Md. Code Regs. 26.11.41.04 - Natural Gas-Powered Pneumatic Devices Methane Emission Control Requirements

A. Beginning January 1, 2021, each continuous and intermittent bleed natural gas-powered pneumatic device shall comply with the leak detection and repair requirements specified in Regulation .03 of this chapter, as applicable, when the device is idle and not controlling.

B. By January 1, 2022, continuous bleed natural gas-powered pneumatic devices shall not vent natural gas at a rate greater than 6 standard cubic feet per hour.

C. By January 1, 2023, all continuous bleed natural gas-powered pneumatic device shall be converted to use compressed air or electricity to operate unless an exemption is provided in §D of this regulation.

D. Exemption. Continuous bleed natural gas-powered pneumatic devices may be used if:

(1) The owner and operator collect all vented natural gas from the pneumatic device with the use of a vapor collection system according to Regulation .06 of this chapter; or

(2) The owner and operator submit justification for approval to the Department which demonstrates the need for the continuous bleed pneumatic device for safety or process purposes, as follows:

(a) Each continuous bleed pneumatic device that is approved for use shall be tagged with the month and year of installation, reconstruction, or modification and shall also have a permanent tag that identifies the natural gas flow rate as less than or equal to 6 standard cubic feet per hour; and

(b) The owner and operator shall:

(i) Inspect each continuous bleed pneumatic device on a monthly basis;

(ii) Perform necessary maintenance (including cleaning, tuning, and repairing leaking gaskets, tubing fittings, and seals and tuning to operate over a broader range of proportional band to eliminate unnecessary valve positioners);

(iii) Maintain the pneumatic device according to manufacturer specifications to ensure that the device's natural gas emissions are minimized;

(iv) By April 1, test each pneumatic device annually using a direct measurement method (high volume sampling, bagging, calibrated flow measuring instrument, etc.); and

(v) Successfully repair any device with a measured emissions flow rate that exceeds 6 standard cubic feet per hour within 14 calendar days from the date of the exceedance.

Notes

Md. Code Regs. 26.11.41.04

Regulation .04 adopted effective 47:23 Md. R. 978, eff. 11/16/2020