(North Dakota) Control of Organic Compound Emissions

This entry contains three rules promulgated by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality. All three indirectly regulate methane from oil production facilities.

 

The Control of Organic Compound Emissions rule requires new oil-water separators that will receive at least 200 gallons of water per day to be equipped with a vapour recovery system. It further requires that storage tanks of at least 1,000 gallon capacity (and tank cars, tank trucks with a capacity of at least 20,000 gallons) must be filled through a submerged pipe. The rule prohibits venting of VOCs except for emergency purposes, and requires that they are flared or incinerated. Flares must have automatic ignition systems.

 

The Restriction of Emissions from Visible Air Contaminants rule requires flares to burn cleanly (sets an opacity level).

 

The Control of Emissions from Oil and Gas Well Production Facilities rule requires flares at oil and gas facilities to have automatic ignition systems. It further requires routine inspections and maintenance of tanks, hatches, compressor, vent lines, pressure relief valves, packing elements and couplings, to minimize emissions of H2S. Requires notification of authorities if air contaminants will leak for more than 24 hours due to a malfunction or maintenance activity. 

 

 

Want to know more about this policy ? Learn more