5900-106 Implementation Plan for International Partners

Company Information

Natural Gas STAR
International

Company Name:

______________________________________

Gas Star Contact:

______________________________________

Title:

______________________________________

Address:

______________________________________
______________________________________

City:

______________________________________

Country:

______________________________________

Telephone:

______________________________________

Fax:

______________________________________

E-mail:

______________________________________

This implementation plan pertains to the company’s operations in (please
specify country)* :

Implementation
Plan

_________________________________________________________
This implementation plan includes planned activities for the following
facilities or locations:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

The purpose of this Implementation Plan is to guide your company’s participation in Natural Gas STAR
International. Please evaluate the technologies and practices that your company is currently implementing as
well as additional technologies and practices that, if implemented, would be beneficial to your company.
The Implementation Plan is designed to be a dynamic tool for Natural Gas STAR International partners to plan their
Program activities. As company priorities and plans shift over time, the Implementation Plan may be revised or updated
by submitting a new form to the Program.

Implementation Plan Elements
ELEMENT 1 – Evaluate Past and Current Reductions
Partners are encouraged to review current and past activities that have resulted in methane emission reductions.
Reviewing these activities will help guide companies’ participation in Natural Gas STAR International by creating a
base of understanding of current activities to facilitate planning of future activities.

Last updated: January 2010

ELEMENT 2 - Emissions Reduction Technologies & Practices
Natural Gas STAR International partners reduce methane emissions throughout their operations by implementing a
wide variety of technologies and practices. New partners are encouraged to evaluate and report current and new
technologies or practices that cost effectively reduce methane emissions. A list of technologies and practices that have
been implemented by industry partners and reported to Natural Gas STAR is included in the appendix.
* Please submit a separate Implementation Plan for each country in which you plan to implement Natural Gas STAR International.
EPA Form No. 5900-106

ELEMENT 1

Evaluate Past and Current Reductions
A review of past and current methane emission reduction activities will help guide your company’s
participation in Natural Gas STAR International by creating a base of understanding of current activities to
facilitate planning of future activities.
As a first step, many new partners find it useful to review and document past methane emissions reduction efforts.
The process helps companies quantify the success of their past activities and target future emission reduction
efforts.
Will you include past activities in your annual report?

Yes

No

If yes, please describe your company’s plans for reviewing past emission reduction activities.

Last updated: January 2010

ELEMENT 2

Emissions Reduction Technologies & Practices
Your company may implement a variety of technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions. Please complete
this form indicating which technologies and practices you are currently implementing and those you plan to implement
in the future. For your reference, the appendix includes a list of proposed methane emission reduction technologies
and practices and conversion factors.
Please fill out a separate page for each technology or practice your company plans to implement. (Please make
additional copies, if necessary)
Technology or practice your company is currently implementing or will be implementing
Name of Technology or Practice (choose from the list
in the appendix or describe your own):

Please provide a description of the technology or practice and
how you plan to implement it (including location or facility
where you plan to implement it):

At what scale will you be implementing this activity?

Level of Implementation (check one):

Company Wide
Pilot Project
Other

Number of units to be installed: _____units
Frequency of practice:

_____times/year

Last updated: January 2010

Additional Information on Anticipated Plans and Projects
If additional space is needed, please continue on the back.

Last updated: January 2010

ELEMENT 2

Emissions Reduction Technologies & Practices
Your company may implement a variety of technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions. Please complete
this form indicating which technologies and practices you are currently implementing and those you plan to implement
in the future. For your reference, the appendix includes a list of proposed methane emission reduction technologies
and practices and conversion factors.
Please fill out a separate page for each technology or practice your company plans to implement. (Please make
additional copies, if necessary)
Technology or practice your company is currently implementing or will be implementing
Name of Technology or Practice (choose from the list
in the appendix or describe your own):

Please provide a description of the technology or practice and
how you plan to implement it (including location or facility
where you plan to implement it):

At what scale will you be implementing this activity?

Level of Implementation (check one):

Company Wide
Pilot Project
Other

Number of units to be installed: _____units
Frequency of practice:

_____times/year

Last updated: January 2010

Additional Information on Anticipated Plans and Projects
If additional space is needed, please continue on the back.

