Gap Analysis to Identify Opportunities to Inform Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Programs in LNG Facilities

Overview

Main Objective

The purpose of this project is to 1) conduct a thorough gap analysis of LDAR federal and state regulations to identify regulatory gaps and duplications, 2) identify industry standards and best practices, LNG facilities safety, environmental and reporting requirements and the thresholds, methods, frequency, exceptions, and components/equipment and 3) assess feasibility of public portal to disseminate findings of leak and emission data from LNG facilities. The efforts of this project will support an effective LDAR program that drives down CH4 emissions, retains product, and thereby support U.S DOT PHMSA's mission to protect people and the environment by advancing the safe transportation of energy.

Public Abstract

GTI Energy (GTI) will leverage industry and leak detection, repair, and reporting (LDAR) expertise to perform a gap analysis that will identify federal and state regulatory gaps and duplications, as well as future opportunities to reduce regulatory compliance burdens for U.S. liquified natural gas (LNG) operators. The proposed project will focus on: 1)creating a technical advisory panel of LNG operators, LDAR subject matter experts, standards organizations, and service providers; 2) a literature review of U.S. federal and state LDAR regulations of hazardous fluid leaks for the various LNG facility types, operator survey of U.S. LNG facilities, and industry standards and best practices; 3) distill the discussions and findings of the technical advisory panel and literature review to develop a gap analysis to compare LNG facilities safety, environmental and reporting requirements and the thresholds, methods, frequency, exceptions, and components/equipment; and 4) assessment of the feasibility for a centralized and publicly accessible portal from the findings and reports on leak and emissions data.

Anticipated Results: The primary deliverable is a gap analysis final report for U.S. LNG facilities of federal and state LDAR regulations, safety, environmental, and reporting best practices to inform LNG stakeholders. Additionally, an assessment of the feasibility for a publicly accessible portal for leak and emissions data will also be included in the final report.

Potential Impact on Safety: Performing a gap analysis will allow U.S. LNG stakeholders to align on existing regulations that may need to be updated and to support PHMSA and the LNG industry in efforts to increase safety and reduce environmental impacts from hazardous leaks.

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