(a) This source category consists of active underground coal mines, and any underground mines under development that have operational pre-mining degasification systems. An underground coal mine is a mine at which coal is produced by tunneling into the earth to the coalbed, which is then mined with underground mining equipment such as cutting machines and continuous, longwall, and shortwall mining machines, and transported to the surface. Underground coal mines are categorized as active if any one of the following five conditions apply:

(1) Mine development is underway.

(2) Coal has been produced within the last 90 days.

(3) Mine personnel are present in the mine workings.

(4) Mine ventilation fans are operative.

(5) The mine is designated as an ”intermittent” mine by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

(b) This source category includes the following:

(1) Each ventilation system shaft or vent hole, including both those points where mine ventilation air is emitted and those where it is sold, used onsite, or otherwise destroyed (including by ventilation air methane (VAM) oxidizers).

(2) Each degasification system well or gob gas vent hole, including degasification systems deployed before, during, or after mining operations are conducted in a mine area. This includes both those wells and vent holes where coal bed gas is emitted, and those where the gas is sold, used onsite, or otherwise destroyed (including by flaring).

(c) This source category does not include abandoned or closed mines, surface coal mines, or post-coal mining activities (e.g., storage or transportation of coal).

You must report GHG emissions under this subpart if your facility contains an active underground coal mine and the facility meets the requirements of § 98.2(a)(1).

(a) You must report CH4 liberated from ventilation and degasification systems.

(b) You must report CH4 destruction from systems where gas is sold, used onsite, or otherwise destroyed (including by VAM oxidation and by flaring).

(c) You must report net CH4 emissions from ventilation and degasification systems.

(d) You must report under this subpart the CO2 emissions from coal mine gas CH4 destruction occurring at the facility, where the gas is not a fuel input for energy generation or use (e.g., flaring and VAM oxidation).

(e) You must report under subpart C of this part (General Stationary Fuel Combustion Sources) the CO2, CH4, and N2O emissions from each stationary fuel combustion unit by following the requirements of subpart C. Report emissions from both the combustion of collected coal mine CH4 and any other fuels.

(f) An underground coal mine that is subject to this part because emissions from source categories described in Tables A-3, A-4 or A-5 of subpart A of this part, or from stationary combustion (subpart C of this part), is not required to report emissions under this subpart unless the coal mine liberates 36,500,000 actual cubic feet (acf) or more of methane per year from its ventilation system.

(a) For each ventilation shaft, vent hole, or centralized point into which CH4 from multiple shafts and/or vent holes are collected, you must calculate the quarterly CH4 liberated from the ventilation system using Equation FF-1 of this section. You must measure CH4 content, flow rate, temperature, pressure, and moisture content of the gas using the procedures outlined in § 98.324.

(1) The quarterly periods are:

(i) January 1-March 31.

(ii) April 1-June 30.

(iii) July 1-September 30.

(iv) October 1-December 31.

(2) Values of V, C, T, P, and, if applicable, (fH2O), must be based on measurements taken at least once each quarter with no fewer than 6 weeks between measurements. If measurements are taken more frequently than once per quarter, then use the average value for all measurements taken. If continuous measurements are taken, then use the average value over the time period of continuous monitoring.

(3) If a facility has more than one monitoring point, the facility must calculate total CH4 liberated from ventilation systems (CH4VTotal) as the sum of the CH4 from all ventilation monitoring points in the mine, as follows:

(b) For each monitoring point in the degasification system (this could be at each degasification well and/or vent hole, or at more centralized points into which CH4 from multiple wells and/or vent holes are collected), you must calculate the weekly CH4 liberated from the mine using CH4 measured weekly or more frequently (including by CEMS) according to 98.234(c), CH4 content, flow rate, temperature, pressure, and moisture content, and Equation FF-3 of this section.

(1) Values for V, C, T, P, and, if applicable, (fH2O), must be based on measurements taken at least once each calendar week with at least 3 days between measurements. If measurements are taken more frequently than once per week, then use the average value for all measurements taken that week. If continuous measurements are taken, then use the average values over the time period of continuous monitoring when the continuous monitoring equipment is properly functioning.

(2) Quarterly total CH4 liberated from degasification systems for the mine must be determined as the sum of CH4 liberated determined at each of the monitoring points in the mine, summed over the number of weeks in the quarter, as follows:

(c) If gas from a degasification system or ventilation system is sold, used onsite, or otherwise destroyed (including by flaring or VAM oxidation), you must calculate the quarterly CH4 destroyed for each destruction device and each point of offsite transport to a destruction device, using Equation FF-5 of this section. You must measure CH4 content and flow rate according to the provisions in § 98.324, and calculate the methane routed to the destruction device (CH4) using either Equation FF-1 or Equation FF-4 of this section, as applicable.

