A Policymaker’s Guide to Implementing Leak Detection and Repair for Methane Mitigation

The document outlines a comprehensive framework for LDAR programs, emphasizing that well-implemented programs can reduce methane leaks by nearly 80%. It details the technical application of OGI cameras, a structured nine-step survey process—from planning to data reporting—and a typology of common leak sources such as valves, flanges, and compressor seals. The guide also provides regulatory benchmarks for survey frequency, repair timelines, and reporting templates to ensure accountability and effectiveness in methane mitigation.

• Well-implemented Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs are highly effective mitigation strategies, with the capacity to reduce methane emissions from leaks by nearly 80%.
• Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras are considered the industry gold standard for LDAR because they can pinpoint specific emission sources in real time, though their effectiveness is highly dependent on operator expertise and meteorological conditions.
• Best-in-class regulatory LDAR frameworks typically mandate quarterly surveys, initial repair attempts within five days of detection, and a verification re-survey within 15 days of the repair.
• A structured LDAR survey process consists of nine key steps: survey planning, facility entry and site verification, component examination, leak identification and documentation, survey continuation, post-survey verification, repair, re-survey to confirm repairs, and data review and reporting.
• Effective OGI component examination requires observing each potential leak source from at least two different angles and adhering to minimum dwell times, such as the U.S. EPA requirement of 2 seconds per component in the field of view.
• Methane leaks are categorized by spatial characteristics (point vs. diffuse), temporal characteristics (continuous vs. intermittent), and source characteristics (equipment malfunction vs. operational upsets).
• Common leak sources in oil and gas infrastructure include valve stem packing degradation, gasket failure in flanges, compressor seal degradation, and unlatched thief hatches on storage tanks.

APA

Humann-Guilleminot, T., Nguyen, L., Patel, H., & Feldman, L. (2026). A Policymaker’s Guide to Implementing Leak Detection and Repair for Methane Mitigation. Clean Air Task Force. https://www.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LDAR-Report.pdf

Chicago

Humann-Guilleminot, Théophile, Linh Nguyen, Heny Patel, and Lesley Feldman. A Policymaker’s Guide to Implementing Leak Detection and Repair for Methane Mitigation. Clean Air Task Force, 2026. https://www.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LDAR-Report.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Humann-Guilleminot |first1=Théophile |last2=Nguyen |first2=Linh |last3=Patel |first3=Heny |last4=Feldman |first4=Lesley |title=A Policymaker’s Guide to Implementing Leak Detection and Repair for Methane Mitigation |publisher=Clean Air Task Force |date=June 2026 |url=https://www.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LDAR-Report.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{humannguilleminot2026policymakers, author = {Humann-Guilleminot, Théophile and Nguyen, Linh and Patel, Heny and Feldman, Lesley}, title = {{A Policymaker’s Guide to Implementing Leak Detection and Repair for Methane Mitigation}}, institution = {Clean Air Task Force}, year = {2026}, month = jun, url = {https://www.catf.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/LDAR-Report.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }