VOC and Methane Standards for the Crude Oil and Natural Gas Source Category
On November 30, 2023, EPA finalized new volatile organic compound (VOC) and methane standards for the crude oil and natural gas source category. This rulemaking was published in the Federal Register on March 8, 2024, and became effective on May 7, 2024.
The aforementioned rules include 40 CFR 60 Subpart OOOOb – Standards of Performance for Crude Oil and Natural Gas Facilities for Which Construction, Modification or Reconstruction Commenced After December 6, 2022. Subpart OOOOb requires tank batteries with potential VOC emissions of 6 tons per year or more and/or methane emissions of 20 tons per year or more to be controlled. Tank batteries with potential emissions below these thresholds (accounting for all legally and practically enforceable limits established by the permitting authority) do not require controls.
Most crude oil and natural gas production facilities in Louisiana are permitted under the Minor Source Air General Permit for Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production (i.e., the MSOG). On October 7, 2024, after providing public notice and an opportunity for public comment, LDEQ modified the MSOG to add the requirements of Subpart OOOOb and to establish legally and practicably enforceable limits consistent with 40 CFR 60.5365b(e)(2) such that owners and operators of certain tank batteries constructed, modified, or reconstructed after December 6, 2022, with potential VOC and methane emissions of less than 6 and 20 tons per year, respectively, complying with prescribed monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements will not be subject to Subpart OOOOb.
The following minor source general permits have been issued by LDEQ:
Description |
Permit |
Statement of Basis |
Applicability Questionnaire |
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Surface Coating and Fabrication Effective: December 1, 2019 |
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Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production (MSOG)
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Download Permit | Download Questionnaire |