Last updated: January 2010

ELEMENT 2

Emissions Reduction Technologies & Practices
Your company may implement a variety of technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions. Please complete
this form indicating which technologies and practices you are currently implementing and those you plan to implement
in the future. For your reference, the appendix includes a list of proposed methane emission reduction technologies
and practices and conversion factors.
Please fill out a separate page for each technology or practice your company plans to implement. (Please make
additional copies, if necessary)
Technology or practice your company is currently implementing or will be implementing
Name of Technology or Practice (choose from the list
in the appendix or describe your own):

Please provide a description of the technology or practice and
how you plan to implement it (including location or facility
where you plan to implement it):

At what scale will you be implementing this activity?

Level of Implementation (check one):

Company Wide
Pilot Project
Other

Number of units to be installed: _____units
Frequency of practice:

_____times/year

Last updated: January 2010

Additional Information on Anticipated Plans and Projects
If additional space is needed, please continue on the back.

Last updated: January 2010

Appendix A-1
Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—Production Sector
The list below describes a variety of methane emission reduction technologies that Natural Gas STAR partners in the production
sector have implemented and reported to Natural Gas STAR. Sunset dates (i.e., the length of time a technology or practice can
continue to accrue emission reductions after implemented) are one year in duration unless otherwise noted in parentheses.
An asterisk (*) indicates that a technical document related to the technology or practice is available online at
epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html.
Compressors/Engines

Automate compressor systems operation to reduce

venting*
Catalytic converter installation (10 years)
Convert engine starting to nitrogen and/or CO2 rich
gas (10 years)*
Convert to low pressure compressor starters
(10 years)
Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems*
Increase compression capacity to reduce
venting/flaring
Install automated air/fuel ratio control systems (10
years)*
Install electric compressors (10 years)*
Install electric motors (10 years)
Install electric starters (10 years)*
Install lean burn compressor (10 years)
Lower compressor purge pressure for shutdown*
Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices*
Reduce emissions when taking compressors offline*
Replace compressor rod packing systems*
Replace gas starters with air (10 years)*
Replace ignition/reduce false starts*
Turbine fuel use optimization

Dehydrators

Install condensers on glycol dehydrators (10 years)

Install/convert gas-driven chemical pumps to electric,
mechanical, or solar pumps (10 years)*

DI&M: leak detection using lower emission threshold

DI&M: survey and repair leaks
Pipelines

Inject blowdown gas into low pressure system*

Pipeline replacement and repair

Use fixed/portable compressors for pipeline
pumpdown*

Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections*
Pneumatics/Controls

Capture/use gas released from gas-operated

Install desiccant dehydrator (10 years)*

Install flash tank separators on glycol dehydrators

(10 years)*
Reduce glycol circulation rates in dehydrators*
Reroute dehy./tank vents to flare or station suction
(10 years)*
Reroute glycol skimmer gas*
Shutdown glycol dehydrator stripping gas in winter
Use rich glycol in glycol pumps

Directed Inspection and Maintenance

DI&M at compressor stations*

DI&M: leak detection using IR camera/optical
imaging

pneumatic pumps
Convert gas-driven chemical pumps to instrument air
(10 years)*
Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air (10
years)*
Convert gas pneumatic controls to mechanical
controls (10 years)*
Identify and replace high-bleed pneumatic devices
(7 years)*
Install/convert gas powered separators to solar
powered separators (10 years)
Install controllers on gas-assisted methanol pump
(10 years)
Install no bleed controllers (10 years)
Install non-venting dump controllers (10 years)
Reduce gas pressure on pneumatic devices
Reduce venting from unlit pilot: install electronic
safety devices (10 years)*
Replace bi-directional orifice meter with ultrasonic
meters*
Replace chemical pumps with electronic flow
controllers (10 years)
Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from
pneumatics (10 years)

Tanks

Change out vent pallet (10 years)

