Leak Detection And Repair Best Practices Brochure

In general, EPA has found significant widespread noncompliance with Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) regulations and more specifically, noncompliance with Method 21 requirements. In 1999, EPA estimated that, as a result of this noncompliance, an additional 40,000 tons of VOCs are emitted annually from valves at petroleum refineries alone.

The EPA document “Leak Detection and Repair — A Best Practices Guide“ (http://www.epa.gov/Compliance/resources/publications/assistance/ldarguide.pdf) provides a detailed discussion of the sources and causes of equipment leaks, elements and benefits of an LDAR program, compliance problems with current LDAR programs, and the major elements of successful LDAR programs.