Greenhouse Gas Monitoring: Technologies and Reporting Methods

The seven greenhouse gases commonly covered in emissions inventories are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). In upstream oil and gas operations, methane is often a central monitoring priority because fugitive releases can occur at wells, tanks, compressors, and related equipment. VOCs may also be monitored because they can accompany hydrocarbon emissions.

Greenhouse gases are measured using methods suited to the gas, source, and reporting objective. Options include direct sensor readings, optical gas imaging, infrared cameras, acoustic monitoring, flow measurement, sampling and laboratory analysis, and engineering calculations. Continuous systems can detect and document events over time, while validated event data and quantification methods can support emissions inventories, repair prioritization, and regulatory or ESG reporting.

Methane monitoring can use optical gas imaging cameras, fixed gas sensors, laser-based instruments, satellite or aerial observations, and periodic handheld surveys. Well Checked Systems uses long-wave infrared optical gas imaging alongside video, acoustic sensing, and AI-assisted validation. This multi-sensor approach helps distinguish potential fugitive emissions from normal operating conditions and provides continuous awareness at remote upstream locations.

Continuous emissions monitoring uses permanently or semi-permanently deployed equipment to observe emissions-related conditions over time rather than only during scheduled surveys. It can provide event timing, duration, alerts, supporting imagery, and operational context. For oil and gas operators, continuous monitoring can complement LDAR activities by helping teams identify likely events promptly, dispatch resources efficiently, and maintain a more complete emissions record.

AI reduces false alerts by learning normal site patterns and evaluating information from more than one signal. Zensory.ai™ uses video, long-wave infrared gas imaging, acoustic data, and operational context to assess potential events. Its site-learning cycle helps establish baselines, while Zentinal Core™ filters known non-fugitive process activity and escalates validated anomalies for operator review and response.

Monitoring data can support EPA methane-rule compliance workflows when it is collected, validated, retained, and prepared according to applicable requirements. Well Checked Systems structures data to support alternative-monitoring compliance submissions under EPA 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart OOOOb. Operators remain responsible for determining the specific applicability, reporting method, recordkeeping, and submission requirements for each regulated asset.

Response time depends on an operator’s dispatch resources, site access, safety procedures, and the nature of the event. Well Checked Systems provides near-real-time alerts through its dashboard, email, text, and SCADA integrations after validation. Response-workflow templates and dispatch runbooks are designed to help designated teams acknowledge, dispatch, and mitigate validated methane events within a 24-hour response window.

A useful greenhouse gas report identifies emission sources, gases measured or calculated, monitoring periods, methods, assumptions, event records, quantification details, repairs, and supporting documentation. The required format varies by program and jurisdiction. For upstream operators, data may need to align with EPA requirements, state inventories, OGMP 2.0 measurement-based frameworks, or SASB and TCFD disclosure practices.