United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Air and Radiation
6202J
EPA-430-N-98-005
Summer 1998
NaturalGas\
EPA POLLUTION PREVENTER
The STAR Partner Update Returns
ft
UU
c/i
fter a short break, we are
f-\ pleased to send you the
Summer 1 998 edition of the
Natural Gas STAR Partner Update. This
latest edition has been revised and
given a new format in our efforts to
continue to improve the quality of
information that we provide.
To best communicate your successes,
this issue features profiles of the 1 997
Partners of the Year and a summary of
the 1997 program-wide emissions
reductions. Details on our award-win-
ning Partner's implementation experi-
ences and a breakdown of our record
emission reductions by BMP are
included in this issue.
The STAR Program continues to work
hard to provide information on the
current events affecting Partners and to
improve our technical and communi-
cations support. In this issue we high-
light the Kyoto Protocol and present
many of the new tools and programs
In the Spot Light 2
Gas STAR Achievements 4
International Partners 5
Partner Profiles 6
Program Tools 9
New Partners 9
Program Activities 10
Workshop Summary 12
Natural Gas STAR Partners 14
Document Request Form 15
we are developing to facilitate and
enhance your implementation experi-
ence. One of the newest tools, the
STAR Decision Support Software,
enables you to evaluate emission
reduction opportunities for your oper-
ations. Details about this software and
other new programs and implementa-
tion tools can be found inside.
Finally, this issue includes a summary
of the 1997 Natural Gas STAR
Workshop and some preliminary infor-
mation on this year's workshop sched-
uled for October 7-9 in Houston,
Texas. Please remember this publica-
tion is designed for your benefit. We
encourage you to guide the direction
of future issues by sending us any
feedback, suggestions, and insights that
you may have.
Enjoy and keep an eye out for the
next STAR Partner Update!
The Natural Gas STAR Team
Visit the new Gas STAR
Web Site at
WWW.EPA.GOV/GASSTAR
-------
Market-Based
Approaches
Promise to Play
Large Role in
Addressing Climate
Change Concerns
Flexible, market-based policy
solutions have historically
been a major component of
efforts to address concerns over global
climate change. Beginning in October
1993, President Clinton and Vice
President Gore announced the
Climate Change Action Plan (CCAP) as
a means to fulfill voluntary greenhouse
gas reduction commitments made
under the 1992 United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate
Change. As part of this plan several
programs, including Natural Gas STAR,
were created in an effort to stimulate
actions that are both profitable for
individual private-sector participants as
well as beneficial to the environment.
These actions were designed to be
flexible, practical, and cost-effective.
As debate over future international and
domestic efforts to address climate
change intensify, policy solutions that
are market-based, flexible, and rely
upon private-sector innovation and ini-
tiative promise to continue to play a
significant role. The recently negotiated
Kyoto Protocol and the Administration's
proposal for domestic climate change
initiatives rely heavily on market-based
policies that seek to achieve both eco-
nomic and environmental goals.
Kyoto Protocol and
Market-Based
Mechanisms
The reliance upon market-based
approaches is a major component of
the Kyoto Protocol agreement reached
last December in Japan. Under the
Protocol, the Parties to the United
Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC) agreed to
reductions in the emissions of all six
major greenhouse gases including car-
bon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide,
hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons,
and sulfur hexaflouride. While the spe-
cific reductions vary from country to
country, the targets for key industrial
nations are similar 8% below 1 990
levels for the European Union, 7% for
the U.S., and 6% for Japan and
Canada.
Rather than rely upon a strict, com-
mand and control method for achiev-
ing these emissions reductions, the
U.S. successfully pushed for a system
of international tradable emissions
allowances that would allow for the
most flexibility and achieve the most
cost-effective solution. Under the
international trading system, which
would be implemented during a five
year budget period from 2008-201 2,
countries or companies would be
allowed to sell their allowances or use
them to cover future emissions. Rules
Natural Gas Star Partner Update Summer 1998
-------
and guidelines in particular for
verification, reporting, and account-
ability are to be discussed at the
next meeting of the Parties in Buenos
Aires in November 1 998.
