Last updated: January 2010 

Company Information

Natural Gas STAR 

International 

Implementation 

Plan 

Company Name: ______________________________________ 

Gas Star Contact: ______________________________________ 

Title: ______________________________________ 

Address: ______________________________________ 

______________________________________ 

City: ______________________________________ 

Country: ______________________________________ 

Telephone: ______________________________________ 

Fax: ______________________________________ 

E-mail: ______________________________________ 

This implementation plan pertains to the company’s operations in (please 

specify country)* : 

_________________________________________________________

This implementation plan includes planned activities for the following 

facilities or locations: 

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

The purpose of this Implementation Plan is to guide your company’s participation in Natural Gas STAR 

International. Please evaluate the technologies and practices that your company is currently implementing as 

well as additional technologies and practices that, if implemented, would be beneficial to your company. 

The Implementation Plan is designed to be a dynamic tool for Natural Gas STAR International partners to plan their 

Program activities. As company priorities and plans shift over time, the Implementation Plan may be revised or updated 

by submitting a new form to the Program.

Implementation Plan Elements 

ELEMENT 1 – Evaluate Past and Current Reductions

Partners are encouraged to review current and past activities that have resulted in methane emission reductions. 

Reviewing these activities will help guide companies’ participation in Natural Gas STAR International by creating a 

base of understanding of current activities to facilitate planning of future activities. 
Last updated: January 2010 

ELEMENT 2 - Emissions Reduction Technologies & Practices 

Natural Gas STAR International partners reduce methane emissions throughout their operations by implementing a 

wide variety of technologies and practices. New partners are encouraged to evaluate and report current and new 

technologies or practices that cost effectively reduce methane emissions. A list of technologies and practices that have 

been implemented by industry partners and reported to Natural Gas STAR is included in the appendix.

* Please submit a separate Implementation Plan for each country in which you plan to implement Natural Gas STAR International. 

EPA Form No. 5900-106 

ELEMENT 1 

Evaluate Past and Current Reductions 

A review of past and current methane emission reduction activities will help guide your company’s 

participation in Natural Gas STAR International by creating a base of understanding of current activities to 

facilitate planning of future activities. 

As a first step, many new partners find it useful to review and document past methane emissions reduction efforts. 

The process helps companies quantify the success of their past activities and target future emission reduction 

efforts. 

Will you include past activities in your annual report? Yes No 

If yes, please describe your company’s plans for reviewing past emission reduction activities. 
Last updated: January 2010 

ELEMENT 2 

Emissions Reduction Technologies & Practices 

Your company may implement a variety of technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions. Please complete 

this form indicating which technologies and practices you are currently implementing and those you plan to implement 

in the future. For your reference, the appendix includes a list of proposed methane emission reduction technologies 

and practices and conversion factors. 

Please fill out a separate page for each technology or practice your company plans to implement. (Please make 

additional copies, if necessary) 

Technology or practice your company is currently implementing or will be implementing 

Name of Technology or Practice (choose from the list 

in the appendix or describe your own): 

 

Please provide a description of the technology or practice and 

how you plan to implement it (including location or facility 

where you plan to implement it): 

At what scale will you be implementing this activity? 

 Company Wide 

 Pilot Project 

Other 

Level of Implementation (check one): 

 Number of units to be installed: _____units 

 Frequency of practice: _____times/year 
Last updated: January 2010 

Additional Information on Anticipated Plans and Projects 

If additional space is needed, please continue on the back. 
Last updated: January 2010 

 

ELEMENT 2 

Emissions Reduction Technologies & Practices 

Your company may implement a variety of technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions. Please complete 

this form indicating which technologies and practices you are currently implementing and those you plan to implement 

in the future. For your reference, the appendix includes a list of proposed methane emission reduction technologies 

and practices and conversion factors. 

