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Leak Detection and Repair Program Developments
Field Science
Leak detection and repair (LDAR) regulations affect almost all U.S. industry processes in which volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are used or manufactured, and NEIC has had a lead role in Agency investigations of these LDAR programs since the early 1990s. NEIC has now expanded its investigation tools to include innovative, information forensic science techniques which allow previously-unexplored compliance areas to be evaluated.
Typical large scale petrochemical manufacturing facilities can contain over 100,000 pieces of regulated process equipment which may leak VOCs to the atmosphere, thereby contributing to the formation of ground level ozone. Each piece of equipment may be required to be tested for leaks several times each year, and additional information regarding leak repairs might be recorded. In order to fully evaluate compliance with LDAR regulations, NEIC has employed relational databases and structured query language (SQL) to collect and evaluate this detailed facility information. Using correlation equations developed by EPA, NEIC can then model emissions from data collected onsite in order to evaluate the validity of company-reported VOC emissions data. NEIC innovation in leak detection and repair compliance investigations has encouraged several companies to enter global settlement negotiations to resolve both LDAR and other Clean Air Act compliance issues.