Other key points agreed upon in Kyoto
include the involvement of developing
countries and the use of other flexible
mechanisms for achieving targeted
reductions. Specifically, the Protocol
includes a Clean Development
Mechanism (COM) which embraces
the concept of "joint implementation
with credit." As part of the COM, com-
panies in developed nations could
enter into cooperative projects to
reduce emissions in the developing
world. Companies would be able to
reduce emissions at lower costs and
developing countries would gain
access to environmentally sustainable
technologies. In addition, the treaty
supports the implementation of carbon
absorbing activities, such as planting
trees, as a low-cost opportunity for the
private sector to reduce emissions and
offset established targets.
While binding emissions reductions
were not established for developing
nations, this issue will be at the center
of the debate to come. The Clinton
Administration is currently working to
gain meaningful participation from key
developing countries before submitting
the treaty to the Senate for ratification.
To enter into force, the Protocol must
be ratified by at least 55 countries,
accounting for at least 55% of the total
1 990 carbon dioxide emissions of
developed countries.
The Administration's
Call for Action
While the Kyoto Protocol promises to
incorporate market based mechanisms
into international efforts to address cli-
mate change, the Clinton
Administration has encouraged a simi-
lar philosophy domestically. In October
of 1 997, the President announced a
proposal to provide flexible market-
based and cost-effective ways to
achieve meaningful reductions here in
America. In his announcement, the
President emphasized that, "here at
home, we must move forward by
unleashing the full power of free mar-
kets and technological innovations to
meet the challenge of climate change."
The Administration's proposal for
domestic action calls for a three stage
approach. The first stage encourages a
series of near-term actions designed to
provide incentives and remove barri-
ers to help companies and citizens
find new and creative ways of reduc-
ing greenhouse gas emissions. Some of
the major elements include:
A $6.3 billion Climate Change
Technology Initiative that calls for
tax cuts coupled with research and
development to support cost-
effective, practical actions.
Developing a system that would be
designed to reward proactive busi-
nesses that act in the near-term to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Consultations with key industry sec-
tors to encourage the development
of their own voluntary greenhouse
gas reduction plans.
The remaining stages of the
Administration's plan focus on the
development and implementation of a
domestic, market-based permit trading
system for carbon emissions. The sec-
ond stage would involve a review and
evaluation of actions initiated as part
of stage one. In addition, the details of
the permit system would be outlined
and possibly tested. Stage three would
involve the implementation and
review of the permit trading system
and would not be initiated until the
completion of a complete economic
review and evaluation of all stage one
and two actions by Congress and the
Administration.
Attaining Environmental
and Economic Goals
While the successful implementation
of the President's proposal will require
Congressional support and the Kyoto
Protocol is still considered a work in
progress, future efforts to address cli-
mate change will undoubtedly rely
upon flexible, market-based strategies.
Such market-based approaches are
important components in ensuring the
achievement of both economic and
environmental goals. As Stuart
Eizenstat, Under Secretary of State for
Economic, Business and Agricultural
Affairs and the U.S.'s chief negotiator
at Kyoto, stated "The Kyoto Protocol
enshrines a centerpiece of the U.S.
market-based approach the oppor-
tunity for companies and countries to
trade emissions permits... This is not
only economically sensible, but envi-
ronmentally sound."
Natural Gas Star Partner Update Summer 1998
-------
STAR Program
Achieves
Record Emission
Reductions, Again
H I
Ft
MEN
Natural Gas STAR Partners
achieved their highest emis-
sions reductions in the fifth
year of the program (1 997).
Production and Transmission and
Distribution (T&D) Partners reported
savings of 14.8 billion cubic feet (Bcf)
in 1 997, compared to 11.7 Bcf in
1 996, 1 0.3 Bcf in 1 995, 7.9 Bcf in
1 994, and 4.8 Bcf in 1 993. Total pro-
gram savings since 1993 reached 52.8
Bcf, worth $105.6 million.
The majority of Program savings were
achieved through the implementation
of additional cost-effective methane
reduction activities identified by
Partners Partner Reported
Opportunities (PROs). This industry
innovation has been a large factor in
making the Natural Gas STAR program
successful. Since the beginning of the
T&D program in 1993, T&D Partners
reduced 1 7.4 Bcf - 42% from T&D
BMP 6 (PROs). The Producer program,
since its inception in 1995, has
reduced 35.4 Bcf - 64% from
Producer BMP 3 (PROs).
A breakdown of the BMPs and their
corresponding reductions is illustrated
below:
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
Implemented by STAR Partners.
