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Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR)

EGLE staff doing a LDAR inspection
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR)

Leaking equipment is a source of air pollution and can present a safety risk, so addressing leaks is important.  Many facilities are already required to check for and repair leaks.  These requirements are known as Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Programs.  The Air Quality Division’s (AQD) LDAR program is an oversight program that will allow us to check that facilities are finding and repairing leaks.

Frequently asked questions

What types of facilities have LDAR programs? 

LDAR programs generally apply to facilities that process volatile organic compounds (VOCs).  Processing VOCs can involve many pieces of equipment that can leak.  Some examples of facilities that are required to have LDAR programs are:  

  • Natural gas processing facilities
  • Chemical plants 
  • Paper mills

What types of equipment are checked?

Valves, connectors, pumps, meters, vent covers, hatches, etc.

How does AQD check for leaks?  

AQD uses a Flame Ionization Detector (FID) or a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera to check for leaks.  These are both portable instruments that can detect VOCs and provide a response in real time.   

What happens when AQD detects a leak?

AQD LDAR inspectors flag leaking equipment so it can be identified quickly, and communicate findings to the facility. 

Information for Regulated Facilities

AQD may conduct focused inspections to identify leaking equipment at your facility. 

  • AQD will flag leaks with surveyor’s tape when it is safe for us to do so 
  • All leaks will be described on a log that will be left at the location for operators.  The log will also be emailed to the site contact.
  • An LDAR Inspection Notice card is included with the leak log so site personnel understand what the flags are for.
  • AQD will communicate our findings to you 
Understanding the Air Quality Division's new Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Program Video

Understanding the Air Quality Division's new Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Program

This video covers what a leak detection program is, what instruments the AQD will use and how they work, why the AQD is checking for leaks and what that looks like, and how any findings will be communicated to the site. 

Contact us

Lindsey Wells, WellsL8@Michigan.gov, 517-282-2345