(1) Calculate total CH4 destroyed as the sum of the methane destroyed at all destruction devices (onsite and offsite), using Equation FF-6 of this section.

(2) [Reserved]

(d) You must calculate the quarterly measured net CH4 emissions to the atmosphere using Equation FF-7 of this section.

(e) For the methane collected from degasification and/or ventilation systems that is destroyed on site and is not a fuel input for energy generation or use (those emissions are monitored and reported under Subpart C of this part), you must estimate the CO2 emissions using Equation FF-8 of this section.

(a) For calendar year 2011 monitoring, the facility may submit a request to the Administrator to use one or more best available monitoring methods as listed in § 98.3(d)(1)(i) through (iv). The request must be submitted no later than October 12, 2010 and must contain the information in § 98.3(d)(2)(ii). To obtain approval, the request must demonstrate to the Administrator's satisfaction that it is not reasonably feasible to acquire, install, and operate a required piece of monitoring equipment by January 1, 2011. The use of best available monitoring methods will not be approved beyond December 31, 2011.

(b) For CH4 liberated from ventilation systems, determine whether CH4 will be monitored from each ventilation shaft and vent hole, from a centralized monitoring point, or from a combination of the two options. Operators are allowed flexibility for aggregating emissions from more than one ventilation point, as long as emissions from all are addressed, and the methodology for calculating total emissions documented. Monitor by one of the following options:

(1) Collect quarterly or more frequent grab samples (with no fewer than 6 weeks between measurements) for methane concentration and make quarterly measurements of flow rate, temperature, pressure, and, if applicable, moisture content. The sampling and measurements must be made at the same locations as Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) inspection samples are taken, and should be taken when the mine is operating under normal conditions. You must follow MSHA sampling procedures as set forth in the MSHA Handbook entitled, Coal Mine Safety and Health General Inspection Procedures Handbook, Handbook Number: PH16-V-1 (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7). You must record the date of sampling, flow, temperature, pressure, and moisture measurements, the methane concentration (percent), the bottle number of samples collected, and the location of the measurement or collection.

(2) Obtain results of the quarterly (or more frequent) testing performed by MSHA for the methane flowrate. At the same location and within seven days of the MSHA sampling, make measurements of temperature and pressure using the same procedures specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. The annual average barometric pressure from the nearest National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather service station may be used as a default for pressure. If the MSHA data for methane flow is provided in the units of actual cubic feet of methane per day, the methane flow data is inserted into Equation FF-1 of this section in place of the value for V and the variables MCF, C/100%, and 1440 are removed from the equation.

(3) Monitor emissions through the use of one or more continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS). If operators use CEMS as the basis for emissions reporting, they must provide documentation on the process for using data obtained from their CEMS to estimate emissions from their mine ventilation systems.

(c) For CH4 liberated at degasification systems, determine whether CH4 will be monitored from each well and gob gas vent hole, from a centralized monitoring point, or from a combination of the two options. Operators are allowed flexibility for aggregating emissions from more than one well or gob gas vent hole, as long as emissions from all are addressed, and the methodology for calculating total emissions is documented. Monitor both gas volume and methane concentration by one of the following two options:

(1) Monitor emissions through the use of one or more continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS). If operators use CEMS as the basis for emissions reporting, they must provide documentation on the process for using data obtained from their CEMS to estimate emissions from their mine ventilation systems.

(2) Collect weekly (once each calendar week, with at least three days between measurements) or more frequent samples, for all degasification wells and gob gas vent holes. Determine weekly or more frequent flow rates, methane concentration, temperature, and pressure from these degasification wells and gob gas vent holes. Methane composition should be determined either by submitting samples to a lab for analysis, or from the use of methanometers at the degasification monitoring site. Follow the sampling protocols for sampling of methane emissions from ventilation shafts, as described in § 98.324(b)(1). You must record the date of sampling, flow, temperature, pressure, and moisture measurements, the methane concentration (percent), the bottle number of samples collected, and the location of the measurement or collection.

(3) If the CH4 concentration is determined on a dry basis and flow is determined on a wet basis or CH4 concentration is determined on a wet basis and flow is determined on a dry basis, and the flow meter does not automatically correct for moisture content, determine the moisture content in the gas in a location near or representative of the location of:

(i) The gas flow meter at least once each calendar week; if measuring with CEMS. If only one measurement is made each calendar week, there must be at least three days between measurements; and

(ii) The grab sample, if using grab samples, at the time of the sample.

(d) Monitoring must adhere to one of the methods specified in paragraphs (d)(1) through (d)(2) of this section.