BMP Transmission and Distribution (T8D)
I Directed inspection and maintenance at gate
stations and surface facilities
2 Identify and rehabilitate leaking distribution pipe
3 Directed inspection and maintenance at compressor
stations
4 Greater use of turbines in place of reciprocating
engines
5 Identify and replace high-bleed pneumatic devices
6 Partner Reported Opportunities
I Identify and replace high-bleed pneumatic devices
2 Install flash tank separators at glycol dehydrators
3 Partner Reported Opportunities
Natural Gas Star Partner Update Summer 1998
-------
I IM
EFtlSI
IM E
IOIMAL
RAO
Gazprom
Moves to
Reduce
Methane
Emissions
Russia's RAO Gazprom, the world's largest
natural gas producer and transporter, has
adopted a first ever company-wide
methane emissions reduction program. Modeled
after EPA's Natural Gas STAR Program, Gazprom's
effort follows a successful four-year technical
exchange with EPA and the Department of Energy
through the US/Gazprom Working Group.
The Gazprom program calls for a 30% reduction
in natural gas losses and internal gas use by 2005.
The program will improve system operating effi-
ciencies and reduce soil, groundwater and air pol-
lution as well.
"We are extremely pleased with the environmen-
tal leadership demonstrated by RAO Gazprom,"
said Mary D. Nichols, EPA's Former Assistant
Administrator for Air and Radiation. "Adoption of
this methane emissions reduction program is a
giant leap forward in the global effort to protect
the environment and improve energy efficiency."
The program consists of four major elements:
improving monitoring and measurement of losses,
identifying specific remediation needs, implement-
ing projects to reduce emissions, and increased
cooperation with international organizations.
Areas where Gazprom will work to reduce emis-
sions include losses in production of associated
gas, fugitive emissions during pipeline repair,
emissions from compressor stations, and storage
and refining "unaccounted for" gas estimates.
Gazprom has identified over 20 specific projects
where investment in new gas plants and equip-
ment would reduce losses and emissions. Many
of these could qualify as "joint implementation"
projects, where a U.S. company could receive
greenhouse gas emission reduction "credits" for
their efforts. Some of the projects include:
Initiating the use of the compressor "Gazlift-04"
to transmit low-pressure associated gas to main
pipelines.
Developing and using progressive technologies
to collect and utilize natural gas emitted into
the atmosphere during compressor starts and
stops, scrubbers, separators, and other devices.
Designing and using newly constructed blow-
down vents, which can operate in special con-
ditions (high gradients of pressure, high gas
velocity, abrasive wear-and-tear, etc.).
Designing new effective gate valves and devel-
oping methods for monitoring the drops in gas
pressure in order to control hermetic sealing
of gas pipelines.
In 1996, Russia produced 21.2 Tcf of natural gas
and exported 4.4 Tcf to Western Europe. Gazprom
accounts for 95% of the production and all of the
transportation and exports. Gazprom operates
370,000 km of pipeline, 250 compressor stations
and 31 storage fields. Total losses from transmis-
sion and distribution are estimated at 1.4 percent.
Natural Gas Star Partner Update Summer 1998
-------
IM EFt
I LES
Marathon Oil
John Weust and
Tom Breninger
accept the
Producer Partner of
the Year award for
Marathon from the
Natural Gas STAR
Program managers
Rhone Resch
(far right) and
Paul Gunning.
Producer Partner of the Year
Marathon Oil Company, a sub-
sidiary of USX Corporation,
was named Producer Partner
of the Year at the 1 997 Natural Gas
STAR Workshop. Marathon was
praised for significant contributions in
three areas. Marathon has led in
achieving large reductions in methane
emissions 7.8 Bcf and $16 million
in savings since 1 990. Marathon per-
sonnel have provided EPA with valu-
able advice and ongoing support for
the Natural Gas STAR Program. Finally,
Marathon has conducted valuable
research that has led to improvements
in the industry's knowledge of effective
strategies to reduce methane losses.
Since 1990, Marathon has aggressively
pursued methane emissions reductions
in all facets of its operations. Marathon
has identified and implemented 21
operational practices for reducing
methane emissions. Some of these
methane reduction practices include
installing vapor recovery units, replacing
pneumatic devices with instrument air
systems, using lower heater treater tem-
peratures, utilizing down-hole plunger
lifts in wells, eliminating and consolidat-
ing excess dehydrators, and inspecting
and replacing tank vent seals.
