Author: Melissa Hart and Catriona Smith | Décembre 7, 2021

On November 24, 2021 (86 FR 66953) EPA finalized the rule to add natural gas extraction and/or processing plants [SIC 1321 (Natural Gas Liquids) / NAICS 211130 (Natural Gas Extraction)] to the scope of industrial sectors subject to EPCRA (Emergency Planning and Community Right-To-Know Act) Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting.

EPA used their EJSCREEN tool to review NGPs as part of the rule making process, in keeping with Executive Order 14008, February 1, 2021, and demonstrating their renewed commitment to the Environmental Justice (EJ) review methods. This process identified EJ considerations related to NGP facilities located within a 3-mile radius of the NGPs. In addition, with this expansion of the TRI reporting rule, EPA was responding to a petition from the Environmental Integrity Project and other entities requesting addition of NGPs to the TRI reporting requirements.

NGPs deal with over 21 TRI-covered chemicals. Accordingly, TRI reporting by at least 282 NGP facilities in the United States would meet the TRI thresholds for at least one of the TRI-listed chemicals. Furthermore, these facilities would provide a significant amount of release and waste management data that would increase the amount of information available to the public and further the purposes of TRI.

daad-tri-process-diagram

Industry should conduct a careful review of all industrial processes to identify and document any Section 313 chemicals or chemical categories which exceed a TRI activity threshold (manufacturing, processing, or otherwise use). TRI reporting facilities report on how the TRI chemical is managed as waste, including onsite releases, treatment, energy recovery, recycling of the TRI chemical and offsite transfers, and pollution prevention activities that are conducted at the facility for that chemical.

TRI reporting requirements are determined by activities at “facilities”. To fulfill the requirements for TRI reporting, industry needs to meet all three criteria to trigger reporting:

  • Primary NAICS code determination at facility level
  • Employee threshold determination at facility level
  • Chemical threshold determinations made at facility level

Industry should carefully review this EPCRA definition of “facility” with respect to operations, as it may include more than one “establishment”, i.e., a separate legal business entity owned or operated by the same “person”. Facility can also draw in other co-located, contiguous or adjacent support facilities that otherwise do not currently recognize reporting requirements, and each considered to be a unique and separate economic unit. Together, these establishments comprise a single facility under TRI if they are owned or operated by the company or agency.

The definition of “facility” includes:

“…all buildings, equipment, structures, and other stationary items which are located on a single site or on contiguous or adjacent sites and which are owned or operated by the same person (or by any person which controls, is controlled by, or under common control with, such person).”

TRI Reporting for these newly added facilities is due July 1, 2023, for the calendar reporting year beginning January 1, 2022.

Footnote:

Natural gas (NG) processing facilities are stationary, surface facilities that receive gas from a gathering system that collects raw natural gas from off-site wells. These facilities prepare the gas to meet industrial or pipeline specifications and extract heavier liquid hydrocarbons from the raw or field natural gas. This processed pipeline-quality natural gas is then transferred to consumers via intra- and inter-state pipeline networks. Natural gas liquids and contaminants separated from the natural gas during the processing are sent downstream to petrochemical manufacturers and refineries, released, or otherwise handled or treated.

Embrassez le changement

Collaborez avec les praticiens testés de TRC

Contact Us

Partager nos perspectives

Nos praticiens partagent leurs idées et leurs points de vue sur les tendances et les défis qui façonnent le marché.

GettyImages-1703628119-1
Nouvelles

L’équipe d’intégrité de la CVR s’agrandit !

mai 6, 2024

Les douze derniers mois ont apporté des changements positifs à l’équipe d’intégrité des pipelines de TRC. Plusieurs experts de l’industrie ont rejoint usas nous continuons à répondre aux besoins techniques et de conformité de l’industrie.

