A Hands-on Guide to
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EPA PnilllTinU PREVENTED F
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Welcome tK
Natural Gas STAR Partr 1
Since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
launched the Natural Gas STAR Program in 1993,
more than 90 companies—representing natural gas
production, processing, transmission, and distribution
operations—have voluntarily partnered with EPA to identify
and implement cost-effective, gas-saving technologies
and management practices. This partnership has provided
significant economic and environmental benefits. Thanks
to partner efforts, methane emissions have been reduced
by more than 220 billion cubic feet as of 2001, with sav-
ings estimated at over $660 billion.
This demonstration of industry ingenuity and commitment
has shown that active participation in the Gas STAR
Program not only offers quantifiable environmental
benefits, but also provides opportunities for partners to
improve operational efficiency, maximize revenues, and
enhance each company's competitive edge in the natural
gas marketplace.
To help you make the most of your participation in the
Natural Gas STAR Program, EPA created this
Implementation Guide to support your company's efforts
guide you through the Program's milestones. Featured
within this document is information about the phases of
program implementation and descriptions of the tools and
services EPA has developed to assist you.
We hope that you find this Implementation Guide an effec-
tive tool for implementing the Natural Gas STAR Program
in a profitable and efficient manner. We look forward to
your success in reducing methane emissions through the
Natural Gas STAR Program and proving that cooperative,
voluntary partnerships are an effective method for achiev-
ing both economic and environmental goals.
Sincerely,
The Natural Gas STAR Program Team
Reducing Methane Emissions
Increasing Efficiency
Maximizing Profits
to initiate projects that reduce methane emis
and to
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Table of Contents
Getting Started 1
Develop Internal Program Support 1
Incorporate Natural Gas STAR into Corporate Policy 2
Take Advantage of Natural Gas STAR Communications Resources 2
Assessing Methane Emissions Reductions Opportunities 5
Review Best Management Practices (BMPs) 6
Review Partner Reported Opportunities (PROs) 7
Take Advantage of EPA Technical Resources 7
Utilize EPAs Online BMP/PRO Analysis Tool 8
Developing an Implementation Plan 9
Review the Core Elements of the Implementation Plan 9
Determine Your Implementation Approach 10
Evaluate Your Implementation Plan Periodically 12
Reducing Methane Emissions 13
Use Natural Gas STAR Tools and Services to Implement BMPs and PROs 13
Take Advantage of Technology Transfer Opportunities 14
Documenting Success 17
Compile Information on Emissions Reductions Accomplishments 17
Streamline Data Collection 18
Take Advantage of EPAs Online Tools 18
Continuing Your Success 20
Enhance Your Gas STAR Participation 20
Stay Informed About the Latest Gas STAR Information 21
Earn Public Recognition for Your Voluntary Efforts 21
Resources... ...23
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Implementation Guide
Web Companion
Throughout this guide, you will find many references to
the Natural Gas STAR Web site atwww.epa.gov/gasstar.
This Implementation Guide has a Web companion that
provides all the information contained in this document
as well as links to templates for download, time-saving
data collection and reporting tools, and regularly updated
information about technologies, workshops, and
program-related news.
Note the icons below to quickly and easily identify
content that is most relevant to your particular
industry sector.
Production
Processing
Transmission
Distribution
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Getting Started
Y
our company signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU)—now what? Before you
launch your first Natural Gas STAR project, EPA rec-
ommends taking some introductory steps to lay the
groundwork for a successful partnership and maximize
your gas-saving opportunities.
Develop Internal Program Support
Creating a supportive corporate environment for Natural
Gas STAR from the beginning is an important first step.
This initial outreach will help your company as you plan
and implement your initial emissions reductions activities
and expand your program efforts in coming years. Ways
in which you can develop and maintain internal program
support include:
• Educating management and field personnel about the
Program and your company's commitment to reducing
methane emissions and protecting the environment.
Translate the implementation activities into specific eco-
nomic benefits, and present this information to key deci-
sion-makers to justify program investments.
• Involving staff at all levels when determining how to
implement the Program. Interact with operations and
environmental managers as well as others in field and
headquarters offices to nurture program buy-in.
i Leveraging
existing corporate infrastruc-
ture, such as company envi-
ronmental committees, to gen-
erate awareness of Natural Ga;
STAR and to implement gas-saving measures.
i Establishing communications with corporate media or
public relations personnel to ensure program messages
Implementation Tip—Create a
Gas STAR Team
Many partners find it useful to establish a Gas STAR
Team composed of company employees from different
departments. Depending on the size of your organiza-
tion, you might consider recruiting individuals from
management; environment, health, and safety (EH&S);
operations; planning; marketing; public relations; and
other personnel from company headquarters and field
offices. An internal Gas STAR Team can help you edu-
cate staff about the Program; identify methane emis-
sions reductions opportunities; provide feedback on the
value of methane emissions reductions activities; collect
data for compiling and submitting the annual report; and
promote milestones and other achievements.