Marathon has made major contribu-
tions to the Natural Gas STAR Program
in helping to promote the program
and improve the quality of available
information. Marathon has published
papers and made presentations on
Natural Gas STAR Best Management
Practices (BMPs) and has helped EPA
to better understand the technological
and economic issues of these BMPs.
Through the work done and shared by
Marathon, the STAR Program has
developed solid information on better
ways to reduce methane emissions
profitably.
Natural Gas Star Partner Update Summer 1998
-------
Atlanta Gas Light
Distribution Partner of the Year
Atlanta Gas Light Company
(ACL), the largest natural gas
distribution company in the
southeastern United States, was named
the 1996 Natural Gas STAR
Distribution Partner of the Year. As a
model STAR Partner, ACL has aggres-
sively implemented Natural Gas STAR
Best Management Practices (BMPs) and
has achieved significant gas savings. In
addition, they have helped EPA better
understand emissions at surface facili-
ties through the testing and application
of cutting-edge technologies.
Atlanta Gas Light Company
Terry Ryland of Atlanta Gas Light accepts the
Distribution Partner of the Year award from
the Natural Gas STAR Program managers
Rhone Resch (r) and Paul Gunning (I).
Atlanta Gas Light is
effectively reducing its
natural gas emissions
through active imple-
mentation of STAR
BMPs. Directed
inspection and mainte-
nance (DI&M) pro-
grams at surface facili-
ties have helped ACL
effectively lower costs
and reduce leaks by
prioritizing leaking sta-
tions and components
for survey and repair.
In 1994, 1995, and
1996 ACL surveyed a
total of 58, 81, and 83 surface facili-
ties respectively, repairing a total of
659 leaks at a savings of 1 37,025 Mcf
worth approximately $275,000.
In addition, ACL is effectively imple-
menting an identification and rehabili-
tation program for leaky distribution
pipe. From 1994 to 1996, ACL has
replaced a total of 763 miles of distrib-
ution pipe and repaired a total of
38,829 leaks for an estimated emis-
sions reduction of 111,329 Mcf, worth
approximately $223,000.
Atlanta Gas Light has also been instru-
mental in testing the Hi-Flow Sampler.
Unlike conventional testing, the Hi-
Flow Sampler draws in air surrounding
a leaking component, capturing virtu-
ally all the escaping gas and eliminat-
ing the need to enclose the compo-
nent in a bag. The concentration of
methane in the sample air stream is
then measured using an internal flame
ionization device. The resulting con-
centration measurement can then be
used to calculate component leak
rates. At one of their meter stations
ACL was able to reduce total leak
rates by nearly 83% in one year.
ACL has demonstrated its commitment
to energy efficiency and environmental
protection through its participation in
EPA's Natural Gas STAR Program. ACL,
which also operates under the trade
name Chattanooga Natural Gas, serves
over 1.4 million residential, commer-
cial, and industrial customers.
Natural Gas Star Partner Update Summer 1998
-------
Enron
Transmission Partner of the Year
At the 1 997 Natural Gas STAR
Annual Implementation
Workshop, EPA recognized
Enron as the 1996 Transmission Partner
of the Year for their significant contri-
butions to the Natural Gas STAR
Program. Enron has actively participat-
ed in EPA-sponsored research on leaks
from natural gas compressor stations,
helping test the accuracy of Hi-Flow
Sampler leak measurements. In addi-
tion, Enron has successfully implement-
ed the Program's core management
practices and has helped EPA and
other Partner companies better under-
stand some of the other cost-effective
technologies that are available.
In 1996, Enron worked closely with
the Natural Gas STAR Program to
develop information about leaks from
pipeline facilities. As part of this
effort, Enron sponsored quarterly
measurements at compressor stations
and surface facilities and compared its
traditional methods for leak detection
and measurementinvolving con-
centration readings and conversion
factors with direct measurements
taken with the Hi-Flow Sampler.
In addition to their work with leak
detection and measurement, Enron
actively implemented several STAR
BMPs to achieve significant
methane savings. Enron's
largest emissions reductions,
however, came from Partner
Reported Opportunities (BMP VI),
which resulted in estimated savings
of over 100,000 Mcf. Enron attribut-
es the reductions to the following
activities:
Installed 1 7,000 HP electric motors
Blocked-in ESD test (11 locations)
Installed 3-phase separators on
dehydrator reboilers
Replaced engine gas starter with
air starter
Repaired large pipeline valve leak
Lowered pipeline pressure prior to
maintenance (1 0 locations)
In naming Enron as Transmission
Partner of the Year, the Natural Gas
STAR Program recognizes Enron's
efforts to reduce emissions and pro-
vide leadership in the Program.
