Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) is essential for maintaining site integrity while minimising the risk of harmful and potentially explosive gas leaks. This process helps prevent environmental contamination and ensures the safety of personnel by identifying and fixing leaks before they become hazardous.

An LDAR programme is a systematic approach designed to identify, monitor and fix leaks of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) from equipment. To complete this task successfully and meet the requirements of national environmental regulations, operators must ensure the competency of personnel and the use of correct procedures and equipment when undertaking the LDAR survey.

If the task is completed in a timely, competent and correct manner, the level of risk to plant and personnel will be mitigated to a safe and acceptable level.

The success of an effective LDAR programme is dependent on multiple factors listed below and covered in this OGN:

• The quality of the record-keeping system
• The competency of the operator
• The type of monitoring equipment used
• The amount and type of components monitored
• The frequency of surveys over an annual period
• How quickly repairs are made.

The Operational Guidance Note provided here outlines the key steps that should be taken to mitigate fugitive emissions to enhance the resilience of biogas plants. It supports Module 5: Maintaining Equipment and Facilities of the Anaerobic Digestion and Certification Scheme International.