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are effectively delivered company-wide and externally to
customers and other stakeholders.
• Developing routine, ongoing communications mecha-
nisms to keep senior management and key staff
informed. Use e-mail listservs, Web forums, newsletters,
and regularly scheduled satellite or phone conferences
to share information.
Incorporate Natural Gas STAR into
Corporate Policy
As you build the foundation for internal program support,
identifying where the Natural Gas STAR Program can
complement and be integrated with other company initia-
tives and programs can be helpful. The benefits of partici-
pating in Natural Gas STAR are far-reaching and can have
a positive impact across multiple company programs and
policies. For example, several partners have found that
Gas STAR can be incorporated into their ISO 14000 certi-
fication plan. Other areas to incorporate the Gas STAR
Program include:
• Environmental and operations activities.
• Efficiency improvements and pollution prevention
programs.
• Environmental management systems.
• Greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategies.
• Public relations campaigns.
Take Advantage of Natural Gas STAR
Communications Resources
EPA offers a variety of resources to help you launch your
Natural Gas STAR efforts and communicate with key
company audiences. Many of the following products are
offered online at the Natural Gas STAR Web site,
www.epa.gov/gasstar.
• Natural Gas STAR Program Videos. EPA has pro-
duced two short videos to help implementation man-
agers introduce employees to the Natural Gas STAR
Program and the benefits of participation. The videos
outline the Program, describe methane emissions
reductions technologies and practices, and feature testi-
monials from program partners.
• Communications Toolkit. Use this Web-based toolkit
to assist in communicating your program participation.
The toolkit contains a variety of creative approaches—or
"tools"—designed for easy customization. Each is tai-
Success Story: Columbia Gas & Columbia Gulf Transmission
COLUMBIAGAS
Upon joining Natural Gas STAR, Columbia formed a steering team to facilitate program management and decision-
making. The team consists of employees from key groups (management, field staff, public relations, EH&S, and
others) from both transmission companies. Columbia attributes the team with streamlining program decision-making,
eliminating multiple levels of review, and playing an instrumental role in identifying methane emissions reductions
technologies and practices.
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bred for a specific audience, such as shareholders and
potential investors, employees, peers, and customers.
The tools are available in PDF or HTML files to comple-
ment the methods of communicating your program
participation.
Implementation Tips—
Secure Upper Management Support
Visible management support will invigorate field person-
nel and result in a stronger Gas STAR Program. Make
sure to share your successes with upper management.
Involve Field Personnel
Field staff are instrumental to successful program
implementation. Regular meetings between the imple-
mentation manager and field staff help ensure that
employees are well-informed of existing and new tech-
nologies. Good communication pays off in increased
revenues and environmental benefits.
The Natural Gas STAR Communications Toolkit can help
you gain support throughout your company, inform and
motivate employees, enhance your corporate image, and
generate positive publicity.
It is organized into three components and can be cus-
tomized to promote your program participation at all levels
of implementation.
• Announcing Your Partnership. Announce your new
partnership to peers, shareholders, employees, and the
public. Your participation in the Program demonstrates
your company's commitment to doing business in an
environmentally responsible manner.
The following tools are available as PDF or HTML files:
• Communications templates: press release, Web
site, company newsletter, stockholder newsletter,
and an annual/environmental report.
• Partner samples: press releases and newsletters
released by partner companies on their work and
program participation.
Gaining Support. Gaining support from management
and operations staff is critical in making your STAR
Program a success. The Natural Gas STAR Program
provides many tools to help you gain commitment from
managers and employees for implementation. The fol-
lowing tools are available:
• Guide to Participation fact sheet
• Presentations
• Natural Gas STAR program videos
• Journal articles
• Program forms
• Technical support documents
• Natural Gas STAR logos
Publicizing Achievements. As a Natural Gas STAR
partner, take advantage of opportunities to publicize
your STAR activities, achievements, and special awards
for implementation excellence. Inform others about how
your voluntary activities are protecting the environment
while increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
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Sjiiir.i! litf STAR
I inmivii
O
You can use the following templates and tools to
publicize your company's success in implementing Natural
Gas STAR. The following tools are available as PDF or
HTML files:
• Press releases: accomplishments, awards,
new projects.