Please fill out a separate page for each technology or practice your company plans to implement. (Please make 

additional copies, if necessary) 

Technology or practice your company is currently implementing or will be implementing 

Name of Technology or Practice (choose from the list 

in the appendix or describe your own): 

 

Please provide a description of the technology or practice and 

how you plan to implement it (including location or facility 

where you plan to implement it): 

At what scale will you be implementing this activity? 

 Company Wide 

 Pilot Project 

Other 

Level of Implementation (check one): 

 Number of units to be installed: _____units 

 Frequency of practice: _____times/year 
Last updated: January 2010 

Additional Information on Anticipated Plans and Projects 

If additional space is needed, please continue on the back. 
Last updated: January 2010 

ELEMENT 2 

Emissions Reduction Technologies & Practices 

Your company may implement a variety of technologies and practices to reduce methane emissions. Please complete 

this form indicating which technologies and practices you are currently implementing and those you plan to implement 

in the future. For your reference, the appendix includes a list of proposed methane emission reduction technologies 

and practices and conversion factors. 

Please fill out a separate page for each technology or practice your company plans to implement. (Please make 

additional copies, if necessary) 

Technology or practice your company is currently implementing or will be implementing 

Name of Technology or Practice (choose from the list 

in the appendix or describe your own): 

 

Please provide a description of the technology or practice and 

how you plan to implement it (including location or facility 

where you plan to implement it): 

At what scale will you be implementing this activity? 

 Company Wide 

 Pilot Project 

Other 

Level of Implementation (check one): 

 Number of units to be installed: _____units 

 Frequency of practice: _____times/year 
Last updated: January 2010 

Additional Information on Anticipated Plans and Projects 

If additional space is needed, please continue on the back. 
Last updated: January 2010 

Appendix A-1

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—Production Sector 

The list below describes a variety of methane emission reduction technologies that Natural Gas STAR partners in the production 

sector have implemented and reported to Natural Gas STAR. Sunset dates (i.e., the length of time a technology or practice can 

continue to accrue emission reductions after implemented) are one year in duration unless otherwise noted in parentheses.

An asterisk (*) indicates that a technical document related to the technology or practice is available online at 

epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html.

Compressors/Engines 

 Automate compressor systems operation to reduce 

venting* 

 Catalytic converter installation (10 years) 

 Convert engine starting to nitrogen and/or CO2 rich 

gas (10 years)* 

 Convert to low pressure compressor starters 

(10 years) 

 Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems* 

 Increase compression capacity to reduce 

venting/flaring 

 Install automated air/fuel ratio control systems (10 

years)* 

 Install electric compressors (10 years)* 

 Install electric motors (10 years) 

 Install electric starters (10 years)* 

 Install lean burn compressor (10 years) 

 Lower compressor purge pressure for shutdown* 

 Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices* 

 Reduce emissions when taking compressors offline* 

 Replace compressor rod packing systems* 

 Replace gas starters with air (10 years)* 

 Replace ignition/reduce false starts* 

 Turbine fuel use optimization 

Dehydrators 

 Install condensers on glycol dehydrators (10 years) 

 Install/convert gas-driven chemical pumps to electric, 

mechanical, or solar pumps (10 years)* 

 Install desiccant dehydrator (10 years)* 

 Install flash tank separators on glycol dehydrators 

(10 years)* 

 Reduce glycol circulation rates in dehydrators* 

 Reroute dehy./tank vents to flare or station suction 

(10 years)* 

 Reroute glycol skimmer gas* 

 Shutdown glycol dehydrator stripping gas in winter 

 Use rich glycol in glycol pumps 

Directed Inspection and Maintenance 

 DI&M at compressor stations* 

 DI&M: leak detection using IR camera/optical 

imaging 

 DI&M: leak detection using lower emission threshold 

 DI&M: survey and repair leaks 

Pipelines 

 Inject blowdown gas into low pressure system* 

 Pipeline replacement and repair 

 Use fixed/portable compressors for pipeline 

pumpdown* 

 Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections* 

Pneumatics/Controls 

 Capture/use gas released from gas-operated 

pneumatic pumps 

 Convert gas-driven chemical pumps to instrument air 

(10 years)* 

 Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air (10 

years)* 

 Convert gas pneumatic controls to mechanical 

controls (10 years)* 

 Identify and replace high-bleed pneumatic devices 

(7 years)* 

 Install/convert gas powered separators to solar 

powered separators (10 years) 

