The Hidden Costs of Ignoring OOOOb Rod Packing Requirements. Here’s a Smarter Way to Stay Compliant.
Use targeted EPA OOOOb rod packing surveys to stop the gas loss without overspending on repairs
Rod packing leaks are a major source of emissions and a silent drain on your profits. Ignore them, and you’re losing product, risking OOOOb noncompliance, and throwing money away. The good news? Solving the problem doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Stop wasting time and money replacing rod packing you don’t need to. With targeted surveys, you catch only the leaks that matter, stay compliant, save cash, and fix problems before they become fines.
Rod Packing Systems Under OOOOb: What Operators Need to Know Now
In March 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized its New Source Performance Standards (NSPS OOOOb), significantly tightening limits on methane and volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions across the oil and gas industry. These rules apply to a wide range of facilities, including onshore natural gas processing plants, compressor stations, and centralized production sites.
A key part of this regulation targets centrifugal and reciprocating compressors – specifically the components most prone to leaks.
For reciprocating compressors, the rod packing system is a critical focus. This system is designed to prevent methane from escaping along the piston rod. Over time, components such as seal rings, oil wiper rings, and diaphragms degrade due to heat, pressure, and mechanical wear. When this happens, emissions can increase sharply, making rod packing one of the top sources of fugitive methane on a site.
To address this, the EPA has set clear compliance requirements under Subpart OOOOb of 40 CFR Part 60, which include:
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Limits on allowable leakage rates
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Schedules for rod packing inspection and replacement
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Mandatory repair or replacement timelines when emissions exceed thresholds
Staying compliant means staying proactive. Operators need to monitor rod packing performance closely and have a plan in place for repairs, documentation, and resurveying.
LEARN MORE:
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§ 60.5385b – What GHG and VOC standards apply to reciprocating compressor affected facilities?
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§ 60.5385 – What standards apply to reciprocating compressor affected facilities?
Encino’s Full-Service Rod Packing Compliance – From Start to Finish
Encino performs OOOOb certified surveys using a SENSIA Mileva 33 handheld OGI camera and a high-volume sampler, both approved for OOOOb compliance inspections. We measure emissions at the rod packing vent and pinpoint exactly which cylinders are leaking above the 2 scfm threshold – or 8 scfm for four-cylinder manifolds, so you know precisely what needs attention and what doesn’t.
But we don’t stop at delivering data. We track every leak, manage repair timelines, and handle the 15-day resurvey process. If a repair doesn’t bring emissions below the threshold, we document it and keep working the cycle until it’s resolved. That’s full-service compliance, from start to finish.
Most operations teams simply don’t have the time, tools, or expertise to perform rod packing surveys and manage the data. That’s why we’ve built an expert team that knows the facilities, knows the regulations, and knows how to turn data into action. We’re local, responsive, and competitively priced.
Leaks are costing you money right now and risking hefty fines. Outsource your rod packing compliance to Encino. Contact us today to find out how much we can save you.
