Rod Packing Compliance: Know When to Call in the Experts
Why outsourcing EPA OOOOb rod packing surveys saves time, money, and reduces risk
If you’re trying to keep up with EPA OOOOb regulations in-house, you’re taking on a lot more time, expense, and risk than you probably realize. Rod packing compliance isn’t just a one-and-done survey, it’s a comprehensive process. Rod packing compliance requires tracking leak data, monitoring thresholds, staying on top of repair deadlines, and resurveying any repairs to make sure the fix worked. That’s a heavy lift for most operations teams. Is that really the best use of your internal resources?
The reality is, unless you have a dedicated LDAR team with certified equipment and time to manage the paperwork, it’s simply not practical to handle this internally. And it’s definitely not cost effective. You’re better off bringing in a partner who does rod packing compliance daily and already has everything in place.
Rod Packing & EPA NSPS OOOOb: What You Need To Know
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized New Source Performance Standards (NSPS OOOOb) in March 2024, establishing stricter limits on methane and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions across the oil and gas sector. Part of the rule impacts centrifugal and reciprocating compressors at onshore natural gas processing plants, compressor stations, and centralized production facilities, summarized in this briefing.
Rod packing systems are critical for preventing methane leaks from piston rods in reciprocating compressors. The pressure packing assembly, including seal rings, oil wiper rings, diaphragms and other components wear out over time and can become one of the most significant sources of fugitive emissions on a site.
The EPA regulates these emissions under Subpart OOOOb of 40 CFR Part 60, which sets requirements for specific thresholds for acceptable leakage rates and rod packing replacement.
LEARN MORE:
- Title 40 Part 60 Subpart OOOOb (§ 60.5385b What GHG and VOC standards apply to reciprocating compressor affected facilities?)
- EPA § 60.5385 What standards apply to reciprocating compressor affected facilities?
Encino Runs Full OOOOb-compliant Rod Packing Surveys
Encino conducts comprehensive OOOOb-compliant rod packing surveys using both certified high-volume samplers and the SENSIA Mileva 33 handheld OGI camera. Our team is fully trained on this equipment, understands compressor station operations, and stays current on all relevant EPA requirements.
We deliver:
-
Precise leak quantification
-
Repair deadline tracking (90-day windows)
-
Required resurvey coordination
-
Complete data management & reporting
You don’t have to build internal systems or invest in equipment. We handle everything, so you stay compliant without the lift.
Why Choose Encino?
We know Oil & Gas field operations inside and out. We’re local and we move fast. You get reliable inspections and airtight compliance without wasting your team’s time or budget.
If your rod packing program is creating more problems than solutions, we should talk.
Contact us today to see how much you can save by outsourcing to Encino.