 Install controllers on gas-assisted methanol pump 

(10 years) 

 Install no bleed controllers (10 years) 

 Install non-venting dump controllers (10 years) 

 Reduce gas pressure on pneumatic devices 

 Reduce venting from unlit pilot: install electronic 

safety devices (10 years)* 

 Replace bi-directional orifice meter with ultrasonic 

meters* 

 Replace chemical pumps with electronic flow 

controllers (10 years) 

 Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from 

pneumatics (10 years) 

Tanks 

 Change out vent pallet (10 years) 

 Consolidate crude oil production and water storage 

tanks (10 years)* 

 Convert water tank blanket from natural gas to CO2

(10 years)* 

 Install evactors (10 years) 
OMB Control No. 2060-0328 

Expires 07/31/2011 

Last updated: January 2010 

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—Production Sector 

Tanks 

 Install flash gas compressors (10 years) 

 Install hydrocarbon liquid stabilizer (10 years) 

 Install pressurized storage of condensate (10 years)* 

 Install vapor recovery units (VRUs) (10 years)* 

 Install vapor recovery units on pipeline 

liquid/condensate tanks (10 years)* 

 Recycle line recover gas during condensate loading* 

 Reduce excess blanket gas blow-by to the 

atmosphere 

 Replace leaking aboveground tanks (10 years) 

 Use protective tank coatings to reduce leaks (10 

years) 

Valves 

 Heat tracing to prevent control valves from freezing

open 

 Install plugs on valves and open ended lines 

(10 years) 

 Reduce venting from unlit pilot: install BASO valves

(10 years)* 

 Test and repair pressure safety valves* 

Wells 

 Artificial lift: gas lift (10 years) 

 Artificial lift: install plunger lifts (10 years)* 

 Artificial lift: install pumpjacks or rod pumps on gas 

wells (10 years)* 

 Artificial lift: install smart lift automated systems on 

gas wells (10 years)* 

 Artificial lift: install velocity tubing strings (10 years)* 

 Artificial lift: pressure swabbing 

 Artificial lift: use capillary strings (10 years) 

 Artificial lift: use compression (10 years) 

 Artificial lift: use pumping unit (10 years) 

 Artificial lift: use to reduce blowdown in gas wells (10 

years)* 

 Install automated shut-in cycle units to reduce well 

venting (10 years) 

 Install flash tank separator on water gathering 

system (10 years) 

 Install pumps for separators (10 years) 

 Install snubbing unit at wellhead 

 Install soap launcher/soap unit (10 years) 

 Lower heater-treater temperature* 

 Optimize gas well unloading times* 

 Perform reduced emissions completions* 

 Route casinghead gas to VRU or compressor (10 

years)* 

 Use foaming agents to reduce blowdown frequency* 

Other 

 Capture and use waste heat to reduce gas usage 

and emissions 

 Convert natural gas fired generator to solar power 

(10 years) 

 Flare reduction program 

 Improve system design/operation 

 Install flares (10 years)* 

 Install pilotless burner controls (10 years) 

 Install purge reducer on flare (10 years) 

 Optimize nitrogen rejection unit to reduce methane in 

N2 reject stream* 

 Recover gas from separators 

 Re-inject gas for enhanced oil recovery 

 Re-inject gas into crude 

 Replace aged heaters with new efficient gas fired 

heaters (10 years) 
OMB Control No. 2060-0328 

Expires 07/31/2011 

Last updated: January 2010 

Appendix A-2 

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices— Gathering and Processing Sector 

The list below describes a variety of methane emission reduction technologies that Natural Gas STAR partners in the gathering and 

processing sector have implemented and reported to Natural Gas STAR. Sunset dates (i.e., the length of time a technology or 

practice can continue to accrue emission reductions after implemented) are one year in duration unless otherwise noted in 

parentheses. An asterisk (*) indicates that a technical document related to the technology or practice is available online at 

epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html. 