(1) ASTM D1945-03, Standard Test Method for Analysis of Natural Gas by Gas Chromatography; ASTM D1946-90 (Reapproved 2006), Standard Practice for Analysis of Reformed Gas by Gas Chromatography; ASTM D4891-89 (Reapproved 2006), Standard Test Method for Heating Value of Gases in Natural Gas Range by Stoichiometric Combustion; or ASTM UOP539-97 Refinery Gas Analysis by Gas Chromatography (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(2) As an alternative to the gas chromatography methods provided in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, you may use gaseous organic concentration analyzers and a correction factor to calculate the CH4 concentration following the requirements in paragraphs (d)(2)(i) through (d)(2)(iii) of this section.

(i) Use Method 25A or 25B at 40 CFR part 60, appendix A-7 to determine gaseous organic concentration as required in § 98.323 and in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. You must calibrate the instrument with CH4 and determine the total gaseous organic concentration as carbon (or as CH4; K = 1 in Equation 25A-1 of Method 25A at 40 CFR part 60, appendix A-7).

(ii) Determine a correction factor that will be used with the gaseous organic concentrations measured in paragraph (i) of this section. The correction factor must be determined at the routine sampling location no less frequently than once a reporting year following the requirements in paragraphs (d)(2)(ii)(A) through (d)(2)(ii)(C) of this section.

(A) Take a minimum of three grab samples of the gas with a minimum of 20 minutes between samples and determine the methane composition of the gas using one of the methods specified in paragraph (d)(1) of this section.

(B) As soon as practical after each grab sample is collected and prior to the collection of a subsequent grab sample, determine the gaseous organic concentration of the gas using either Method 25A or 25B at 40 CFR part 60, appendix A-7 as specified in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section.

(C) Determine the arithmetic average methane concentration and the arithmetic average gaseous organic concentration of the samples analyzed according to paragraphs (d)(2)(ii)(A) and (d)(2)(ii)(B) of this section, respectively, and calculate the non-methane organic carbon correction factor as the ratio of the average methane concentration to the average total gaseous organic concentration. If the ratio exceeds 1, use 1 for the correction factor.

(iii) Calculate the CH4 concentration as specified in Equation FF-9 of this section:

(e) All flow meters and gas composition monitors that are used to provide data for the GHG emissions calculations shall be calibrated prior to the first reporting year, using the applicable methods specified in paragraphs (d), and (e)(1) through (e)(7) of this section. Alternatively, calibration procedures specified by the flow meter manufacturer may be used. Flow meters and gas composition monitors shall be recalibrated either at the minimum frequency specified by the manufacturer or annually. The operator shall operate, maintain, and calibrate a gas composition monitor capable of measuring the concentration of CH4 in the gas using one of the methods specified in paragraph (d) of this section. The operator shall operate, maintain, and calibrate the flow meter using any of the following test methods or follow the procedures specified by the flow meter manufacturer. Flow meters must meet the accuracy requirements in § 98.3(i).

(1) ASME MFC-3M-2004, Measurement of Fluid Flow in Pipes Using Orifice, Nozzle, and Venturi (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(2) ASME MFC-4M-1986 (Reaffirmed 1997), Measurement of Gas Flow by Turbine Meters (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(3) ASME MFC-6M-1998, Measurement of Fluid Flow in Pipes Using Vortex Flowmeters (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(4) ASME MFC-7M-1987 (Reaffirmed 1992), Measurement of Gas Flow by Means of Critical Flow Venturi Nozzles (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(5) ASME MFC-11M-2006 Measurement of Fluid Flow by Means of Coriolis Mass Flowmeters (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(6) ASME MFC-14M-2003 Measurement of Fluid Flow Using Small Bore Precision Orifice Meters (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(7) ASME MFC-18M-2001 Measurement of Fluid Flow using Variable Area Meters (incorporated by reference, see § 98.7).

(f) For CH4 destruction, CH4 must be monitored at each onsite destruction device and each point of offsite transport for combustion using continuous monitors of gas routed to the device or point of offsite transport.

(g) All temperature, pressure, and moisture content monitors must be operated and calibrated using the procedures and frequencies specified by the manufacturer.

(h) The owner or operator shall document the procedures used to ensure the accuracy of gas flow rate, gas composition, temperature, pressure, and moisture content measurements. These procedures include, but are not limited to, calibration of flow meters, and other measurement devices. The estimated accuracy of measurements and the technical basis for the estimated accuracy shall be recorded.

(a) A complete record of all measured parameters used in the GHG emissions calculations is required. Therefore, whenever a quality-assured value of a required parameter is unavailable (e.g., if a meter malfunctions during unit operation or if a required fuel sample is not taken), a substitute data value for the missing parameter shall be used in the calculations, in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) For each missing value of CH4 concentration, flow rate, temperature, pressure, and moisture content for ventilation and degasification systems, the substitute data value shall be the arithmetic average of the quality-assured values of that parameter immediately preceding and immediately following the missing data incident. If, for a particular parameter, no quality-assured data are available prior to the missing data incident, the substitute data value shall be the first quality-assured value obtained after the missing data period.