Consolidate crude oil production and water storage

tanks (10 years)*

Convert water tank blanket from natural gas to CO2
(10 years)*

Install evactors (10 years)
Last updated: January 2010

OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 07/31/2011

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—Production Sector
Tanks

Install flash gas compressors (10 years)
Install hydrocarbon liquid stabilizer (10 years)
Install pressurized storage of condensate (10 years)*
Install vapor recovery units (VRUs) (10 years)*
Install vapor recovery units on pipeline
liquid/condensate tanks (10 years)*
Recycle line recover gas during condensate loading*
Reduce excess blanket gas blow-by to the
atmosphere
Replace leaking aboveground tanks (10 years)
Use protective tank coatings to reduce leaks (10
years)

Valves

Heat tracing to prevent control valves from freezing

open

Install plugs on valves and open ended lines
(10 years)

Reduce venting from unlit pilot: install BASO valves
(10 years)*

Test and repair pressure safety valves*
Wells

Artificial lift: gas lift (10 years)

Artificial lift: install plunger lifts (10 years)*

Artificial lift: install pumpjacks or rod pumps on gas
wells (10 years)*

Artificial lift: install smart lift automated systems on

gas wells (10 years)*
Artificial lift: install velocity tubing strings (10 years)*
Artificial lift: pressure swabbing
Artificial lift: use capillary strings (10 years)
Artificial lift: use compression (10 years)
Artificial lift: use pumping unit (10 years)

Artificial lift: use to reduce blowdown in gas wells (10
years)*

Install automated shut-in cycle units to reduce well
venting (10 years)

Install flash tank separator on water gathering

system (10 years)
Install pumps for separators (10 years)
Install snubbing unit at wellhead
Install soap launcher/soap unit (10 years)
Lower heater-treater temperature*
Optimize gas well unloading times*
Perform reduced emissions completions*
Route casinghead gas to VRU or compressor (10
years)*

Use foaming agents to reduce blowdown frequency*

Other

Capture and use waste heat to reduce gas usage
and emissions

Convert natural gas fired generator to solar power

(10 years)
Flare reduction program
Improve system design/operation
Install flares (10 years)*
Install pilotless burner controls (10 years)
Install purge reducer on flare (10 years)
Optimize nitrogen rejection unit to reduce methane in
N2 reject stream*
Recover gas from separators
Re-inject gas for enhanced oil recovery
Re-inject gas into crude
Replace aged heaters with new efficient gas fired
heaters (10 years)

Last updated: January 2010

OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 07/31/2011

Appendix A-2
Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices— Gathering and Processing Sector
The list below describes a variety of methane emission reduction technologies that Natural Gas STAR partners in the gathering and
processing sector have implemented and reported to Natural Gas STAR. Sunset dates (i.e., the length of time a technology or
practice can continue to accrue emission reductions after implemented) are one year in duration unless otherwise noted in
parentheses. An asterisk (*) indicates that a technical document related to the technology or practice is available online at
epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html.
Compressors/Engines

Convert engine starting to nitrogen and/or CO2 rich

gas (10 years)*
Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems*
Install automated air/fuel ratio control systems (10
years)*
Install electric compressors (10 years)*
Install electric starters (10 years)*
Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices*
Reduce emissions when taking compressors offline*
Replace compressor rod packing systems*
Replace gas starters with air (10 years)*

Dehydrators

Install condensers on glycol dehydrators (10 years)

Install/convert gas-driven chemical pumps to electric,

mechanical, or solar pumps (10 years)*
Install flash tank separators on glycol dehydrators
(10 years)*
Reduce glycol circulation rates in dehydrators*
Reroute dehy./tank vents to flare or station suction
(10 years)*
Replace glycol dehydration units with methanol
injection (10 years)*
Reroute glycol skimmer gas*

Directed Inspection and Maintenance

DI&M at compressor stations*

DI&M at gas plants and booster stations*

DI&M: aerial leak detection using laser and/or

infrared technology
DI&M: inspect/repair compressor station blowdown
valves*
DI&M: leak detection using IR camera/optical
imaging
DI&M: leak detection using ultrasound*
Improve measurement systems to track gas loss

