<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 26.11.41.04" title_num="26" subtitle_num="11" chapter_num="41" heading="Natural Gas-Powered Pneumatic Devices Methane Emission Control Requirements.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>Beginning January 1, 2021, each continuous and intermittent bleed natural gas-powered pneumatic device shall comply with the leak detection and repair requirements specified in Regulation .03 of this chapter, as applicable, when the device is idle and not controlling.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>By January 1, 2022, continuous bleed natural gas-powered pneumatic devices shall not vent natural gas at a rate greater than 6 standard cubic feet per hour.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>By January 1, 2023, all continuous bleed natural gas-powered pneumatic device shall be converted to use compressed air or electricity to operate unless an exemption is provided in §D of this regulation.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Exemption. Continuous bleed natural gas-powered pneumatic devices may be used if:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The owner and operator collect all vented natural gas from the pneumatic device with the use of a vapor collection system according to Regulation .06 of this chapter; or</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>The owner and operator submit justification for approval to the Department which demonstrates the need for the continuous bleed pneumatic device for safety or process purposes, as follows:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Each continuous bleed pneumatic device that is approved for use shall be tagged with the month and year of installation, reconstruction, or modification and shall also have a permanent tag that identifies the natural gas flow rate as less than or equal to 6 standard cubic feet per hour; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>The owner and operator shall:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Inspect each continuous bleed pneumatic device on a monthly basis;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Perform necessary maintenance (including cleaning, tuning, and repairing leaking gaskets, tubing fittings, and seals and tuning to operate over a broader range of proportional band to eliminate unnecessary valve positioners);</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iii)">
          <text>Maintain the pneumatic device according to manufacturer specifications to ensure that the device’s natural gas emissions are minimized;</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(iv)">
          <text>By April 1, test each pneumatic device annually using a direct measurement method (high volume sampling, bagging, calibrated flow measuring instrument, etc.); and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(v)">
          <text>Successfully repair any device with a measured emissions flow rate that exceeds 6 standard cubic feet per hour within 14 calendar days from the date of the exceedance.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>