Many air quality regulatory agencies in the USA require so-called "Inspection and Maintenance Programs" to control the fugitive emissions from piping and valves. For example, the Southern California Air Quality Maintenance District (AQMD) has their Rule 1173 which mandates how such a program is to be implemented. You can read that rule at:
Perhaps the most important documents, would be the US EPA “Method 21” and EPA 453 which describe the emissions monitoring method and the protocols for fugitive emissions estimates. These can be found on the EPA web site. There are also two good books from API – report numbers 342 and 343 on this subject. Another good resource on the web is
this also gives links to information on leak detection and repair programmes. Careful LDAR monitoring, good maintenance practices and the use of low emission packing, quality valves etc. will help in reducing emissions on a hydrocarbon processing site.