• Web site: feature page, awards page.
• Company newsletter: accomplishments,
awards.
• Stockholder newsletter: accomplishments,
awards.
• Annual/environmental report:
accomplishments.
• Utility billing insert: accomplishments, public
awareness card.
• Partner samples for publicizing achievements.
A template and sample index is also available to help you
easily locate PDF or HTML files and to assist you in using
the Natural Gas STAR Communications Toolkit to commu-
nicate your program participation.
Kerr-McGee credits its success implementing Gas STAR to support at all levels: senior management, division level
management, and operations and field staff. High-level corporate support early on was instrumental in launching
the Program, and the integration of Gas STAR into the existing program structure of the Environmental Excellence
Teams has made it sustainable and facilitated all aspects of the Program by providing a mechanism for communica-
tion, education, and reporting.
The company uses its Environmental Excellence Team to implement the Program and build internal support. This
team meets regularly with field staff to analyze new emissions reductions opportunities, promote methane emissions
reductions achievements internally, and educate new employees about the company's partnership with EPA. Kerr-
McGee was awarded the Natural Gas STAR Production Partner of the Year award in 2000.
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Assessing Methane
Emissions Reductions
Opportunities
Iow that you have established a system to facilitate
internal communications and program management
decisions, the next step is to assess how you will
make Natural Gas STAR work for your company and how
you will maximize methane emissions reductions opportu-
nities. In most cases, this is best achieved using a two-
step approach:
Review your company's past operations and
identify activities that resulted in reduced methane emis-
sions. Developing an inventory of past emissions reduc-
tions projects not only helps to identify future opportuni-
ties, but it also allows you to document your company's
past achievements, and include these reductions in your
annual report.
FEP 2. Evaluate the Natural Gas STAR Best
Management Practices (BMPs) and Partner Reported
Opportunities (PROs), as well as any additional activities
your company may have engaged in, for future implemen-
tation and for inclusion in your company's implementation
plan.
Both of these steps require that you first familiarize your-
self with the Natural Gas STAR BMPs and PROs.
Where Do Most Leaks Occur?
Production: Pneumatic devices, glycol
dehydrators, and fugitive emissions at the
well site.
Processing: Leaks from plants and booster
stations, including compressor rod packing,
i!l valves, and open-ended lines.
Transmission: Pipeline leaks and blow-
downs; leaks and venting at compressor sta-
tions, such as valves, compressor seals, and
open-ended lines.
Distribution: Leaks at gate stations and
' metering stations, such as valves and open-
ended-lines.
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Review Best Management Practices
(BMPs)
The Natural Gas STAR Program is built upon a set of
proven methane emissions reductions strategies identified
by EPA and representatives from the natural gas industry.
From gas production to distribution operations, the core
BMPs are aimed at reducing leaks and process venting
from the largest sources. They are considered to be gen-
erally cost-effective and widely applicable across the
industry. Together, these technologies and practices repre-
sent significant opportunities for the industry to reduce
methane emissions and increase product savings.
The following BMPs have been identified for each industry
sector:
Identify and Replace High-
Bleed Pneumatic Devices
Install Flash Tank Separators
on Glycol Dehydrators
BMP 3 Partner Reported Opportunities
Implement DI&M Programs at
Gate Stations and Surface
Facilities*
T Identify and Rehabilitate Leaky
Transmission
Distribution Pipe*
Implement DI&M Programs at
Compressor Stations**
Use Turbines at Compressor
Stations for New Installations
or When Retiring Reciprocating
Engines**
Identify and Replace High-
Bleed Pneumatic Devices**
Partner Reported Opportunities
*BMPs typically reported by distribution sector.
**BMPs typically reported by transmission sector.
Distribution
Production
Processing
Replace Gas Pneumatics with
Instrument Air Systems
Install Flash Tank Separators
on Glycol Dehydrators
Implement Directed Inspection
and Maintenance (DI&M) at
Gas Plants and Booster
Stations
"We're convinced that proactive
environmental responsibility is good
business. Efforts to reduce our methane
emissions often improve the operating
efficiency of the pipelines, and that leads
to financial reward."
