as 
follows:

   Table W-5A to Subpart W of Part 98--Default Methane Leaker Emission
             Factors for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Storage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Emission factor  (scf/hour/component)
                             -------------------------------------------
                               If you survey using
         LNG storage           any of the methods    If you survey using
                                     in Sec.            Method 21 as
                                  98.234(a)(1)       specified in  Sec.
                                   through (6)          98.234(a)(7)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Leaker Emission Factors--LNG Storage Components, LNG Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valve.......................                  1.19                  0.23
Pump Seal...................                  4.00                  0.73
Connector...................                  0.34                  0.11
Other \1\...................                  1.77                  0.99
------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Leaker Emission Factors--LNG Storage Components, Gas Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valve \2\...................                 14.84                  9.51
Connector...................                  5.59                  3.58
Open-Ended Line.............                 17.27                 11.07
Pressure Relief Valve.......                 39.66                 25.42
Meter and Instrument........                 19.33                 12.39
Other \3\...................                   4.1                  2.63
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ ``Other'' equipment type for components in LNG service should be
  applied for any equipment type other than connectors, pumps, or
  valves.
\2\ Valves include control valves, block valves and regulator valves.
\3\ ``Other'' equipment type for components in gas service should be
  applied for any equipment type other than valves, connectors, flanges,
  open-ended lines, pressure relief valves, and meters and instruments,
  as specified in Sec.   98.232(g)(6) and (7).


 Table W-5B to Subpart W of Part 98--Default Methane Population Emission
             Factors for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Storage
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Emission factor
                    LNG storage                     (scf/hour/component)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Population Emission Factors--LNG Storage Compressor, Gas Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vapor Recovery Compressor \1\.....................                  4.17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Emission Factor is in units of ``scf/hour/device.''


0
10. Remove Table W-6 to subpart W of part 98 and add Table W-6A and 
Table W-6B to subpart W of part 98 in numerical order to read as 
follows:

[[Page 86519]]



   Table W-6A to Subpart W of Part 98--Default Methane Leaker Emission
               Factors for LNG Import and Export Equipment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 Emission factor  (scf/hour/component)
                             -------------------------------------------
                               If you survey using
    LNG import and export      any of the methods    If you survey using
          equipment                  in Sec.            Method 21 as
                                  98.234(a)(1)       specified in  Sec.
                                   through (6)          98.234(a)(7)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Leaker Emission Factors--LNG Terminals Components, LNG Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valve.......................                  1.19                  0.23
Pump Seal...................                  4.00                  0.73
Connector...................                  0.34                  0.11
Other \1\...................                  1.77                  0.99
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Leaker Emission Factors--LNG Terminals Components, Gas Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Valve \2\...................                 14.84                  9.51
Connector...................                  5.59                  3.58
Open-Ended Line.............                 17.27                 11.07
Pressure Relief Valve.......                 39.66                 25.42
Meter and Instrument........                 19.33                 12.39
Other \3\...................                   4.1                  2.63
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ ``Other'' equipment type for components in LNG service should be
  applied for any equipment type other than connectors, pumps, or
  valves.
\2\ Valves include control valves, block valves and regulator valves.
\3\ ``Other'' equipment type for components in gas service should be
  applied for any equipment type other than valves, connectors, flanges,
  open-ended lines, pressure relief valves, and meters and instruments,
  as specified in Sec.   98.232(h)(7) and (8).


 Table W-6B to Subpart W of Part 98--Default Methane Population Emission
               Factors for LNG Import and Export Equipment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       Emission factor
          LNG import and export equipment           (scf/hour/component)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Population Emission Factors--LNG Terminals Compressor, Gas Service
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vapor Recovery Compressor \1\.....................                  4.17
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Emission Factor is in units of ``scf/hour/compressor.''

[FR Doc. 2016-27981 Filed 11-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6560-50-P