In addition to the information required by § 98.3(c), each annual report must contain the following information for each mine:

(a) Quarterly CH4 liberated from each ventilation monitoring point, (metric tons CH4). Where MSHA reports are the monitoring method chosen under § 98.324(b), each annual report must include the MSHA reports used to report quarterly CH4 concentration and volumetric flow rate as attachments.

(b) Weekly CH4 liberated from each degasification system monitoring point (metric tons CH4).

(c) Quarterly CH4 destruction at each ventilation and degasification system destruction device or point of offsite transport (metric tons CH4).

(d) Quarterly CH4 emissions (net) from all ventilation and degasification systems (metric tons CH4).

(e) Quarterly CO2 emissions from on-site destruction of coal mine gas CH4, where the gas is not a fuel input for energy generation or use (e.g., flaring) (metric tons CO2).

(f) Quarterly volumetric flow rate for each ventilation monitoring point and units of measure (scfm or acfm), date and location of each measurement, and method of measurement (quarterly sampling or continuous monitoring), used in Equation FF-1 of this subpart. Specify whether the volumetric flow rate measurement at each ventilation monitoring point is on dry basis or wet basis; and, if a flow meter is used, indicate whether or not the flow meter automatically corrects for moisture content.

(g) Quarterly CH4 concentration for each ventilation monitoring point, dates and locations of each measurement, and method of measurement (sampling or continuous monitoring). Specify whether the CH4 concentration measurement at each ventilation monitoring point is on dry basis or wet basis.

(h) Weekly volumetric flow rate used to calculate CH4 liberated from degasification systems and units of measure (acfm or scfm), and method of measurement (sampling or continuous monitoring), used in Equation FF-3 of this subpart. Specify whether the volumetric flow rate measurement at each degasification monitoring point is on dry basis or wet basis; and, if a flow meter is used, indicate whether or not the flow meter automatically corrects for moisture content.

(i) Quarterly CH4 concentration (%) used to calculate CH4 liberated from degasification systems, and if the data is based on CEMS or weekly sampling. Specify whether the CH4 concentration measurement at each degasification monitoring point is on dry basis or wet basis.

(j) Weekly volumetric flow rate used to calculate CH4 destruction for each destruction device and each point of offsite transport, and units of measure (acfm or scfm).

(k) Weekly CH4 concentration (%) used to calculate CH4 flow to each destruction device and each point of offsite transport (C).

(l) Dates in quarterly reporting period where active ventilation of mining operations is taking place.

(m) Dates in quarterly reporting period where degasification of mining operations is taking place.

(n) Dates in quarterly reporting period when continuous monitoring equipment is not properly functioning, if applicable.

(o) Temperature (°R), pressure (atm), moisture content (if applicable), and the moisture correction factor (if applicable) used in Equations FF-1 and FF-3 of this subpart; and the gaseous organic concentration correction factor, if Equation FF-9 of this subpart was required. Moisture content is required to be reported only if CH4 concentration is measured on a wet basis and volumetric flow is measured on a dry basis, if CH4 concentration is measured on a dry basis and volumetric flow is measured on a wet basis; and, if a flow meter is used, the flow meter does not automatically correct for moisture content.

(p) For each destruction device, a description of the device, including an indication of whether destruction occurs at the coal mine or off-site. If destruction occurs at the mine, also report an indication of whether a back-up destruction device is present at the mine, the annual operating hours for the primary destruction device, the annual operating hours for the back-up destruction device (if present), and the destruction efficiencies assumed (percent).

(q) A description of the gas collection system (manufacturer, capacity, and number of wells) the surface area of the gas collection system (square meters), and the annual operating hours of the gas collection system.

(r) Identification information and description for each well, shaft, and vent hole, including paragraphs (r)(1) through (r)(3) of this section:

(1) Indication of whether the well, shaft, or vent hole is monitored individually, or as part of a centralized monitoring point. Note which method (sampling or continuous monitoring) was used.

(2) Start date and close date of each well, shaft, and vent hole. If the well, shaft, or vent hole is operating through the end of the reporting year, December 31st of the reporting year shall be the close date for purposes of reporting.

(3) Number of days the well, shaft, or vent hole was in operation during the reporting year. To obtain the number of days in the reporting year, divide the total number of hours that the system was in operation by 24 hours per day.

(s) For each centralized monitoring point, identification of the wells and shafts included in the point. Note which method (sampling or continuous monitoring) was used.

(t) Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) identification number for this coal mine.

In addition to the information required by § 98.3(g), you must retain the following records:

(a) Calibration records for all monitoring equipment, including the method or manufacturer's specification used for calibration.

(b) Records of gas sales.

(c) Logbooks of parameter measurements.

(d) Laboratory analyses of samples.

All terms used in this subpart have the same meaning given in the Clean Air Act and subpart A of this part.