— Steve Wilner, Columbia Gas and
Columbia Gulf Transmission
Partner Reported Opportunities
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Review Partner Reported
Opportunities (PROs)
As part of your company's commitment to the Natural
Gas STAR Program, EPA encourages you to identify addi-
tional activities and technologies for reducing emissions
and improving your operational efficiency. Called PROs,
these management practices are a major source of reduc-
tions for Natural Gas STAR partners and serve as an
opportunity for companies to pursue innovative emissions
reductions ideas.
PROs also fuel much of the technology transfer process
that occurs within the Program when partners share
quantitative and qualitative information about gas-
saving practices.
To date, there are more than 50 PROs, and that num-
ber grows every year. PROs can be used as a one-time
reduction opportunity or as part of your company's
long-term emissions reductions strategy. PROs include
activities such as installing vapor recovery units,
installing plunger lifts, using pipeline pumpdown tech-
niques to lower line pressure before maintenance, and
installing smart regulators.
Take Advantage of EPA Technical
Resources
Natural Gas STAR has developed a series of technical
documents and other tools to help partners evaluate
methane mitigation technologies and practices for their
own operations. More than a dozen Lessons Learned
studies, developed with input from Natural Gas STAR part-
ners, serve as effective guides for implementing BMPs and
PROs. These studies contain:
• Descriptions of methane emissions reductions technolo-
gies and practices.
• Suggested step-by-step decision process for imple-
menting the practice.
• Summarized cost and benefit information.
• Helpful implementation tips and reference sources for
more information.
In addition to the Lessons Learned studies, numerous
PROs are described in PRO fact sheets, which offer:
• Brief description of the PRO.
• Discussion of the methane reduction potential.
• Possible frequency of application and life cycle for the PRO.
• Additional information, including potential benefits and
costs with a simple calculation of the time to payout.
• Sources for more information.
These fact sheets provide partner companies with infor-
mation for evaluating the applicability of specific technolo-
gies and practices to their operations.
Both the Lessons Learned studies and the PRO fact
sheets are available on the Natural Gas STAR Web site.
Visit regularly as EPA continually develops new materials.
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Utilize EPA's Online BMP/PRO
Analysis Tool
Natural Gas STAR'S online BMP/PRO Analysis Tool assists
partners in performing economic evaluations of BMPs and
PROs and in documenting potential emissions reductions
savings. This Web-based tool enables the user to conduct
a customized site-specific or company-wide evaluation of
selected BMPs and/or PROs. These evaluations can then
be used in the decision-making process to determine the
optimal level of implementation of a specific BMP or PRO.
• The tool prompts users to enter operational information
and economic parameters, such as capital cost, operat-
ing costs, and current gas price.
• For some calculations, users can select default values
for both economic and operational inputs.
Based on this information, the tool performs an economic
analysis for the selected BMP or PRO, providing details on
the total cost, return on investment, payback period, and
net present value. Results are presented in both tabular
and graphical formats, including a graphical display of pay-
back period.
"The [EPA Natural Gas STAR] Program's
wealth of information about emissions
reductions tactics eliminated time spent
exploring and testing new solutions."
— Mike Milliet, ChevronTexaco
Keyspan field employees are encouraged to identify "quick-hit" opportunities and are expected to contribute to
the company's participation in Natural Gas STAR by informing the internal STAR team when a potential reduction
opportunity is discovered. Managers and facility workers then examine the opportunity, determine its feasibility,
and implement the new practice where appropriate.
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Developing an
Implementation Plan
After determining the BMPs and PROs that are
appropriate and cost-effective for your company,
the next step is to draft and submit an implemen-
tation plan.
Review the Core Elements of the
Implementation Plan
An implementation plan summarizes how your company
intends to incorporate the Gas STAR Program into your
operations over a 3- to 5-year period. Overall, the imple-
mentation plan should:
• Conduct an inventory of past emissions reductions
activities. Accounting for historical reductions will create
a permanent record of your company's methane emis-
sions reductions efforts and help identify future opportu-
nities. Creating an emissions reductions inventory will:
• Help quantify the environmental and economic
benefits of historical activities—great for proving
value to management.
• Help identify company best practices, which may
be applicable to other facilities.
• Help identify facilities that have the most room for
improvement.
• Create a permanent, documented record of past
achievements in methane reduction.
Oceaiy Energy
Upon joining the Natural Gas STAR Program, Ocean Energy conducted a thorough review of its operations,
dating back to 1990, to identify historical emissions reductions. This process was instrumental in helping the
company plan its future activities.
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• Identify BMPs, PROs, and other planned emissions
reductions activities that match your company's envi-
ronmental and economic objectives.
