scope:

FOREWORD

a. This Recommended Practice, prepared by the Task Group on Gas Plant Operations (API Subcommittee on Environmental Protection - Drilling and Production Operations), represents a composite of the practices of various operating companies and has been reviewed by these companies and others for accuracy. This publication is under the jurisdiction of the American Petroleum Institute, Production Department's Executive Committee on Drilling and Production Practice. Membership of the Task Group on Gas Plant Operations is listed on the preceding page.

b. The scope of this publication sets out alternatives to investigate in establishing an optimum course primarily for onshore gas plant operations and construction, considering the environment. It does not purport, however, to present all of the good operating practices where equivalent alternatives may be available or, indeed, to be so comprehensive as to include all good operating practices. The publication contents will aid in explaining pertinent facts of gas processing plant operations to the public, inform government agencies, and point out major areas where environmental protection regulations are involved. It is likely that this publication will contain some obsolete material by the time it comes from the printer. An attempt was made to minimize inaccuracies of this nature by avoiding specific references to most of the laws and regulations which may apply to the construction and operation of gas plants. Individuals and organizations using these recommended practices are cautioned that requirements of Federal, state, and local regulations should be reviewed to determine whether or not violations may occur.

c. Environmentally speaking, natural gas processing is a clean operation. The principal material handled by the processor is the low molecular weight paraffin hydrocarbon. Usually the process stream contains more methane (CH^) than any other constituent. The Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in its guidelines for state implementation plans, stated that the only reason for controlling hydrocarbons in the air is to reduce photochemical oxidants or smog. EPA has recognized that methane demonstrates low reactivity as far as photochemical oxidation is concerned.

d. In essence, the environmental protection acts and numerous state agencies' rules and regulations contain language to the effect that proposed facilities should utilize the best available technology to reduce or eliminate emissions from these facilities. These rules also state that consideration should be given to the technical practicality and economic reasonableness of the project.

e. The Institute makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee in connection with publication of this Recommended Practice and hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from its use or for any violation of Federal, state, or local regulations with which it may conflict.

f. Following reasonable environmental practices and regulations, and providing good working conditions for all workers is considered good operating practice.