AbstractTo better focus fugitive emission control efforts, a number, of valves that were removed from service due to poor emissions control performance were inspected for signs of damage to the stem sealing system. Corrosion and pitting of the stem were found to be the highest identifiable causes of high valve fugitive emissions. Most valves, however, had no identifiable damage and poor emissions control performance in these cases is believed to be due to poor packing materials or poor packing installation procedures.