GettyImages-177491540-1-scaled-1
Mises à jour réglementaires

L’EPA publie des règlements sur les émissions des réservoirs du secteur pétrolier et gazier naturel

avril 30, 2024

Les exploitants de cuves de stockage ou de batteries-citernes doivent réduire leurs émissions de 95 %.

GettyImages-1469790487
Aperçus

Les éléments essentiels de la gestion de la végétation

février 1, 2024

La gestion de la végétation évolue afin de réduire le risque de dommages à l’infrastructure des services publics. Découvrez comment nos services de gestion de la végétation peuvent vous aider.

Gain-a-Competitive-Advantage-with-Location-based-AI-940x393-1
Aperçus

Gain a Competitive Advantage with Location-based AI

octobre 18, 2023

Using AI can help transform business operations, and more, with data science services that deliver.

98bf3ae3-coalash-2015
Nouvelles

Proposed Coal Combustion Residuals Legacy CCR Surface Impoundments Rule – Status of Public Comments

juillet 31, 2023

TRC has submitted public comments related to EPA’s proposed compliance timeline and schedule.

7edfafd1-butterfly-valve-879533046
Mises à jour réglementaires

PHMSA Gas Transmission RIN2 Rule Now Effective

juillet 24, 2023

TRC summarizes the revised or added sections of RIN2.

776bd75d-power-plant-closeup-ohio

EPA Proposes Regulation of Green House Gas Emissions

juillet 10, 2023

This article highlights the EPA’s proposed rules to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and the potential impact on new and existing fossil fuel-fired facilities.

9497ca4d-gettyimages-1294228598
Mises à jour réglementaires

EPA Issues Clarification of Free Product Removal Requirements

juin 20, 2023

EPA recently clarified requirements for LNAPL recovery and remediation.

Modernize-Your-Field-Services-with-GIS-and-Work-Order-Management-Combined-
Aperçus

Modernize Your Field Services with GIS and Work Order Management Combined

juin 15, 2023

The role of field service management continues to dominate the world economy, as the market grows at an exponential rate. The market was estimated at 3.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach 5.7 billion by the end of 2026.

50524bf6-construction-construction-management
Aperçus

The Power of Excellence in Utility Construction Management

avril 27, 2023

How outsourcing this critical project phase can save money, minimize risk and improve outcomes.

1a1bdaf5-microsoftteams-image-22-1
Aperçus

9 Actions You Can Start Now to Protect Critical Infrastructure

Décembre 13, 2022

Steps to improve physical security at substations, chemical plants, pipelines, data centers, hospitals and other critical infrastructure

0f7b8139-coal-fired-power-plant-smoke-stacks-platte-river-casper-wyoming-wind-turbines-821028416
Aperçus

Preparing Your RMP Facility for a Future of Extreme Weather

novembre 29, 2022

Facilities dealing with hazardous materials must prepare for extreme weather events that pose a risk to their operations and the community.

6d00753b-pipelines
Aperçus

TSA Pipeline Security Guidelines – Navigating Change to Protect Critical Assets

mai 27, 2022

Protecting against new threats and staying on top of constantly changing security guidance requires agility.

9b3f66e5-open-plan-office-1011792700
Aperçus

How to Succeed with Outsourced Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Support

février 1, 2022

Many organizations struggle to keep up with today’s EHS requirements. EHS support services can go a long way toward staying in compliance. Learn more.

GettyImages-1312405670
Mises à jour réglementaires

PHMSA Issues Gas Gathering Final Rule Summary & Requirements

novembre 30, 2021

PHMSA announced that they issued a final rule that significantly expands Federal pipeline safety oversight to all onshore gas gathering pipelines.

d277d0f4-natural-gas-valves
Aperçus

The Price of Natural Gas: Onward and Upward or Just a Temporary Blip?

novembre 12, 2021

Most industry experts agree that weather aside, the global energy and gas markets are likely to remain uncertain with supply and market demand becoming tighter and more challenging to forecast.

