Resolution 58/2024
Resolution 58/2024 establishes objectives and guidelines for the detection, control, monitoring, quantification, and reduction of methane emissions from hydrocarbon activities in the province of Chubut, with the aim of reducing their impact on the environment. The regulation covers exploration, exploitation, and transportation activities.
The regulation prohibits venting of natural gas from oil and gas well testing when it exceeds 30 days (Art. 6), except for ensuring operational safety (Art. 7).
In addition, the regulation requires operators to submit an annual Methane Emissions Management Plan to the implementing authority, including:
- an asset inventory, including the identification and classification of sources or potential sources of emissions
- annual quantification of methane emissions and justification of emission factors or measurement methodologies, and/or quantification used
- a Natural Gas Flaring Program
- an annual Leak Detection and Repair Program
(Art. 9-12)
The annual Leak Detection and Repair Program must progressively cover all new and existing facilities, consider all potential sources of methane emissions, and at minimum contain the following:
- Annual monitoring plan, including inspection frequency schedule and detection-oriented activities
- Leak repair plan based on prioritisation criteria defined by the operator over a one-year period
- If applicable, action plan for replacement of components and/or equipment based on the prioritisation
- Progress of the implementation of the Leak Detection and Repair Program
(Art. 13-14)
The regulation obligates operators to detect and identify methane leaks and any other sources of methane emissions (Art. 15).
Non-compliance with the regulation may be sanctioned by means of a warning or fines (Art. 26).
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