MiQ methane emissions recertification audit

Challenge

A US natural gas producer required independent recertification of methane emissions performance at an onshore production facility in the Appalachian Basin. The audit needed to assess compliance with the MiQ Standard for Onshore Production across methane intensity, company practices, and monitoring technology deployment. It also needed to verify that the operator’s emissions inventory, reconciliation process, operating procedures, monitoring records, and field implementation aligned with the evidence submitted for certification.

For the 2026 recertification, the operator required a robust audit process to assess changes in operations and emissions management, validate supporting evidence through desktop and field reviews, and provide a defensible basis for the next certification period.

Solution

SLR undertook a compliance audit of the operator’s Appalachian production facility against the MiQ Standard for Methane Emissions Performance for Onshore Production. The work began with a kick-off meeting and detailed request for information, followed by a desktop review of historical emissions data, methane intensity calculations, company procedures, leak detection and repair records, and facility-scale monitoring evidence.

SLR reviewed the operator’s emissions inventory and reconciliation process, including how detected emission events were assessed for inclusion in the inventory. The team also evaluated company practices covering methane training, incident reporting, leak detection and repair, emissions management, liquid unloading, pneumatic devices, compressors, workovers, and flaring.

SLR then completed an onsite audit and staff interviews. The field program included inspections of a representative sample of well pads selected to reflect varying production levels, well ages, ownership histories, and equipment configurations. The onsite work verified that installed equipment and operating practices aligned with the documented inventory and procedures. It also included observations of leak detection and repair activities, a review of facility-scale monitoring processes, and discussions with operations and technical personnel.

Impact

The audit provided Seneca Resources with an independent assessment of its methane emissions management practices against the MiQ Standard. It brought together desktop evidence, onsite inspections, and staff input to assess alignment between documented procedures and field implementation.

SLR’s assessment supported Seneca Resources’ MiQ recertification process and confirmed the available evidence across methane intensity, company practices, and monitoring technology deployment. The work also identified an opportunity to improve processes for ensuring that facility-scale emissions detections are consistently investigated and documented.

The resulting audit report provided Seneca Resources with a clear record of conformance findings, improvement actions, and the evidence reviewed during the engagement. It also established a structured basis for maintaining certification requirements and supporting continued improvement in methane emissions management.