Restrictions on Venting and Flaring: An Overview of Regulatory Requirements

With the growing urgency to reduce methane emissions, regulatory measures to restrict venting and flaring are coming into sharper focus. The new EU Methane Regulation aims to significantly reduce methane emissions by clearly defining and regulating these processes. This article outlines the key requirements and permissible exceptions.

Specific Requirements for Venting and Flaring

The regulation stipulates that routine venting and flaring are generally prohibited, with a few defined exceptions (Art. 15 Sec. 1). These measures aim to further reduce methane emissions.

Defined Exceptions to the Rule

Despite the clear regulations, there are specific exceptions that allow operators to continue venting under particular circumstances. These exceptions pertain to the following situations:

1. During normal operation of components specifically designed for venting, such as pneumatic devices, compressors, or atmospheric pressure storage tanks (Art. 15 Sec. 3 lit. a).
2. For relief of fluids in a wellbore or to adjust to atmospheric pressure (Art. 15 Sec. 3 lit. b).
3. When calibrating or sampling a storage tank or other low-pressure vessel (Art. 15 Sec. 3 lit. c).
4. When transferring fluids from a storage tank or low-pressure vessel into a transport vehicle (Art. 15 Sec. 3 lit. d).
5. In the context of repairs, maintenance, testing procedures, and decommissioning, including venting and depressurizing to carry out these activities (Art. 15 Sec. 3 lit. e).
6. When conducting a surface pressure test (Art. 15 Sec. 3 lit. f).
7. During a packer leak test (Art. 15 Sec. 3 lit. g).
8. When performing a production test lasting less than 24 hours (Art. 15 Sec. 3 lit. h).
9. If the methane does not meet the specifications of the gathering line (Art. 15 Sec. 3 lit. i).
10. During the commissioning of pipelines, equipment, or facilities (Art. 15 Sec. 3 lit. j).
11. During pigging or venting of a pipeline for repair, decommissioning, or flushing (Art. 15 Sec. 3 lit. k).

These exceptions provide clear operational guidelines, especially for operators relying on venting during maintenance or regular activities. However, the overarching goal remains to minimize methane emissions through controlled measures.

Procedural Hierarchy: Reinjection, Flaring, Venting

One of the central provisions of the regulation is the introduction of a procedural hierarchy, which provides operators with a clear prioritization. At the core is the obligation to primarily reinject methane or utilize it in other ways. Only when this is not possible due to technical or safety reasons may companies resort to flaring. Controlled venting is the last resort, to be used only when all other options have been exhausted (Art. 15 Sec. 6) and flaring, for instance, is technically infeasible or impossible to maintain a flame. Both flaring and venting are subject to comprehensive reporting requirements, which add transparency and increase operational effort. A detailed article on the reporting around venting and flaring will follow in the coming weeks.

Documentation and Transparency as Central Mechanisms

The reporting obligation is a key component of the regulation. Companies are required to document all incidents of flaring and venting comprehensively and submit corresponding reports. This transparency not only promotes environmental protection but also ensures that uncontrolled emissions are minimized (Art. 15 Sec. 4). The necessary documentation and reports can be generated with a single click using atmio's complete solution, significantly reducing operational effort.

Conclusion

The new EU Methane Regulation sets clear standards for managing methane emissions in the oil and gas industry. By focusing on restricting routine activities and establishing a clear procedural hierarchy, the regulation aims to limit high-emission practices and encourage companies to implement controlled processes. The obligation to fully document methane releases increases operators' responsibility.

Companies now face the challenge of adapting their operational processes to these new requirements and employing technologies that enable low-emission handling of methane. atmio supports businesses in overcoming these regulatory challenges by offering tailored solutions that minimize methane emissions and ensure compliance with the applicable regulations. Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you in meeting these demands.