• Outline the planned scope of implementation, noting
installations or facilities to be included and an antici-
pated implementation schedule.
• Submit your plan using the template form provided
by EPA or devise your own format.
Your implementation plan represents your company's
intentions at the time of submission and is not binding.
At any time, you may revise it to adjust for changing
business conditions or corporate organization. All plans
are kept confidential by EPA. Visit the Gas STAR Web
site to download the implementation plan template or
request samples from an EPA Natural Gas STAR pro-
gram manager.
Determine Your Implementation
Approach
To maximize gas savings, EPA encourages you to
implement methane emissions reductions practices as
Implementation Tip
Use the online BMP/PRO Analysis Tool to help you
decide which cost-effective BMPs and PROs to
feature in your implementation plan.
broadly as possible. Gas STAR partners have adopted
several different implementation strategies.
• Integrate with Current Activities. When conducting
regular maintenance or replacement activities, incor-
porate Gas STAR Program activities and document
methane savings. For example, El Paso Natural Gas
Company now makes a practice of repairing and
documenting leaks as soon as they are identified,
rather than waiting for scheduled repair cycles.
• Develop a Pilot Project. Pilot projects can take
many different forms. Consider identifying specific
facilities or sites at which to implement one or more
Natural Gas STAR BMPs or PROs. Many partners
start their Gas STAR Program with a pilot project,
Kerr-McGee's implementation plan highlights three key areas of activity:
1. Identification of BMPs that the company can integrate into all new facilities where practical.
2. Evaluation of the usefulness of the BMPs and PROs at older facilities on a case-by-case basis.
3. Development of inventories of existing facilities to determine and document past methane emissions reductions.
Kerr-McGee pays special attention to BMPs and PROs during new construction efforts, as it is more efficient to imple-
ment activities during the design stage than to retrofit later.
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UNOCAL"
Unocal Gulf Region USA initiated a technology-focused pilot project at its Fresh Water Bayou Facility in Louisiana to
test the conversion of its natural gas-powered pneumatic instrument system to a compressed air powered system.
The success of the project reinforced senior management support of the Natural Gas STAR Program and prompted
the company to look for other opportunities to install instrument air systems.
focusing on one or more BMPs on a small scale at
select facilities. Pilot projects help partners determine
associated costs and savings, timeframes, staffing,
and operational requirements of a BMP or PRO
before investing in large-scale improvements.
Based on the results from a pilot project, you can
determine whether or not those activities make sense
for your company to repeat at other facilities and
sites. Positive results from a pilot project can also
help sell the Program internally.
i Conduct a Baseline Study. Conduct a baseline
study of a methane emissions reductions technology
or practice, and use the results to set performance
standards or to create a "rule of thumb" to help
determine future activities. For example, Marathon Oil
Company conducted an in-depth review of pneumat-
ic controllers as part of the company's Natural Gas
STAR efforts. In addition to measuring the typical
pneumatic performance, the study discovered that if
an operator could hear or feel the gas escaping from
a device, then it was economical to replace it with a
low-bleed device. This rule of thumb was adopted
company-wide.
i Submit Your Implementation Plan. You may choose
to submit your plan using a template form provided
by EPA or devise your own format.
When Should You Submit Your
Implementation Plan to EPA?
Within one year of joining the Program.
Within one year of joining the Program.
Within six months of joining the Program.
Within six months of joining the Program.
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Evaluate Your Implementation Plan
Periodically
To ensure that you are maximizing the benefits of the
BMPs and PROs, EPA encourages you to revisit and
revise your implementation plan every three years.
Consider:
• Redefining your company's approach and expected
level of effort.
• Re-assessing potential methane emissions reduc-
tions activities. Re-evaluate the applicability of BMPs
and PROs to company operations and conduct cost-
benefit analyses to determine the profitability of possi-
ble activities. EPA's Online Analysis Tool can help.
• Take advantage of EPA assistance—Natural Gas
STAR service representatives, case studies, work-
shops, and a frequently updated Web site are all
available resources to help you keep your company's
implementation strategy current.
Natural Gas STAR Representatives
at Your Service
Natural Gas STAR service representatives are avail-
able to assist you in planing your company's par-
ticipation and implementation strategies, and will
make a personal site visit if requested. An up-to-
date service representative listing is available on
the Natural Gas STAR Web site.
ChevronTexaco focused its pilot project on a geographic region—its Gulf Coast regional facilities—rather than on a
specific technology. The company encouraged operating personnel to develop their own methods for reducing emis-
sions and to share those ideas with the rest of the pilot group.
