GHG Mandatory Reporting Rule

History

On October 30, 2009, EPA finalized the rule for Mandatory Reporting of GHGs and developed regulation 40 CFR 98, Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting.  Known as the GHG Reporting Program (GHGRP), the regulation contains the requirements for reporting GHG data and other relevant information from large GHG emission sources, fuel and industrial gas suppliers, and CO₂ injection sites in the United States.  A total of 41 categories of reporters are covered by the GHGRP. Facilities determine whether they are required to report based on the types of industrial operations located at the facility, their emission levels, or other factors. Facilities are generally required to submit annual reports under the GHGRP if:

1. A facility that contains any source category that is listed in Table A-3 of this 40 CFR 98, Subpart A, General Provisions.
2. A facility that contains any source category that is listed in Table A-4 of 40 CFR 98, Subpart A and that emits 25,000 metric tons CO₂e or more per year in combined emissions from stationary fuel combustion units, miscellaneous uses of carbonate, and all applicable source categories that are listed in Table A-3 and Table A-4 of 40 CFR 98, Subpart A.
3. A facility that in any calendar year starting in 2010 meets all three of the conditions listed below. For these facilities, the annual GHG report must cover emissions from stationary fuel combustion sources only.
   1. The facility does not meet the requirements of either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section.
   2. The aggregate maximum rated heat input capacity of the stationary fuel combustion units at the facility is 30 mmBtu/hr or greater.
   3. The facility emits 25,000 metric tons CO₂e or more per year in combined emissions from all stationary fuel combustion sources.
4. A supplier that is listed in Table A-5 of 40 CFR 98, Subpart A.

Background

Facilities in most source categories subject to Part 98 began reporting for the 2010 reporting year while additional types of industrial operations began reporting for reporting year 2011, including the University.  Facilities calculate their emissions using methodologies that are specified in 40 CFR Part 98, and they report their data to EPA using the electronic Greenhouse Gas Reporting Tool (e-GGRT). The report is submitted annually covering emissions from the prior calendar year are due by March 31^st of each year.

UK Requirements

The University’s main campus located in Lexington is a facility that meets the criteria of number (3) listed above and must submit an annual report of GHG emissions from our stationary fuel combustible sources.  The monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping requirements for the equipment pertaining to UK is contained in regulation 40 CFR98, Subpart C, General Stationary Fuel Combustion Sources.  Stationary fuel combustion sources are devices that combust solid, liquid, or gaseous fuel, generally for the purposes of producing electricity, generating steam, or providing useful heat or energy.  For the University, the sources are boilers which combust either coal, natural gas, or fuel oil.  The Emergency generators located at the University are exempt from the reporting.

GHG emissions are calculated based on fuel type combusted.  Boilers are grouped as natural-gas fired, fuel and natural gas fired, and coal fired.  Below is the most recent CO2e emissions from the stationary sources required to report.  Contact the Air Quality Compliance Manager for data going back to 2011 or access the EPA Facility Level Information on GHGs Tool.