Rule changes to cut oil and gas pollution

Reactive organic carbon emissions expected to decrease in county

 

Fireplace(VENTURA, Calif. — Dec. 28, 2023) On Dec. 12, the Air Pollution Control Board approved rule changes that are expected to reduce reactive organic carbon emissions from oil and gas components by 20% a year in Ventura County.

 

The changes will reduce emissions from leaks by increasing inspection and repair requirements. Amendments made to Ventura County Air Pollution Control District Rule 74.10: Components at Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production and Processing Facilities include the following:
 

• More components must be inspected daily.

• The size of the smallest leaks that must be fixed is reduced from 1,000 to 500 parts per million volume.

• Leaks must be fixed faster.

• The number of leaking components allowed before the district issues a violation is reduced.

• Open-ended lines must be sealed if they are unattended.

• Records required by the rule must be submitted to the district annually.

   The changes are expected to result in 40 fewer tons of reactive organic carbon being emitted each year.

 

District staff members held a workshop on the rule changes for affected companies in August and considered feedback from industry and agency representatives. The district Advisory Committee voted to recommend adoption of the revised rule in November, and a public hearing was held on Dec. 12 before the board’s vote.

 

For more information on the changes, see the Compliance Assistance Advisory.