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Reducing Methane
Emissions
Up until this point in your partnership with EPA,
you have established the internal framework for
launching your company's efforts. These activities
have included:
• Creating a supportive internal environment with
active involvement from senior management and
field staff.
• Opening channels of communication to discuss
methane emissions reductions technologies
and practices.
• Assessing BMPs and PROs to identify the best fit
with corporate objectives and policies.
• Developing and submitting an implementation plan.
Putting your implementation plan into action and reduc-
ing methane emissions is the next level of participation
in the Natural Gas STAR Program.
Use Natural Gas STAR Tools
and Services to Implement BMPs
and PROs
As described earlier in this guide, EPA has developed a
number of tools to help your company realize the finan-
cial and environmental benefits of participating in Gas
STAR. Below is a summary of products and services
that may help you to effectively manage your program
efforts. These materials are available for download at
the Natural Gas STAR Web site.
• Lessons Learned studies. Revisiting these studies
frequently can offer added insights into the implemen-
tation of key technologies and practices. The simple,
step-by-step decision process format and implemen-
tation tips provide valuable information based on the
experiences of Natural Gas STAR partner companies.
• PRO fact sheets. Periodically review the PRO fact
sheets for new ideas and basic information for evalu-
ating the economic feasibility of implementing relevant
PROs in your operations. A detailed list of fact sheets
is posted online and new PRO fact sheets are added
as they become available, including the operating
requirements and applicability information.
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Natural Gas Service Company.
El Paso Natural Gas Company has taken "Lessons Learned" to a higher level. The company developed environ-
mental training modules and a lessons-learned database to help educate employees and demonstrate success-
ful and unsuccessful activities. The database serves to share cost and benefit information about select environ-
mental initiatives, while the modules provide instruction specific to El Paso Natural Gas.
Case studies. Learn how other partners have imple-
mented Natural Gas STAR. These case studies track
a company's involvement with the Program from the
decision to join to the evaluation of BMPs and PROs,
to the documentation of results.
Companies including Kerr-McGee, Unocal Gulf Region
USA, Columbia Gas and Columbia Gulf Transmission,
and KeySpan Energy Delivery (formerly Brooklyn Union
Gas) are profiled. EPA adds case studies to the Natural
Gas STAR Web site as they become available. Please
visit the site for a complete list.
Online Analysis Tool. Check out the online
BMP/PRO Analysis Tool to evaluate new technologies
and consider whether they are cost-effective to imple-
ment at your company.
Do You Have a PRO to Share?
EPA encourages you to identify and implement new
PROs. If you discover a new way to reduce methane
emissions, please let us know. This fuels the Gas
STAR technology transfer process.
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Take Advantage of Technology
Transfer Opportunities
The Natural Gas STAR Program can be a technical
asset in today's competitive environment. EPA continu-
ally assesses emerging technologies and facilitates
peer-based exchange of technical and economic infor-
mation on BMPs and PROs. This technology transfer
process is one of the Gas STAR Program's most impor-
tant missions.
To ensure that information on emerging technologies
and important analyses are shared with partners, EPA
offers the following services to assist in the transfer of
information:
Information Exchange
• Technology Transfer Workshops focus on issues
related to reducing emissions from individual industry
sectors.
• Annual Implementation Workshops provide partners
and other interested companies with an opportunity
to obtain information about the most current, cost-
effective emissions reductions technologies and prac-
tices, exchange ideas with other partners, and learn
about new Gas STAR Program activities and initiatives.
The workshop is typically held in October.
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i Research Support. Natural Gas STAR has provided
funding and other support to the Gas Research
Institute, New York State Energy Research
Development Authority, and to Southern Research
Institute through EPAs Environmental Technology
Verification program.
"The Natural Gas STAR Program showed us
how to do things that we were already doing
a little bit better. It showed us what some
partners were doing, some of the equipment
they were using, rather than what we had
used in the past. And, it showed us how we
could take account of our emissions."
— James Frederick, Unocal Gulf Region USA
In 2000, the Natural Gas STAR Program partnered with the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) to investigate natural gas
emissions from U.S. gas processing plants. The primary goal of the study was to determine the cost-effectiveness
of conducting a directed inspection and maintenance program to reduce emissions at these facilities.
GTI surveyed more than 101,000 individual equipment components at four plants. Major findings included:
• Approximately 2.6 percent of the surveyed components were leaking.
