This project includes mobilizing all necessary contractor staff and methane detection and emission rate monitoring equipment to approximately 30-60 Marginal Conventional Wells (MCWs) located throughout the State of Michigan under the Methane Emissions Reduction Program (MERP). The actual number of MCW locations is not known yet, but all currently known locations are provided in Attachment 1 of this RFP. The selected Contractor shall review and understand the federal guidance document (FGD) titled, Methane Measurement Guidelines for Marginal Conventional Wells, Version 1 dated April 17, 2024, and the Methane Measurement Plan (MMP) for Michigan’s MERP program, which are provided in Attachments 2 and 3 of this RFP, respectively. The FGD and MMP were designed to meet the federal program reporting requirements for methane emission reductions as described in Section 60113 of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Requirements General Requirements The selected Contractor must complete the tasks listed below at all nominated MCW locations for initial screening measurements and collect pre- and post-plugging measurements at all MCW locations selected for plugging with MERP funds. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Geologic Resources Management Division (EGLE-GRMD) will utilize the collected methane data for compliance with requirements specified in their grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy. The Contractor must mobilize all necessary methane detection and monitoring equipment and a Qualified Measurement Specialist, as described in the FGD and MMP (Attachments 2 and 3) to the well and facility locations to complete the contract activities. The Contractor must be prepared to initiate field activities promptly upon award for the screening and pre-plugging evaluation of methane emissions at each of the 108 nominated wellsites. These results are time sensitive and required to complete well prioritization assessment. The Contractor must field screen the well and facility locations and associated infrastructure for the presence of methane at all nominated well locations. For wells, facilities, and equipment where methane is not detected above background levels, no further action is required. For wells, facilities, and equipment where methane is detected above background levels, the Contractor will measure the emission rate at each emission point identified, using the measurement techniques outlined in FGD and MMP. These measurements will be utilized for the ranking and prioritization of the MCWs for plugging. The Contractor will utilize appropriate monitoring instrumentation to evaluate both the concentration in part per million (ppm) and flow rate of methane emissions in the unit measurement of grams per hour (g/hr). The Contractor will field-screen well heads, cellars, well casings, piping, valves, tanks, and other associated surface equipment to evaluate the location for methane emission leaks. The Contractor’s procedures will align with field methods described in the US EPA Method 21- Determination of Volatile Organic Compound Leaks document, which is provided in Attachment 4 of this RFP.