Compressors/Engines 

 Convert engine starting to nitrogen and/or CO2 rich 

gas (10 years)* 

 Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems* 

 Install automated air/fuel ratio control systems (10 

years)* 

 Install electric compressors (10 years)* 

 Install electric starters (10 years)* 

 Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices* 

 Reduce emissions when taking compressors offline* 

 Replace compressor rod packing systems* 

 Replace gas starters with air (10 years)* 

Dehydrators 

 Install condensers on glycol dehydrators (10 years) 

 Install/convert gas-driven chemical pumps to electric, 

mechanical, or solar pumps (10 years)* 

 Install flash tank separators on glycol dehydrators 

(10 years)* 

 Reduce glycol circulation rates in dehydrators* 

 Reroute dehy./tank vents to flare or station suction 

(10 years)* 

 Replace glycol dehydration units with methanol 

injection (10 years)* 

 Reroute glycol skimmer gas* 

Directed Inspection and Maintenance 

 DI&M at compressor stations* 

 DI&M at gas plants and booster stations* 

 DI&M: aerial leak detection using laser and/or 

infrared technology 

 DI&M: inspect/repair compressor station blowdown 

valves* 

 DI&M: leak detection using IR camera/optical 

imaging 

 DI&M: leak detection using ultrasound* 

 Improve measurement systems to track gas loss 

Pipelines 

 Pipeline replacement and repair 

 Recover gas from pipeline pigging operations* 

 Revise pigging schedule to reduce methane 

emissions 

 Use composite wrap repair* 

 Use inert gases and pigs to perform pipeline purges* 

 Use fixed/portable compressors for pipeline 

pumpdown* 

 Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections* 

 Use of improved protective coating at pipeline canal 

crossings (10 years)* 

Pneumatics/Controls 

 Capture and use waste heat to reduce gas usage 

and emissions 

 Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air 

systems (10 years)* 

 Install back-up power at booster sites to prevent 

venting (10 years) 

 Install no bleed controllers (10 years) 

 Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from 

pneumatics (10 years) 

Tanks 

 Direct liquids at compressor suction to pipeline (10 

years) 

 Install hydrocarbon liquid stabilizer (10 years) 

 Install pressurized storage of condensate (10 years)* 

 Install vapor recovery units (VRUs) (10 years)* 

 Install VRUs on pipeline liquid/condensate tanks (10 

years)* 

 Reduce excess blanket gas blow-by to the 

atmosphere 

 Reduce vapors vented out of drip tanks 

 Route inlet flash vapors to station suction (10 years) 

Valves 

 Convert gas operated valves to hydraulic operation 

(10 years) 

 Heat tracing to prevent control valves from freezing

open 

 Rupture pin shutoff device to reduce venting (10 

years) 

 Test and repair pressure safety valves* 

 Test gate station pressure relief valves with nitrogen* 

Other 

 Convert natural gas fired generator to solar power 

(10 years) 

 Install flares (10 years)* 

 Optimize nitrogen rejection unit to reduce methane in 

N2 reject stream* 

 Process/re-route acid gas to reduce venting
OMB Control No. 2060-0328 

Expires 07/31/2011 

Last updated: January 2010 

Appendix A-3 

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—Transmission Sector 

The list below describes a variety of methane emission reduction technologies that Natural Gas STAR partners in the transmission 

sector have implemented and reported to Natural Gas STAR. Sunset dates (i.e., the length of time a technology or practice 

can continue to accrue emission reductions after implemented) are one year in duration unless otherwise noted in 

parentheses. An asterisk (*) indicates that a technical document related to the technology or practice is available online at 

epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html. 