• Vibrational, high-use, or heat-cycle gas service components were the most leak-prone.
• Valves, connectors, compressor seals, and open-ended lines made up almost 90 percent of leaking components.
• 92 percent of leakage and 78 percent of methane emissions could be eliminated through cost-effective measures
with a payout of one year or less.
• Repair of these leaks would lead to annual natural gas savings worth nearly $284,000 per site.
• Repairing only the 10 most cost-effective to repair leaks at each site would reduce gas losses by 35 percent.
Conclusion: Processing plant operators can reduce gas losses significantly while enhancing profits by
conducting periodic comprehensive leak detection and repair programs.
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Technology Analysis
• Engineering and economic studies based on expe-
riences and data voluntarily provided by partner com-
panies.
• Lessons Learned studies describe partner experi-
ences in implementing the BMPs and include detailed
economic and technical information.
• Additional PRO fact sheets describe new methane
emissions reductions practices identified by program
partners.
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Documenting
Success
The valuable information that partners provide in
their annual reports helps the Program to better
understand the sources of methane emissions and
opportunities to reduce them.
Each spring, EPA asks that you submit an annual
progress report, documenting the methane emissions
reductions activities your company has undertaken in the
previous calendar year. Reporting is essential because it:
• Creates a permanent record of your company's vol-
untary reductions.
• Demonstrates to company management the financial
and environmental benefits of participating in Natural
Gas STAR.
• Drives the technology transfer process.
• Proves that voluntary partnerships can be effective at
reaching environmental goals.
While your report remains confidential, EPA uses these
data to develop technical and economic analyses of
emerging technologies and management practices.
These analyses are then used in tools like the
Lessons Learned studies, PRO fact sheets, or online
analysis tools.
Compile Information on Emissions
Reductions Accomplishments
As mentioned in the "Getting Started" section of this
guide, your field staff or Gas STAR Team can help you
collect data and compile your annual report. Typically,
you will need to collect the following information for
each BMP and PRO implemented:
• Brief description or name of practice.
• Cost summary.
• Methane emissions reductions in million cubic feet,
either by direct measurement or calculated estimate.
Default values for industry-reviewed methane emis-
sions reductions are also available for many BMPs and
PROs.
Implementation Fact
Most implementation managers estimate that they
spend approximately 25 to 40 hours per year on
Natural Gas STAR Program activities, which includes
preparing the annual report.
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• Total value of gas saved.
• Expected implementation for next year.
• Any past activities implemented but not previously
reported.
EPA encourages you to submit additional comments
about any BMPs and/or PROs implemented, describing
additional economic, operational, environmental, or
safety benefits achieved by implementing the practices.
This information is important for developing future PRO
fact sheets and Lessons Learned studies.
Streamline Data Collection
Completing your annual report is easier if you plan your
information collection ahead of time:
• Advise staff of reporting requirements in advance-
preferably as soon as you sign your MOU—then con-
tinue to document and measure year-round as appro-
priate.
• Be specific about information to be gathered and
time your requests to prevent last-minute overload.
• Store data electronically in a spreadsheet program or
other type of database to allow users to summarize
and manipulate data.
• Couple reporting measurements with other routine
annual surveys when possible.
"Making sure that all individuals responsible
for providing data understand what is needed
and why is the best way to ensure accurate
reporting results. Face-to-face meetings
work best."
— Marilee Doherty, Reliant Energy Minnegasco
Take Advantage of EPA's Online Tools
Online Reporting Tool—The Annual Report Time-Saver!
The Online Reporting Tool is a Web-based tool that guides
users through the reporting process. The tool prompts
users to enter company-specific emissions reductions
data and then perform various calculations, such as total
emissions reductions and the value of the gas saved.
Online reporting is password-protected to ensure security
of all information. Partners can return to partially complet-
ed reports and finish them as time allows. Once the report
is complete, partners can print out the final form for their
records and submit it electronically to EPA.
Online Data Collection and Management Tool—A
Streamlined Data Management System!
The Online Data Collection and Management Tool provides
implementation managers with a simple Web-based
mechanism to collect information from different facilities
across their companies, aggregate these data, analyze the
results, and generate and submit an annual report, if
desired. The tool:
• Enables individuals from different facilities across the
company to record project-level emissions reductions
information.
• Provides for all data entry at the facility level via the
Internet using password-protected access.
• Enables implementation managers to run summary
reports of individual practices as well as company-wide
activities.
• Facilitates information sharing internally or when sub-
mitted to the Natural Gas STAR Program as part of the
annual reporting process.
