Q750. Will EPA approve the use of Subpart W Best Available Monitoring Methods (BAMM) relating to the measurement of compressor vents routed to flare? Some reporters interpret 40 CFR § 98.233(o) to require facilities which cannot isolate a compressor from the flare header to shut down and depressurize the entire facility to safely install ports or meters to enable measurement.

A750. The totality of the circumstances related to conducting measurement on compressors vents routed to flare systems if fully explained in a proper Best Available Monitoring Methods (BAMM) request may be considered by EPA to constitute unique or unusual circumstances justifying the use of BAMM. Pursuant to a May 2013 final rule, Subpart W BAMM requests are due by June 30 of the year prior to the year in which reports are due (the “reporting year”) and for which BAMM is sought. As June 30, 2013 falls on a weekend, BAMM requests for the 2014 reporting year are due by July 1, 2013.

Facilities approved to use BAMM are still required to use the calculation methodologies and equations in § 98.233, and must comply with the reporting requirements in § 98.236.

For further information on how to submit a BAMM request, see: http://www.ccdsupport.com/confluence/display/help/Subpart+W+BAMM+Request+Instructions