Compressors/Engines 

 Automate compressor systems operation to reduce 

venting* 

 Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems* 

 Install automated air/fuel ratio control systems (10 

years)* 

 Install electric compressors (10 years)* 

 Install electric motors (10 years) 

 Install electric starters (10 years)* 

 Install lean burn compressor (10 years) 

 Lower compressor purge pressure for shutdown* 

 Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices* 

 Reduce emissions when taking compressors offline* 

 Reduce frequency of engine starts with gas* 

 Replace compressor cylinder unloaders* 

 Replace compressor rod packing systems* 

 Replace gas starters with air (10 years)* 

 Replace ignition/reduce false starts* 

 Replace wet compressor seals with dry seals (10 

years)* 

 Use of turbines at compressor stations (20 years) 

Dehydrators 

 Install condensers on glycol dehydrators (10 years) 

 Install flash tank separators/controls on Tran. sector

glycol dehydrators (10 years)* 

 Install/convert gas-driven chemical pumps to electric, 

mechanical, or solar pumps (10 years)* 

 Replace glycol dehydrator with separator & in-line 

heaters (10 years)* 

 Reroute dehy./tank vents to flare or station suction 

(10 years)* 

 Reroute glycol skimmer gas* 

Directed Inspection and Maintenance 

 DI&M at compressor stations* 

 DI&M at remote sites* 

 DI&M: aerial leak detection using laser and/or 

infrared technology 

 DI&M: inspect/repair compressor station blowdown 

valves* 

 DI&M: leak detection using IR camera/optical 

imaging

 DI&M: leak detection using ultrasound* 

 DI&M: survey and repair leaks 

Pipelines 

 Inspect/repair valves during pipeline replacement* 

 Pipeline replacement and repair 

 Recover gas from pipeline pigging operations* 

 Reduce/downgrade system pressure 

 Reduced emissions through third-party damage 

prevention 

 Use composite wrap repair* 

 Use fixed/portable compressors for pipeline 

pumpdown* 

 Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections* 

 Use inert gas/pigs for pipeline purges* 

Pneumatics/Controls 

 Convert gas-driven chemical pumps to instrument air 

(10 years)* 

 Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air (10 

years)* 

 Identify and replace high-bleed pneumatic devices 

(7 years)* 

 Install no bleed controllers (10 years) 

 Reduce meter run blowdowns 

 Replace bi-directional orifice meter with ultrasonic 

meters* 

 Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from 

pneumatics (10 years) 

Tanks 

 Install flash gas compressors (10 years) 

 Install vapor recovery units on pipeline liquid/ 

condensate tanks (10 years)*

Valves 

 Close valves during repair to minimize blowdown* 

 Design isolation valves to minimize gas blowdown 

volumes (10 years)* 

 Move in fire gates at compressors (10 years)* 

 Test and repair pressure safety valves* 

 Use of YALE closures for ESD testing* 

Wells 

 Switch from underbalanced to overbalanced drilling 

in gas storage field 

Other 

 Convert natural gas fired generator to solar power 

(10 years) 

 Improve system design/operation 

 Inject blowdown gas into low pressure system* 

 Install flares (10 years)*

 Replace aged heaters with new efficient gas fired 

heaters (10 years)

 Require improvements in quality of gas received*
OMB Control No. 2060-0328 

Expires 07/31/2011 

Last updated: January 2010 

Appendix A-4 

Methane Emission Reduction Technologies & Practices—Distribution Sector 

The list below describes a variety of methane emission reduction technologies that Natural Gas STAR partners in the distribution 

sector have implemented and reported to Natural Gas STAR. Sunset dates (i.e., the length of time a technology or practice can 

continue to accrue emission reductions after implemented) are one year in duration unless otherwise noted in parentheses.

