The use of "reduced emissions completion (REC)", also known as “green completion”, has been prescribed for hydraulically fractured natural gas wells from Jan. 2015 onwards. This is part of the final rule on New Source Performance Standards and National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, which was issued on April 17, 2012 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Details and background about the new rule are provided at the respective U.S. EPA website, including an overwiew fact sheet.

The application of REC, a proven and easily available technology, at gas wells will presumably become a major factor in future emissions reduction at hydraulically fractured wells. Also addressed are a wide range of other measures for the reduction of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from centrifugal compressors, reciprocating compressors, pneumatic controllers, and other infrastructure. Air toxins such as benzene, ethylbenzene and n-hexane are also expected to be significantly reduced when the rules are fully implemented.

The EPA claims to have set up cost-effective rules that provide flexibility for industry when meeting compliance deadlines, while maintaining the environmental benefits from the proposal.