We’ve implemented numerous programs to reduce our emissions; including using infrared cameras to detect minute natural gas releases, reducing methane venting during well completions and installing new automated flare-monitoring alarms. In fact, protecting air quality is one of our core onshore operating principles and we continue to manage GHG emissions and integrate climate change activities and goals into our business planning.
Methane Reductions
Managing methane, which is the primary component of natural gas, is one of our key priorities. Reducing methane emissions, even the small releases known as “fugitive emissions,” is a crucial aspect of our global well management principles and where appropriate we use technology to help. Audio visual olfactory (AVO) inspections are routinely performed as part of operator rounds to identify any leaks or other issues. Leak detection and repair (LDAR) is a work practice used to identify and quickly repair leaking components, including valves, compressors, pumps, tanks and connectors, to reduce GHG emissions and increase efficiency. At many of our locations, especially those with control devices and compressor stations, we instituted a periodic (typically annual) voluntary fugitive monitoring program using forward looking infrared (FLIR) optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras to enhance our LDAR.
A voluntary leak detection program, replacing high bleed pneumatic devices with lower bleed pneumatics, plunger lift optimization and compression optimization projects helped reduce or prevent approximately 9 billion cubic feet of methane emissions from our facilities in the U.S. Lower 48 over the past six years and reduced our global methane emissions by 12.8 percent.
Our industry has led the effort toward significant reductions in methane emissions through innovation and application of existing regulations.
Learn about the EPA’s oil and gas air pollution standards here. Read our annual emissions information here.