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Success Story: Columbia Gas and Columbi;
jsmission
COLUMBIAGAS
According to Columbia Gas and Columbia Gulf Transmission, setting measurable goals and objectives in the
planning phase and then following through to maintain and increase momentum is essential. By devising metrics
to measure and report reductions and savings, and incorporating measurements into the company's existing
centralized reporting systems, Columbia streamlined data collection and will reduce future administrative costs.
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Continuing
Your Success
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Success is an ongoing process. As technological,
political, and economic circumstances change,
new opportunities for process improvements and
environmental protection will arise. Keep in touch with
Gas STAR for the latest developments on emissions
reductions technologies.
Enhance Your Gas STAR Participation
Natural Gas STAR is an evolving partnership that was
built with direct input and guidance from natural gas
industry professionals. To maximize your partnership in
the Program, here are some ways you can stay actively
involved:
• Exchange technology and information with other
partners.
• Revisit BMPs and PROs for new opportunities to
increase your company's efficiency.
• Provide input and ideas to EPA and endorsing organ-
izations on the direction of the Natural Gas STAR
Program.
• Consider providing assistance and guidance in devel-
oping technical and economic evaluations of new
reduction opportunities.
i Collaborate with EPA on a case study or journal arti-
cle highlighting your company's Gas STAR experi-
ences and accomplishments.
i Visit Natural Gas STAR'S Communications Toolkit
online to discover the many ways you can promote
your program participation and achievements to
employees and customers.
i Attend the Annual Natural Gas STAR Implementation
Workshop or Regional Technology Transfer
Workshops to interact with peers and learn the latest
Gas Star developments.
Implementation Tip—Attend Regional
Technology Transfer Workshops
Natural Gas STAR conducts a series of Regional
Technology Transfer Workshops, focusing on issues
related to reducing emissions from individual industry
sectors and processing operations. Visit the Natural
Gas STAR Web site at www.epa.gov/gasstar for loca-
tions, dates, and times.
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Help bring new companies into the Program. The
more partners that become involved in Gas STAR,
the richer the technology transfer opportunities.
"The workshops provide a lot of interaction
between companies, with presentations
about practices implemented. There are also
roundtable discussions where partners can
talk back and forth and answer questions or
ask them of others."
— Tom Berringer, Marathon Oil Company
Stay Informed About the Latest Gas
STAR Information
EPA strives to provide new information on emerging
technologies and practices to partners. Visit the Natural
Gas STAR Web site frequently and watch your mail for
new program publications and other developments
such as:
• Partner Update. The Natural Gas STAR Partner
Update features partnership news, partner profiles,
articles about new technologies, and information
about industry-related events.
• Workshops. Annual and regional workshops provide
opportunities for EPA and partners to interact and
discuss program innovations.
• New Technical Materials. EPA strives to continually
develop new documents and products to help part-
ners more efficiently implement the Natural Gas STAR
Program. Visit the Gas STAR Web site for updates on
new materials.
Earn Public Recognition for Your
Voluntary Efforts
EPA recognizes exceptional Natural Gas STAR partners
in technical articles and public service announcements
placed in trade journals, such as the Harvard Business
Review and Oil & Gas Journal, as well as through its
prestigious awards program. The awards, presented at
the Annual Implementation Workshop, recognize the
achievements of partners who have embraced efficiency
and incorporated strategic emissions management into
their operations. Companies are evaluated for Partner of
the Year Awards based on significant contributions in the
areas of technology development, outreach, and pro-
gram implementation. The Communication Toolkit is also
a great resource to help partners promote their achieve-
ments by using the templates and samples.
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Resources
Need more information about implementing the
Natural Gas STAR Program? Visit the Natural Gas
STAR Web site at www.epa.gov/gasstar. The
following items are available to help you reduce methane
emissions:
• Comprehensive BMP and PRO descriptions.
• Case studies.
• Communications Toolkit.
• Information on how to obtain copies of the award-win-
ning Natural Gas STAR videos.
• Lessons Learned studies.
• Partner Update.
i Presentations.
i PRO fact sheets.
i Program forms and templates—Memorandum of
Understanding, Implementation Plan, and Annual
Report.
i STAR service representatives contact information.
i Trade journal articles about Natural Gas STAR or
authored by Natural Gas STAR partners.
i Web-based Tools—Online BMP/PRO Analysis Tool,
Online Reporting Tool, and the Online Data Collection
and Management Tool.
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