599dbb6e-oil-ref-chem-plant-900px-1
Mises à jour réglementaires

2021 EPA TRI Reporting Requirements for Natural Gas Processing Facilities

juillet 12, 2021

Indication EPA finalizing a rule to add natural gas extraction or processing plants to EPCRA Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting.

GettyImages-2156736568
Mises à jour réglementaires

PHMSA Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and Enhancing Safety (PIPES) Act of 2020

juin 11, 2021

PHMSA announced it has submitted an advisory bulletin underscoring to pipeline and pipeline facility operators requirements to minimize methane emissions.

GettyImages-808824226-1
Mises à jour réglementaires

DHS Announces New Cybersecurity Requirements for Critical Pipeline Owners and Operators

juin 3, 2021

The Security Directive will require critical pipeline owners and operators to report confirmed and potential cybersecurity incidents.

GettyImages-2153913931
Vidéos

World Pipelines Integrity 2021 Keynote Presentation

mai 25, 2021

Watch TRC’s Mike LaMont deliver the keynote presentation “Uncomfortable Yet?” at the World Pipelines Integrity 2021 conference.

GettyImages-1216409748-1
Aperçus

The View on Climate Change has Changed in Washington

mars 1, 2021

The Biden Administration signals both a renewed and accelerated focus on climate change.

GettyImages-2160087919-1
Mises à jour réglementaires

TCEQ to Assume Oil and Gas Wastewater Permitting from RRC

janvier 11, 2021

Historically, the Railroad Commission of Texas has been responsible for wastewater permitting of upstream oil and gas facilities under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

GettyImages-1472176132
Vidéos

INGAA Foundation Interview with Lauren O’Donnell

juin 22, 2020

TRC’s own Lauren O’Donnell is currently the elected Chair of the INGAA Foundation. The Foundation’s primary activity is to sponsor research aimed at promoting natural gas use and safe, efficient pipeline construction and operation.

GettyImages-483313074
Mises à jour réglementaires

NERC Calls for New Approach to Reliability Planning Due to Gas Supply Disruption Risks

Décembre 14, 2017

A recently published NERC report concludes that as reliance on natural gas to meet electric generation requirements increases, additional planning and operational measures must be considered to mitigate power system reliability risks.

Engineers in front of power plant
Aperçus

The Power of Precision: Quality Control Tactics for Utility Construction Success 

février 14, 2025

In today’s digital age, data centers form the backbone of cloud computing, artificial intelligence and the vast array of digital services we rely on daily. As the demand for data centers rises, companies are racing to expand these facilities.

gettyimages-1680391090-2048x2048-1
Aperçus

The Importance of Effective Construction Management in Data Centers

janvier 7, 2025

In today’s digital age, data centers form the backbone of cloud computing, artificial intelligence and the vast array of digital services we rely on daily. As the demand for data centers rises, companies are racing to expand these facilities.

GettyImages-2150017019-1-940x496-1
Aperçus

Planning for Construction Project Success: Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

septembre 19, 2024

Construction project planning and scheduling are critical but complex processes that can lead to delays, cost overruns and quality issues. Success requires proper stakeholder communication, resource management, safety prioritization, regulatory compliance and innovative tools and techniques throughout the project’s life, from start to completion.

GettyImages-177491540-1-scaled-1
Mises à jour réglementaires

L’EPA publie des règlements sur les émissions des réservoirs du secteur pétrolier et gazier naturel

avril 30, 2024

Les exploitants de cuves de stockage ou de batteries-citernes doivent réduire leurs émissions de 95 %.

9497ca4d-gettyimages-1294228598
Mises à jour réglementaires

EPA Issues Clarification of Free Product Removal Requirements

juin 20, 2023

EPA recently clarified requirements for LNAPL recovery and remediation.