Pipelines

Pipeline replacement and repair

Recover gas from pipeline pigging operations*

Revise pigging schedule to reduce methane

emissions

Use composite wrap repair*

Use inert gases and pigs to perform pipeline purges*

Use fixed/portable compressors for pipeline
pumpdown*

Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections*

Use of improved protective coating at pipeline canal
crossings (10 years)*

Pneumatics/Controls

Capture and use waste heat to reduce gas usage

and emissions
Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air
systems (10 years)*
Install back-up power at booster sites to prevent
venting (10 years)
Install no bleed controllers (10 years)
Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from
pneumatics (10 years)

Tanks

Direct liquids at compressor suction to pipeline (10

years)
Install hydrocarbon liquid stabilizer (10 years)
Install pressurized storage of condensate (10 years)*
Install vapor recovery units (VRUs) (10 years)*
Install VRUs on pipeline liquid/condensate tanks (10
years)*

Reduce excess blanket gas blow-by to the
atmosphere

Reduce vapors vented out of drip tanks

Route inlet flash vapors to station suction (10 years)

Valves

Convert gas operated valves to hydraulic operation

(10 years)
Heat tracing to prevent control valves from freezing
open
Rupture pin shutoff device to reduce venting (10
years)
Test and repair pressure safety valves*
Test gate station pressure relief valves with nitrogen*

Other

Convert natural gas fired generator to solar power
(10 years)

Install flares (10 years)*

Optimize nitrogen rejection unit to reduce methane in
N2 reject stream*

Process/re-route acid gas to reduce venting
Last updated: January 2010

OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 07/31/2011

Appendix A-3
Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—Transmission Sector
The list below describes a variety of methane emission reduction technologies that Natural Gas STAR partners in the transmission
sector have implemented and reported to Natural Gas STAR. Sunset dates (i.e., the length of time a technology or practice
can continue to accrue emission reductions after implemented) are one year in duration unless otherwise noted in
parentheses. An asterisk (*) indicates that a technical document related to the technology or practice is available online at
epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html.
Compressors/Engines

Recover gas from pipeline pigging operations*

Automate compressor systems operation to reduce

venting*

Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems*

Install automated air/fuel ratio control systems (10
years)*

Install electric compressors (10 years)*

Install electric motors (10 years)

Install electric starters (10 years)*

Install lean burn compressor (10 years)

Lower compressor purge pressure for shutdown*

Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices*

Reduce emissions when taking compressors offline*

Reduce frequency of engine starts with gas*

Replace compressor cylinder unloaders*

Replace compressor rod packing systems*

Replace gas starters with air (10 years)*

Replace ignition/reduce false starts*

Replace wet compressor seals with dry seals (10
years)*

Use of turbines at compressor stations (20 years)
Dehydrators

Install condensers on glycol dehydrators (10 years)

Install flash tank separators/controls on Tran. sector
glycol dehydrators (10 years)*

Install/convert gas-driven chemical pumps to electric,
mechanical, or solar pumps (10 years)*

Replace glycol dehydrator with separator & in-line
heaters (10 years)*

Reroute dehy./tank vents to flare or station suction
(10 years)*

Reroute glycol skimmer gas*
Directed Inspection and Maintenance

DI&M at compressor stations*

DI&M at remote sites*

DI&M: aerial leak detection using laser and/or
infrared technology

DI&M: inspect/repair compressor station blowdown
valves*

DI&M: leak detection using IR camera/optical
imaging

DI&M: leak detection using ultrasound*

DI&M: survey and repair leaks

Reduce/downgrade system pressure

Reduced emissions through third-party damage
prevention

Use composite wrap repair*

Use fixed/portable compressors for pipeline
pumpdown*

Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections*

Use inert gas/pigs for pipeline purges*
Pneumatics/Controls

Convert gas-driven chemical pumps to instrument air

(10 years)*
Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air (10
years)*
Identify and replace high-bleed pneumatic devices
(7 years)*
Install no bleed controllers (10 years)
Reduce meter run blowdowns
Replace bi-directional orifice meter with ultrasonic
meters*
Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from
pneumatics (10 years)

Tanks

Install flash gas compressors (10 years)

