---
kind: "section"
citation: "43 C.F.R. § 3175.115"
title: "43"
number: "3175.115"
heading: "Spot samples—frequency."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/43/3175.115"
---

# §3175.115. Spot samples—frequency.

- (a) Unless otherwise required under [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section, spot samples for all FMPs must be taken and analyzed at the frequency (once during every period, stated in months) prescribed in Table 1 to [§ 3175.110](/cfr/43/3175.110.md).
- (b) After the time frames listed in [paragraph (b)(1)](#b-1) of this section, the BLM may change the required sampling frequency for high-volume and very-high-volume FMPs if the BLM determines that the sampling frequency required in Table 1 in [§ 3175.110](/cfr/43/3175.110.md) is not sufficient to achieve the heating value uncertainty levels required in [§ 3175.31(b)](/cfr/43/3175.31.md?p=b).
  - (1) **Timeframes for implementation.**
    - (i) For high-volume FMPs, the BLM may change the sampling frequency no sooner than 2 years after the FMP begins measuring gas or January 19, 2021, whichever is later; and
    - (ii) For very-high-volume FMPs, the BLM may change the sampling frequency or require compliance with [paragraph (b)(5)](#b-5) of this section no sooner than 1 year after the FMP begins measuring gas or January 17, 2020, whichever is later.
  - (2) The BLM will calculate the new sampling frequency needed to achieve the heating value uncertainty levels required in [§ 3175.31(b)](/cfr/43/3175.31.md?p=b). The BLM will base the sampling frequency calculation on the heating value variability. The BLM will notify the operator of the new sampling frequency.
  - (3) The new sampling frequency will remain in effect until the heating value variability justifies a different frequency.
  - (4) The new sampling frequency will not be more frequent than once every 2 weeks nor less frequent than once every 6 months.
  - (5) For very-high-volume FMPs, the BLM may require the installation of a composite sampling system or on-line GC if the heating value uncertainty levels in [§ 3175.31(b)](/cfr/43/3175.31.md?p=b) cannot be achieved through spot sampling. Composite sampling systems or on-line gas chromatographs that are installed and operated in accordance with this section comply with the uncertainty requirement of [§ 3175.31(b)(2)](/cfr/43/3175.31.md?p=b-2).
- (c) The time between any two samples must not exceed the timeframes shown in Table 1 to this section.
- (d) If a composite sampling system or an on-line GC is installed under [§ 3175.116](/cfr/43/3175.116.md) or [§ 3175.117](/cfr/43/3175.117.md), either on the operator's own initiative or in response to a BLM order for a very-high-volume FMP under [paragraph (b)(5)](#b-5) of this section, it must be installed and operational no more than 30 days after the due date of the next sample.
- (e) The required sampling frequency for an FMP at which a composite sampling system or an on-line gas chromatograph is removed from service is prescribed in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section.

## Notes

### Source

Source: 81 FR 81609, Nov. 17, 2016, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 25 U.S.C. 396d and 2107; 30 U.S.C. 189, 306, 359, and 1751; and 43 U.S.C. 1732(b), 1733, and 1740.

### Source

Source: 81 FR 81421, Nov. 17, 2016, unless otherwise noted.