What Conventional Oil & Gas Operators Need to Know About PA’s VOC Reporting Rules
These rules apply to owners and operators of conventional well sites, gathering and boosting stations, and natural gas processing plants that include certain pieces of VOC-emitting equipment.
While many small businesses may already know that annual VOC reports are due each year by June 1, it is important for operators to understand what equipment triggers reporting and how to submit reports correctly.
What Equipment Triggers Reporting?
According to DEP, reporting applies if your operation includes any of the following:
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Storage vessels
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Natural gas-driven continuous bleed pneumatic controllers
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Natural gas-driven diaphragm pumps
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Reciprocating and centrifugal compressors
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Fugitive emission components (valves, flanges, connectors, etc.)
If your site operates any of this equipment, you may need to submit a report so DEP can determine whether your source is subject to the requirements or qualifies for an exemption.
How to Submit Reports
All initial and annual reports must be submitted using the DEP Public Upload System (Greenport).
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No login or account is required
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Reports must be uploaded as an Excel or spreadsheet file
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DEP provides a reporting template, step-by-step guide, and a walkthrough video to help you complete the form accurately
If you are past due for your 2023 or 2024 submission, DEP recommends submitting as soon as possible.
Resources for Oil & Gas Operators
DEP has published a new flyer titled “Conventional Oil and Natural Gas VOC Sources – What You Need to Know for Reporting.” It includes:
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A clear summary of what equipment is subject to reporting
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Instructions for how, when, and where to file
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Links to DEP’s upload portal, reporting templates, and guides
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Contact information for DEP Air Quality staff
Free Help for Pennsylvania Small Businesses
Pennsylvania small businesses (generally 100 or fewer employees) can contact the Environmental Management Assistance Program (EMAP) for free and confidential assistance with:
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Determining whether your site has reportable equipment
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Completing the correct reporting template
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Understanding the initial report requirement
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Uploading reports through Greenport
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Avoiding common errors that lead to rejected submissions
Call (877) ASK-EMAP or visit Contact EMAP for help. Additional resources are available on EMAP’s Oil & Gas Compliance Assistance page.
Why This Matters
Pennsylvania’s VOC reporting requirements apply to all owners and operators of conventional oil and natural gas wells, not just commercial oil and gas businesses. This means that individual homeowners, family farms, churches, or other organizations that own a conventional well may still have reporting obligations under 25 Pa. Code §§ 129.131–129.140.
EMAP can assist eligible small businesses with this process and help ensure compliance.
Note: this post was edited on December 10, 2025.