Install vapor recovery units on pipeline liquid/
condensate tanks (10 years)*

Valves

Close valves during repair to minimize blowdown*

Design isolation valves to minimize gas blowdown
volumes (10 years)*

Move in fire gates at compressors (10 years)*

Test and repair pressure safety valves*

Use of YALE closures for ESD testing*
Wells

Switch from underbalanced to overbalanced drilling
in gas storage field

Other

Convert natural gas fired generator to solar power

Pipelines

Inspect/repair valves during pipeline replacement*

Pipeline replacement and repair

(10 years)
Improve system design/operation
Inject blowdown gas into low pressure system*
Install flares (10 years)*
Replace aged heaters with new efficient gas fired
heaters (10 years)
Require improvements in quality of gas received*

Last updated: January 2010

OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 07/31/2011

Appendix A-4
Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—Distribution Sector
The list below describes a variety of methane emission reduction technologies that Natural Gas STAR partners in the distribution
sector have implemented and reported to Natural Gas STAR. Sunset dates (i.e., the length of time a technology or practice can
continue to accrue emission reductions after implemented) are one year in duration unless otherwise noted in parentheses.
An asterisk (*) indicates that a technical document related to the technology or practice is available online at
epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html.

Compressors/Engines

Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems*

Install electric starters (10 years)*

Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices*

Reduce frequency of engine starts with gas*

Replace compressor rod packing systems*

Replace ignition/reduce false starts*

Pneumatics/Controls

Convert gas-driven chemical pumps to instrument air

Dehydrators

(10 years)*

Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air (10
years)*

Convert gas pneumatic controls to mechanical
controls (10 years)*

Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from
pneumatics (10 years)

Reroute dehy./tank vents to flare or station suction

Valves

(10 years)*

Directed Inspection and Maintenance

DI&M at compressor stations (non-mainline

transmission)*
DI&M at gate stations and surface facilities*
DI&M: survey and repair leaks
DI&M: increase frequency of leak surveys*
Improve measurement systems to track gas loss

Pipelines

Identify and rehabilitate leaky distribution pipes
Insert gas main flexible liners (10 years)*
Reduce/downgrade system pressure
Reduced emissions through third-party damage
prevention

Use fixed/portable compressors for pipeline
pumpdown*

Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections*

Use no-blow insertion fittings

Install excess flow valves (10 years)*
Install overpressure protection system (10 years)
Test and repair pressure safety valves*
Test gate station pressure relief valves with nitrogen*

Other

Convert natural gas fired generator to solar power

(10 years)
Improve system design/operation
Inject blowdown gas into low pressure system*
Install flares (10 years)*
Re-inject CNG cylinder test gas
Retighten LNG pump seals
Use automated systems to reduce pressure

Last updated: January 2010

OMB Control No. 2060-0328
Expires 07/31/2011

Appendix B

Conversion Factors
Please see below for a variety of conversion factors that might be useful when completing your Implementation Plan.
Please contact Natural Gas STAR if you have questions about this information.
Gas Conversions
Please report emissions reductions to Natural Gas STAR International in thousand cubic feet (Mcf).
1 Cubic foot of methane
1 Btu

= 1,014.6 Btu
= 0.000986 Cubic feet of methane

1 Cubic foot
1 Cubic meter

= 0.02832 Cubic meter
= 35.312 Cubic feet

1 Mile
1 Kilometer

= 1.609 Kilometer
= 0.6214 Mile

1 Btu
1 Calorie

= 251.996 Calories
= 0.00397 Btu

1 Btu
1 Joule

= 1055.056 Joules
= 0.00095 Btu

Please send completed forms to:
Roger Fernandez
The Natural Gas STAR Program
Team Leader
Phone: (01) (202) 343-9386
Fax: (01) (202) 343-2202
Email: [email protected]
Standard Mail:
Roger Fernandez
The Natural Gas STAR Program
U.S. EPA (6207J)
1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20460
U.S.A.
Express/Overnight Mail:
Roger Fernandez
The Natural Gas STAR Program
U.S. EPA (6207J)
1310 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
U.S.A.

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comments on the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden
estimates, and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including through
the use of automated collection techniques to the Director, Collection Strategies Division,
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D.C. 20460. Include the OMB control number in any correspondence.
Do not
send the
Last updated:
January
2010
completed form to this address.