Enron's pipeline group operates
31,000 miles of high-pressure pipeline
in six companies Northern Natural,
Transwestern, Florida Gas, Louisiana
Resources, Northern Border and
Houston Pipeline. Much of the work
Enron has sponsored has been on its
Northern Natural system.
Enron's Marc Phillips accepts the Transmission
Partner of the Year award from the Natural Gas
STAR Program managers Rhone Resch (r) and
Paul Gunning (I).
Natural Gas Star Partner Update Summer 1998
-------
PROG RAM
STAR Decision
Support Software
o streamline program admin-
istration, the Natural Gas
STAR team at EPA is develop-
ing the STAR Decision Support
Software (DSS). This new implementa-
tion tool is an easy-to-use software pro-
gram that allows Partners to evaluate
the Best Management Practices (BMPs)
by estimating the quantity of methane
emission reductions and the costs and
benefits of implementation. In addi-
tion, the software facilitates the record-
ing and reporting of the results of BMP
implementation, including the volume
and value of annual methane savings.
While this new tool is currently being
improved and updated, Partners are
encouraged to test the beta version of
the software and provide suggestions
and comments. A copy of the STAR
DSS and user manual is included in
the STAR Implementation Road Map
or can be ordered using the form pro-
vided in this newsletter. The software
can also be downloaded from the
Natural Gas STAR homepage at
www.epa.gov/gasstar. Any suggestions
or technical questions should be
emailed directly to the EPA Program
Managers at resch.rhone@epa.gov or
gunning.paul@epa.gov.
STAR Partners
Kansas Operating Pipeline Corporation
Minnegasco
BURLINGTON SPIRIT
RESOURCES ENERGY
Union Pacific Resources
SOUTHWEST CHS CORPORHTIOtl
41
uimnegasco KPOC
Natural Gas Star Partner Update Summer 1998
-------
P ROCS RAM
Tl VrITI E
Natural Gas STAR
in the News
Look for a feature article on the
Natural Gas STAR Program in
the March 1 998 issue of the
American Oil & Gas Reporter. This
article focuses on the STAR Producer
Program and highlights Partner
impressions and the successes of this
unique industry government part-
nership. EPA would like to thank the
following STAR Partners for their
important contributions to the article:
Brooklyn Union Gas
Chevron U.S.A. Production Company
Marathon Oil Company
Mitchell Energy & Development
Corporation
Mobil Oil Corporation, Exploration &
Producing Division
Natural Gas Pipeline Company of
America
The Natural Gas STAR
Brochure
In our efforts to provide Partners
with public recognition for their
achievements, the STAR Program has
created a new program brochure. The
new brochure includes an overview of
the Program's mission, information on
how EPA specifically teams up with
industry to effectively tackle challenges
facing businesses today, STAR Partner
success stories, and a list of active pro-
gram participants.
The Natural Gas STAR Program is
intended to provide you with a vehi-
cle to communicate, both internally
and externally, your organization's vol-
untary commitment to a successful,
cost-effective, and innovative partner-
ship. The new brochure is available
to all Partners and anyone else you
think would benefit from receiving this
information. Feel free to use excerpts
from this brochure in your corporate
communications.
Contact us directly, fill out the
attached order form, or call the toll-
free Hotline at 1 -888-STAR-YES
(1-888-782-7937) to request copies of
the brochure.
EPA Launches
STAR Service Program
This spring the STAR Service
Program was launched as a new
benefit for Partner companies. The
STAR Service Program is intended to
improve Partner access to STAR infor-
mation, provide a higher level of
implementation assistance, and
enhance the overall participation
experience.
As part of this new program, STAR
Service Representatives have been
assigned to each Partner company.
These representatives are trained to
answer all program-related questions,
assist in preparing and submitting
implementation plans and annual
reports, provide information on new
program and technological develop-
ments, and help publicize and pro-
mote Partner participation and
achievements.
Rhone Resch and Paul Gunning, EPA
Natural Gas STAR Program Managers,
1 will be working closely with the service
representatives and will continue to be
accessible to all Partners. Natural Gas
STAR is excited about this new service
1 and looks forward to greater interaction
with Partner companies.
The 1998 Natural Gas
STAR Implementation
Workshop will be held
I October 7-9, 1998 in
I Houston, Texas.
