In the evolving landscape of environmental regulation, staying ahead of new standards is essential for any company operating in the oil and gas sector. Among the most important updates issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in recent years are the NSPS Subparts OOOOa, OOOOb, and OOOOc — each building upon the last to increase stringency in emissions monitoring and leak detection.
OOOOb represents a critical turning point in regulatory compliance. It introduces new definitions, requirements, and methodologies, including the integration of modern technologies such as Optical Gas Imaging (OGI). For companies relying on traditional gas detectors or inconsistent survey methods, understanding and preparing for OOOOb is not optional — it’s a strategic imperative.
What Is OOOOb? A Summary of the Proposed Requirements
The OOOOb summary outlines the EPA’s proposed updates to emissions standards for new, modified, and reconstructed facilities in the crude oil and natural gas industry. Building upon the framework of OOOOa, Subpart OOOOb introduces several major shifts:
- Expanded facility coverage
- More frequent inspection intervals
- Required use of advanced detection technologies such as OGI
- Stricter definitions of fugitive emissions
- Requirements for recordkeeping, reporting, and corrective actions
Unlike OOOOa, which allowed some flexibility in detection methods, OOOOb sets a clear preference for OGI as the most effective way to identify and document volatile organic compound (VOC) and methane emissions. This reinforces the value of thermal imaging-based systems like Opgal’s EyeCGas 2.0, which are fully aligned with current and future EPA expectations.
Why OGI Is at the Heart of OOOOb Compliance
Optical Gas Imaging has been recognized by the EPA as a reliable and non-invasive technique for detecting gas leaks across upstream and midstream operations. With OOOOb, the agency formalizes its position by encouraging or requiring OGI use for specific facility types and inspection frequencies.
Compared to sniffers or contact-based sensors, OGI offers:
- Real-time visualization of gas leaks
- Coverage of wide areas in a short time
- Reduced risk to personnel
- Permanent video records for compliance documentation
OPGAL’s EyeCGas 2.0 is a field-proven OGI camera that meets and exceeds the performance standards outlined in OOOOa and OOOOb. With certifications for hazardous locations, ultra-high sensitivity (<0.35 g/hr for methane), and multiple gas-specific filters, it is uniquely positioned to help facilities align with the coming regulatory landscape.
How OPGAL Supports OOOOb and Beyond
At OPGAL, we understand that compliance isn’t just about meeting the bare minimum — it’s about readiness, efficiency, and integrity. That’s why we’ve engineered our EyeCGas platform to address not only today’s requirements under OOOOa and OOOOb, but also future considerations under OOOOC, which is expected to target existing facilities with even broader mandates.
Our global team offers:
- Fully certified OGI cameras
- Expert consultation on OOOOb summary requirements
- Support for recordkeeping and EPA-ready documentation
- Training for inspection teams and third-party contractors
- Scalable solutions for new construction, retrofits, and rental fleets
With partners and distributors in over 30 countries, OPGAL provides the hardware, support, and guidance needed to navigate complex regulatory transitions with confidence.
Looking Ahead: From OOOOa to OOOOb and OOOOc
OOOOa was just the beginning. As Subpart OOOOb moves toward finalization, companies must prepare for a new era of transparency, accountability, and proactive leak detection. And OOOOC is on the horizon, signaling the EPA’s intention to apply similar requirements to existing sites — not just new or modified ones.
Whether you’re conducting pre-surveys, auditing compliance, or building a leak detection program from the ground up, OPGAL’s OGI technology ensures that you’re equipped for every regulatory tier. Our solutions turn complex compliance into streamlined operations — because when the rules change, you need tools that lead, not lag.