An asterisk (*) indicates that a technical document related to the technology or practice is available online at 

epa.gov/gasstar/tools/recommended.html. 

Compressors/Engines 

 Eliminate unnecessary equipment and/or systems* 

 Install electric starters (10 years)* 

 Redesign blowdown/alter ESD practices* 

 Reduce frequency of engine starts with gas* 

 Replace compressor rod packing systems* 

 Replace ignition/reduce false starts* 

Dehydrators 

 Reroute dehy./tank vents to flare or station suction 

(10 years)* 

Directed Inspection and Maintenance 

 DI&M at compressor stations (non-mainline 

transmission)* 

 DI&M at gate stations and surface facilities* 

 DI&M: survey and repair leaks 

 DI&M: increase frequency of leak surveys* 

 Improve measurement systems to track gas loss 

Pipelines 

 Identify and rehabilitate leaky distribution pipes 

 Insert gas main flexible liners (10 years)* 

 Reduce/downgrade system pressure 

 Reduced emissions through third-party damage 

prevention 

 Use fixed/portable compressors for pipeline 

pumpdown* 

 Use hot taps for in-service pipeline connections* 

 Use no-blow insertion fittings 

Pneumatics/Controls 

 Convert gas-driven chemical pumps to instrument air 

(10 years)* 

 Convert gas pneumatic controls to instrument air (10 

years)* 

 Convert gas pneumatic controls to mechanical 

controls (10 years)* 

 Use add-on controls to reduce emissions from 

pneumatics (10 years) 

Valves 

 Install excess flow valves (10 years)* 

 Install overpressure protection system (10 years) 

 Test and repair pressure safety valves* 

 Test gate station pressure relief valves with nitrogen* 

Other 

 Convert natural gas fired generator to solar power 

(10 years) 

 Improve system design/operation 

 Inject blowdown gas into low pressure system* 

 Install flares (10 years)* 

 Re-inject CNG cylinder test gas 

 Retighten LNG pump seals 

 Use automated systems to reduce pressure 
OMB Control No. 2060-0328 

Expires 07/31/2011 

Last updated: January 2010 

Appendix B 

Conversion Factors 

Please see below for a variety of conversion factors that might be useful when completing your Implementation Plan. 

Please contact Natural Gas STAR if you have questions about this information. 

Gas Conversions 

Please report emissions reductions to Natural Gas STAR International in thousand cubic feet (Mcf). 

1 Cubic foot of methane = 1,014.6 Btu 

1 Btu = 0.000986 Cubic feet of methane 

1 Cubic foot = 0.02832 Cubic meter 

1 Cubic meter = 35.312 Cubic feet 

1 Mile = 1.609 Kilometer 

1 Kilometer = 0.6214 Mile 

1 Btu = 251.996 Calories 

1 Calorie = 0.00397 Btu 

1 Btu = 1055.056 Joules 

1 Joule = 0.00095 Btu 

Please send completed forms to: 

Roger Fernandez 

The Natural Gas STAR Program 

Team Leader 

Phone: (01) (202) 343-9386 

Fax: (01) (202) 343-2202 

Email: fernandez.roger@epa.gov

Standard Mail:

Roger Fernandez 

The Natural Gas STAR Program 

U.S. EPA (6207J) 

1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW 

Washington, DC 20460 

U.S.A. 

Express/Overnight Mail:

Roger Fernandez 

The Natural Gas STAR Program 

U.S. EPA (6207J) 

1310 L Street, NW 

Washington, DC 20005 

U.S.A. 

The public reporting and recordkeeping burden for this collection of information is estimated 

to average 25 hours for each new response and 12 hours for subsequent responses. Send 

comments on the Agency's need for this information, the accuracy of the provided burden 

estimates, and any suggested methods for minimizing respondent burden, including through 

the use of automated collection techniques to the Director, Collection Strategies Division, 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2822T), 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, 

D.C. 20460. Include the OMB control number in any correspondence. Do not send the 

completed form to this address.