Natural Gas Star Partner Update Summer 1998
-------
Natural Gas STAR Plans Emission Reduction Verification Effort
n response to Partner requests at
the 1997 STAR Implementation
Workshop, the Natural Gas STAR
Program is developing a process for
ensuring the accurate accounting of
partner savings and accomplishments.
The first step, a verification effort, is
being initiated as a means of identify-
ing information and materials that
could be provided as part of the annu-
al reporting process to support STAR
Partner reductions.
The EPA Gas STAR Program Managers
will be working with Partners throughout
the year to develop a list of supporting
materials. In addition, all Partners will be
given the opportunity to discuss their
ideas and insights regarding verification
at the October 7 - 9,1998, STAR
Implementation Workshop in Houston,
Texas. In the meantime, EPA has asked
Gas STAR Partners for suggestions on the
type of materials and information that
are readily available and could be easily
provided with minimal administrative
burden. Examples of supporting materi-
als might include:
Site information, equipment mod-
els, dates, and names of contractors
or foremen overseeing equipment
installation for equipment BMPs.
Name and signature of the managers
or inspectors implementing the BMP;
and the sites and dates where the
BMPs were implemented.
Methodology used to calculate
emission reductions (e.g., EPA
defaults, engineering judgement,
test data, or other sources of emis-
sion factors).
Descriptions of your calculation
procedures for calculation methods
other than the default EPA methods.
Purchase Orders from the vendors
describing the equipment.
Please contact the EPA Gas STAR
Program Managers with your sugges-
tions for the verification effort.
Lessons Learned
One of the primary goals of the
Natural Gas STAR Program is to
facilitate technology transfer on cost-
effective methods of reducing methane
emissions. The Lesson Learned Studies,
produced by EPA in collaboration with
STAR Partners, are good examples of
the STAR Program's success in this
area. The Lessons Learned Studies help
companies implement Best
Management Practices (BMPs) and
avoid pitfalls by providing detailed eco-
nomic and technical information
obtained directly from Partners' imple-
mentation experiences. The Lessons
Learned focus on both core BMPs and
Partner Reported Opportunities
(PROs). PROs are additional cost-effec-
tive technologies and practices that
STAR Partners have identified to further
reduce emissions of methane.
Currently, the Natural Gas STAR
Program is researching about 50 PROs,
several of which will be written about
in upcoming Lessons Learned Studies.
The nine Lessons Learned studies cur-
rently available are designed specifical-
ly to discuss implementation strategies
and tips, technological background,
and economic data, and additional
tools that can assist in the decision
making and implementation processes.
Lessons Learned are available on:
Core Best Management Practices:
Directed Inspection and
Maintenance at Compressor Stations
Directed Inspection and
Maintenance at Gate Stations and
Surface Facilities
Options for Reducing Methane
Emissions from Pneumatic Devices
in the Natural Gas Industry
Installation of Flash Tank Separators
Partner Reported Opportunities
Reducing Methane Emissions From
Compressor Rod Packing Systems
Reducing Emissions when Taking
Compressors Off-Line
Installing Vapor Recovery Units on
Crude Oil Storage Tanks
Replacing Wet Seals with Dry Seals
in Centrifugal Compressors
Reducing the Glycol Circulation
Rates in De hydra tors
To order Lessons Learned studies, use
the order form provided in this
newsletter or feel free to contact the
EPA Program Managers or your Service
Representative for more information.
Natural Gas Star Partner Update Summer 1998
-------
HO R
The Natural Gas
STAR 1997
Workshop
Highlights
Steve Seidel, of the White House Climate
Change Task Force, delivers the Keynote
Address at the 1997 STAR Workshop. On the
right is Dina Kruger, Chief of EPAs Methane
and Utilities Branch.
SUM MA
Partners Discuss Program
Implementation at 1997
Natural Gas STAR
Workshop
On October 28 and 29,1997, EPA,
along with the American Gas
Association (AGA), Interstate Natural
Gas Association of America (INGAA),
and the American Petroleum Institute
(API) co-sponsored the Fourth Annual
Natural Gas STAR Implementation
Workshop in Washington,
DC. Over 75 people from
oil and natural gas compa-
nies and equipment ven-
dors attended the two-day
event. The 1997 Workshop
highlighted the accomplish-
ments of the Natural Gas
STAR Program, Partners'
implementation successes,
and new Program imple-
mentation tools. Most
importantly, the Workshop
provided a forum for Partners to share
their implementation experiences.
