The Alternative Federal Methane Emissions Management Program (Alt-FEMP) enables operators to seek approval for utilizing alternative detection technologies instead of traditional ground staff scans with Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) or Organic Vapor Analyzers (OVA) for measuring methane emissions.
Depending on an operator’s approach to their Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) program, Alt-FEMP presents an opportunity to cut costs and improve efficiency. The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is offering Alt-FEMP to assess the effectiveness of advanced technologies compared to traditional ground detection methods. Insights gleaned from this pilot initiative will shape future technology approvals for LDAR programs in Alberta.
Alt-FEMP
Alt-FEMPs were approved in Alberta in 2020, and similar methodologies are being adopted by the Saskatchewan and federal governments. British Columbia is also contemplating an Alternative-Fuel Fleet Emissions Management Program akin to Alberta’s Alt-FEMP.
Supported by a $17-million allocation from the Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) system, the Alberta Methane Emissions Program (AMEP) bolsters methane emissions reduction endeavors in the province’s oil and gas sector.
AMEP facilitates methane emissions reductions, aids in regulatory revisions, reduces industry expenses, and promotes best practices in methane detection and management.
Fugitive Emissions Management Program
Operators are mandated to develop a Fugitive Emissions Management Program to mitigate fugitive emissions and update it to reflect operational changes. Since June 1, 2019, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has required producers to maintain a FEMP, which forms the cornerstone of fugitive emissions management. Regular surveys or screenings are conducted to systematically detect fugitive emissions.
These Alt-FEMP programs have time constraints, and eligibility for funding may expire.
Blue Chip offers comprehensive support, ranging from fieldwork to reporting and regulatory environmental compliance. Whether you need LDAR field services to ensure compliance for the 2024 reporting period (annual, bi-annual, tri-annual), we are here to assist you.
If you need help or direction to make sure your measurement and reporting practices are equitable and compliant, we can help you do it right. If you’re interested in learning more on this topic, with additional questions or discussions, please send me an email waynedunnington@bluechipmrc.com.
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