The Quad O regulations, also known as the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry, were established in 2012 to reduce air emissions from oil and gas operations. The regulations apply to a variety of equipment and processes, including:
- Storage tanks
- Compressors
- Pneumatic controllers
- Pumps
- Dehydrators
- Glycol dehydrators
- Natural gas processing plants
The regulations require the use of certain technologies and practices to reduce emissions, such as:
- Green completions: a technique that captures gas emissions during well completion
- Reduced emissions completions: a technique that reduces the amount of gas vented during well completion
- Vapor recovery units: equipment that captures gas emissions during storage tank loading
- Leak detection and repair: a program that identifies and repairs leaks in equipment
The regulations also require operators to submit reports and keep records of their emissions and compliance efforts.
It’s important for oil and gas operators to comply with the Quad O regulations to avoid penalties and maintain their environmental compliance. The EPA may conduct inspections and enforce the regulations through fines and other measures for noncompliance.