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BLM Initiates Effort for More Accurate and Reliable Gas Measurements

12.03.2019 | Gas Measurement, All, BLM

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In October 2019, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) published a notice of information request to the federal registry highlighting the importance of accurate and reliable natural gas measurements.

Specifically, the information collection request (ICR) is focused on “the accurate measurement and proper reporting of all natural gas removed or sold from Federal and Indian leases, units, unit participating areas, and areas subject to communitization agreements.”

The BLM issued this notice as part of their proposal to renew information collection activities within a broader scope of reducing paperwork. The objective is to assess the impact of the BLM information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden.

To support this objective, BLM will be asking for information from companies that operate federal oil and gas leases, plus lessees, purchasers, and transporters of natural gas from federal oil and gas leases.

What Information is the BLM Seeking from Operators?

The BLM is seeking information about the burden of information collection and reporting in these three categories:

  • Equipment in operation
  • Spot sampling frequency
  • Gas analysis

1. Equipment in Operation

According to the BLM notice, these information collection activities are one-time-only, and pertain to equipment in operation before January 17, 2017:

  • Transducers — Test Data Collection and Submission for Existing Makes and Models.
  • Flow-Computer Software — Test Data Collection and Submission for Existing Makes and Models.
  • Isolating Flow Conditioners — Test Data Collection and Submission for Existing Makes and Models.
  • Differential Primary Devices (other than Flange-Tapped Orifice Plates) — Test Data Collection and Submission for Existing Makes and Models.
  • Linear Measurement Devices — Test Data Collection and Submission for Existing Makes and Models.
  • Accounting Systems — Test Data Collection and Submission for Existing Makes and Models.

The equipment listed by the BLM helps capture the beginning-to-end need for accurate and reliable gas measurement throughout the measurement process — from the field to the back office.

2. Spot Sampling Frequency

The BLM is also seeking input on the burden of providing spot sampling information at Facility Measurement Points (FMPs) in accordance with BLM Onshore Order 3175:

  • Once every 12 months for very-low volume FMPs.
  • Once every 6 months for low-volume FMPs.
  • Once every 3 months for high-volume FMPs.
  • Once a month for very-high volume FMPs.

This schedule captures the minimum standards for accurate measurement and proper reporting of all gas removed or sold from Federal and Indian leases, units, and other areas subject to agreements.

3. Gas Analysis

The BLM also noted that the following information collection activities related to gas analysis require a response in fewer than 30 days upon receipt of a request from the BLM:

  • An operator must submit all gas analysis reports within 15 days of the due date for the sample, per Onshore Order 3175.
  • A BLM request for information — either while the BLM is witnessing a gas analysis or conducting a production audit — generally requires a response within 2 weeks.
  • An operator must produce proof of test equipment recertification immediately when a BLM inspector is present to witness the verification of a mechanical record, EGM system, or to witness a gas sample being taken (per CFR 3175).

Ensure Accurate and Reliable Gas Measurement

The notice from the BLM reinforces the importance of gas measurement professionals being trained on the fundamentals of measurement. This way, measurement professionals can repeatedly and reliably perform measurement on Federal and Indian areas in accordance with BLM requirements.

We offer a Gas Measurement Fundamentals certification class that ensures complete understanding of the fundamentals of measurement. Measurement professionals then return to their role with confidence to support the accurate measurement of natural gas.

View the next certification class on the Gas Certification Institute (GCI) Class Schedule. You can register directly on our Schedule page by utilizing our online registration option. Alternatively, contact GCI today to complete the registration process.