How Saskatchewan’s Methane Regulations Impact LDAR Inspections and Inventory

Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Energy and Resources has significant changes to its regulatory requirements for managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the upstream oil and gas industry. These changes focus on Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) inspections and pneumatic inventory collection, which are crucial for reducing methane emissions and aligning with Saskatchewan’s Methane Action Plan. Here’s a detailed look at these requirements and what they mean for the industry.

LDAR Inspections: Ensuring Tight Control over Emissions

Applicable facilities

Starting January 1, 2025, LDAR requirements will apply to gas and oil facilities that produce, receive, or are expected to produce or receive over 60,000 m³ of gas annually. This includes Single-Well and Multi-Well Gas Batteries, Sweet and Sour Gas Plants, Straddle and Fractionation Plants, and Gas Gathering Systems. The inclusion of oil facilities marks a significant expansion of the Saskatchewan LDAR requirements.

Inspection frequency

Also starting January 1, 2025, LDAR surveys are to be completed semi-annually at all applicable gas and oil facilities. On January 1, 2027, the frequency will increase to three times per year. This change aims to enhance the monitoring and repair of leaks, thereby reducing emissions more effectively.

Record-keeping requirements

Detailed records must be retained for all LDAR surveys for five years. The details in these records should include:

• Facility ID
• Date of survey
• Surveyor’s name
• Type of detection instrument used
• Equipment components surveyed and exempted
• Details of any detected leaks (location, concentration, repair status)

Pneumatic Inventory Collection: Reducing Vented Gas Volumes

Requirements for new facilities

Starting January 1, 2025, new facilities cannot vent gas from pneumatic devices. This stringent requirement is aimed at eliminating vented gas from the outset at new sites.

Requirements for existing facilities

Existing facilities must reduce vented gas volumes from pneumatic devices in stages:

• 25% reduction by December 31, 2025
• 50% reduction by December 31, 2026
• 75% reduction by December 31, 2027
• 100% reduction by December 31, 2028

This phased approach allows facilities to adapt their operations and install non-emitting alternatives over time.

Annual reporting

To track progress, companies must submit annual reports summarizing their pneumatic inventory and vented gas volumes. The initial report, due by April 1, 2025, will establish a baseline for compliance and subsequent reduction targets. This reporting is essential for transparency and accountability in meeting the regulatory goals.

Prepare your facilities for Saskatchewan methane regulation updates

For industry stakeholders, staying informed and compliant with these regulations is crucial. Regular LDAR inspections, maintaining detailed records, and proactive management of pneumatic devices will be key to achieving these targets and fostering a more sustainable oil and gas sector.

These changes will go into effect at the start of the new year. So, time is of the essence. Let our experts evaluate your current LDAR program and pneumatic inventory collection processes. We can ensure your facilities are prepared and will meet Saskatchewan’s changes to its methane regulations well before January 1, 2025. Get in touch.