Program Implementation
Technology Transfer
Breakout Sessions
Partners identified the technology
transfer breakout sessions as the most
rewarding aspect of the 1 997 work-
shop. These sessions were effective in
engaging Partners in discussions about
barriers to program implementation
and technology transfer, ways to
improve and enhance technology
transfer, and ways in which EPA can
assist in the process. Some of the bar-
riers identified by Partner companies
included communication, time con-
straints, and low acceptance of new
technology. Potential solutions to over-
coming these barriers focused on
direct interaction with facility engi-
neers, rewarding innovation and tech-
nology transfer with incentive pro-
grams, and more neutral third party
testing of new technology. The chart
on the next page provides more detail
on the top five barriers to implementa-
tion and potential remedies, as identi-
fied by Partner companies.
Workshop Highlights
In addition to the breakout sessions,
the Workshop provided a wealth of
technical information and the oppor-
tunities to discuss climate change
issues with key policy makers. The fol-
lowing are highlights from the general
Workshop sessions:
Steve Seidel, of the White House
Climate Change Task Force, deliv-
ered the Keynote Address, which
outlined the U.S. position on climate
change and the Administration's
three-stage plan for meeting the
emissions reduction targets in the
Kyoto Protocol. Dr. Rosina Bierbaum
of the White House Office of
Science and Technology summarized
the science of climate change. These
presentations offered a rare opportu-
nity to hear from Administration pol-
icy makers. EPA's Paul Stolpman,
Director of Atmospheric Programs
spoke on the EPA's commitment to
voluntary programs. He acknowl-
edged the successes of the STAR
Natural Gas Star Partner Update Summer 1998
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Program, while recognizing that wider industry participa-
tion is important.
A special session was held on pneumatic devices, the
largest source of emissions from the natural gas sector
and one of the more challenging for finding solutions.
Presentations on the mechanics of pneumatic devices, on
the Lessons Learned Study of pneumatics, a summary of
a pneumatic device survey at Marathon Oil facilities, and
by vendors provided a good review of the issues and
questions on pneumatic device management.
John Weust of Marathon Oil and Mark Phillips of Enron
presented their companies' experiences with the Natural
Gas STAR Program. Mr. Weust spoke about Marathon's
most effective emissions reduction practices the instal-
lation of vapor recovery units and high-efficiency com-
bustion chamber flares. Mr. Phillips presented Enron's
testing of the High-Flow Sampler. Both Partners gave
examples of how being STAR Partner helped them cost-
effectively reduce methane emissions.
The Natural Gas STAR Program introduced several new
implementation tools at the workshop. The Natural Gas
STAR website was unveiled, as well as the Decision
Support Software, designed to help Partners identify
which Best Management Practices are cost-effective for
their companies. The STAR Program also presented 9
new Lessons Learned studies. Lessons Learned Studies
serve as effective guides for implementing Best
Management Practices and include real cost data from
Partner companies.
EPA is looking forward to the 5th Annual Natural Gas
STAR Implementation Workshop which will convene in
Houston, Texas, on October 7-9, 1 998. All Partners are
encouraged to participate in the Workshop.