7f19ecbc-abstract-pattern-of-aged-pvc-pipe-with-sun-lights-836200296-1440x858-1
Ressources

Petroleum Hydrocarbons 101

Décembre 14, 2022

This presentation defines petroleum hydrocarbons and covers the range of products and constituents that comprise petroleum hydrocarbons.

aerial-view-oil-refinery
Ressources

Advanced NAPL Site Characterization Tools

Décembre 14, 2022

Advanced NAPL site characterization tools can improve site understanding and remediation performance.

599dbb6e-oil-ref-chem-plant-900px-1
Mises à jour réglementaires

2021 EPA TRI Reporting Requirements for Natural Gas Processing Facilities

juillet 12, 2021

Indication EPA finalizing a rule to add natural gas extraction or processing plants to EPCRA Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) reporting.

GettyImages-509848898
Aperçus

Controlling volatile organic emissions from RCRA hazardous waste activities

mai 14, 2021

EPA identifies National Compliance Initiative FY2020-2023 for reducing hazardous air emissions from hazardous waste facilities.

GettyImages-1216409748-1
Aperçus

The View on Climate Change has Changed in Washington

mars 1, 2021

The Biden Administration signals both a renewed and accelerated focus on climate change.

49d320b3-refinery-at-sunset-637140248-b

TRC’s Reporting Tool Can Help Identify New PFAS under the TRI

mai 19, 2020

While utilities often work in technical silos, NERC auditors are trained to cross check compliance evidence and data between interrelated standards.

GettyImages-1582693186
Nouvelles

INGAA Foundation Elects TRC’s Lauren O’Donnell as Chair

février 5, 2020

The board of directors of the INGAA Foundation elected Lauren O’Donnell as its chair for a one-year term.

GettyImages-173629367
Aperçus

Pourquoi les tests de résistivité du sol sont-ils importants pour la conception de la protection cathodique ?

janvier 16, 2020

Pourquoi les tests de résistivité du sol sont-ils importants pour la conception de la protection cathodique ?

trc-air-quality-monitoring-station
Aperçus

5 Tips to Help Restore Ambient Monitoring Operations Following a Natural Disaster

octobre 10, 2017

Many facilities that need to monitor air quality have been hard hit by the recent spate of hurricanes. Here are tips to stay compliant with state and federal regulations.

969117c3-steel-cylinder_26951896
Aperçus

Security Stew: How to Follow the Federal Regulatory Recipe for Safe Chemical Storage

septembre 19, 2017

Three different federal agencies regulate the storage of chemicals at facilities in the United States – and each for different reasons. Learn about the various rules from the alphabet soup of agencies (DHS, EPA and OSHA) involved and how to keep your business compliant.

df63d9a8-msh-pix
Melissa Hart

Melissa Hart has over 30+ years of experience in private industry and consulting. Her environmental experience is focused on air pollution regulatory compliance; EPCRA/SARA compliance (including Tier II inventory, TRI reporting, and auditing); due diligence; air permitting; civil penalty calculations and enforcement negotiation; and Department of Homeland Security Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). Ms. Hart has worked in multiple industrial sectors, including aircraft and automotive assembly/manufacturing; automotive parts; food and beverage operations; miscellaneous metal fabrication; fertilizer plants; air filter fabrication; and miscellaneous surface coating operations. She holds a BS in Chemical Engineering from University of Missouri – Columbia.

0290e88b-catriona-smith-headshot2
Catriona Smith

Catriona (Cat) Smith has over 30 years of professional experience in the interpretation and application of regulations for industrial facilities relating to compliance, remediation and negotiations with regulatory agencies. Her clients include upstream and downstream oil and gas, chem-pharma, petrochem, manufacturing and federal, state, and local governments. Ms. Smith is a Vice President and Environmental Sector Market Director for TRC, with nationwide responsibilities to manage our clients’ PFAS challenges, support and grow our Oil and Gas clients and bring multi-disciplinary solutions to their complex projects. Contact Cat at CVSmith@trccompanies.com.