Partner-Identified Barriers to STAR Program
Implementation and Suggested Solutions
Issue
Communication
Time constraints
Corporate culture
Low acceptance of
new technology
Examples / Explanation
Communication within a com-
pany can be difficult given
diverse regions and organiza-
tional autonomy
Downsizing of companies has
reduced personnel and created
heavy workloads
Current corporate climate of
cost-cutting, downsizing, re-
structuring can make STAR a
low priority
Resistance to change, uncom-
fortable with new technology
and methods
Potential Solution
Make personal visits to regional offices
Get senior buy-in and directive
Use trade association knowledge and resources
Deal with facility/plant engineers directly, not through embedded
Environmental Health and Safety personnel
Publicize failures so others do not repeat mistakes
Make environmental performance an evaluation criterion for
operational personnel
Assign STAR Program manager regional assistants to create a network
Reward technology transfer with an incentive program
Show management how STAR participation can promote efficien-
cy and affect their bottom line
Possible government allocation of emission reduction credits (i.e.,
tax credits) can generate revenue
Have management encourage technology by awarding innovation
Neutral third-party testing of technology
Provide regulatory or tax incentives for companies who imple-
ment STAR
Training and education
Lack of training to use new
technology, lack of knowledge
about who and how
Encourage operations discussion with and field visits to other
companies which have implemented cost-effective change
Hire a consultant to evaluate system and develop an implementa-
tion plan
Natural Gas Star Partner Update Summer 1998
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Transmission & Distribution Partners
Production Partners
ANR Pipeline Company + Atlanta Gas Light Company +
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company + Bay State Gas
Company + Brooklyn Union + Central Hudson Gas & Electric
Corporation + Citizens Gas & Coke Utility + Colorado
Interstate Gas Company + Columbia Energy Group
Distribution Companies (5) (Columbia Gas of KY, MD, OH, PA,
VA, Inc.) + Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. +
Consumers Energy + Conective + El Paso Natural Gas
Company + Enron Corporation + Equitable Resources, Inc. +
Granite State Gas Transmission, Inc. + Great Lakes Gas
Transmission Company + Iroquois Gas Transmission System +
Kansas Operating Pipeline Company + Long Island Lighting
Company + Louisville Gas & Electric Company + Michigan
Consolidated Gas Company + MidCon Texas Pipeline
Corporation + Minnegasco + Natural Gas Pipeline Co. of
America + New York State Electric & Gas Corporation +
Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation + Northern Indiana
Public Service Company + Northern Utilities, Inc. +
Northwest Natural Gas Company + Orange and Rockland
Utilities, Inc. + Pacific Gas and Electric Company + PECO
Energy Company + Public Service Company of North Carolina
+ Public Service Electric and Gas Company + Rochester Gas &
Electric Corporation + South Carolina Electric & Gas Company
+ Southern California Gas Company + Southern Natural Gas
Company + Southwest Gas Corporation + Superior Water,
Light and Power Company + Tennessee Gas Pipeline + Texas
Gas Transmission Corporation + Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line
Corporation + UGI Utilities, Inc. + Washington Gas Light Co.
+ Wisconsin Public Service Corporation
Amerada Hess Corporation, U.S. Exploration and Production +
Amoco Corporation + Burlington Resources + Chevron U.S.A.
Production Company + Exxon Company, U.S.A. + FINA Oil
and Chemical Company + Kerr-McGee Corporation +
Marathon Oil Company + Mitchell Energy and Development
Corp. + Mobil Oil Corporation Exploration and Producing
Division + Pennzoil Exploration and Production Company +
SCANA Petroleum Resources, Inc. + Shell Exploration and
Production Company + Spirit Energy 76, A Business Unit of
Unocal + Texaco + The Stranded Gas Association, Inc. +
Union Pacific Resources
Endorsers
American Gas Association (AGA) + American Petroleum
Institute (API) * Gas Research Institute (GRI) * International
Centre for gas Technology Information (ICGTI) + Interstate
Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) + National
Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) +
Natural Gas Supply Association (NCSA) + New York State
Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) +
Southern Gas Association (SGA)
Natural Gas Star Partner Update Summer 1998
-------
DOCUMENT
REQUEST FORWl
Name & Title:
Organization:
Street Address:
City, State, Zip:
E-Mail Address:
Telephone #:
Date Requested:_
Date Info Needed:
FAX#:
FedEx/UPS # (if info needed asap):
NaturalGas
EPA POLLUTION PREVENTER
Please fax to
your STAR Service
Representative
or directly to the
Natural Gas
STAR Program at
202-565-2077.
PLEASE INDICATE WHICH
MATERIALS YOU WOULD
LIKE TO RECEIVE:
LESSONS LEARNED
1. Directed Inspection and Maintenance at Compressor Stations
2. Directed Inspection and Maintenance at Gate Stations and Surface Facilities
3. Options for Reducing Methane Emissions from Pneumatic Devices in the Natural Gas Industry
4. Installation of Flash Tank Separators
5. Reducing Methane Emissions from Compressor Rod Packing Systems
6. Reducing Emissions When Taking Compressors Off-Line
7. Installing Vapor Recovery Units on Crude Oil Storage Tanks
8. Replacing Wet Seals with Dry Seals in Centrifugal Compressors
9. Reducing the Glycol Circulation Rates in Dehydrators
STAR IMPLEMENTATION TOOLS
Decision Support Software
Decision Support Software Manual
OUTREACH MATERIALS
Natural Gas STAR Program Brochure
Natural Gas STAR Marketing Package
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