MDU Resource Group Methane Challenge Historical Actions Fact Sheet MDU Resources Group, Inc. BMP Distribution Partner Since 2016

Background
Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. (Montana-Dakota), Great Plains Natural Gas (GPNG), Cascade Natural
Gas Corporation (CNGC) and Intermountain Gas Company (IGC), all a part of MDU Resources
Group, Inc. (MDU), are local natural gas distribution companies (LDCs) operating in Montana, North
Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, Idaho, Wyoming, Washington and Oregon. The goals of the
Methane Challenge Program match our company objectives of reducing methane leaks and
fugitive emissions to ensure safe, reliable and economic service, while utilizing natural resources
efficiently to minimize environmental impact. The Historical Actions presented below outline the
steps that each LDC has already taken to minimize the methane emissions within their respective
service territories.
Historical Actions
Pipe Replacement
Montana-Dakota - Bare Steel Replacement Program -
From the mid-1980s-2000, all but 5% of the bare steel
lines were replaced in MDU's service territories primarily
with medium density polyethylene (MDPE) pipe with
tracer line.
GPNG - Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Replacement Program
- From 2011-2015, nearly 38 miles of untraceable PVC
main and over 4 miles of untraceable PVC service lines
were replaced with MDPE pipe with tracer line.
CNGC - Pipe Replacement Program - From 2012-2015,
nearly 38 miles of unprotected steel pipe, ranging from
service lines up to 8-inch mains, were replaced with
protected steel or MDPE pipe.
IGC - High-Risk Aldyl-A and 3.5" Thin Wall Steel Pipe
Replacement Programs - From 2013-present, nearly 15
miles of high-risk (pre-1973) Aldyl-A pipe and 11 miles of
high corrosion risk 3.5" thin wall steel pipe have been
replaced with MDPE and protected steel pipe.
EPA Form No. 5900 413

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MDU Resources Group, Inc. Historical Fact Sheet
Preventi ng/Mitigati ng Excavation Damages
Montana-Dakota & GPNG - Montana-Dakota and GPNG have historically participated in the 811/One Call
program in all states in which we operate. We are also active participants in the Common Ground Alliance
and various pipeline associations. This includes hosting educational banquets and other community outreach
for excavating contractors and others throughout many of the communities we serve. These events create
opportunities to meet face to face and explain the critical nature of damage prevention, and hence, methane
emission reductions, as it pertains to our facilities. Montana-Dakota and GPNG participate in damage
complaint systems in North Dakota and South Dakota in order to identify and deter offenders from repeating
their past mistakes.
CNGC - In 2014, CNGC created the position of Public Awareness Coordinator to address community
education and outreach opportunities, focusing on damage prevention and further reducing potential releases
of methane from excavation damages. CNGC is currently establishing a Damage Prevention Program that
focuses on working with contractors or third parties that are repeat offenders. By identifying and reaching out
to these third parties prior to work beginning on the respective project, we believe that we'll see a reduction in
excavation damages throughout our service territory. In addition, CNGC actively participates in 811, Common
Ground Alliance, and damage complaint programs in Washington and Oregon.
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IGC - IGC is in the final stages with the Idaho
Public Utilities Commission with regard to
implementing a fines and penalty structure for
third-party damage offenders. District offices
periodically hold "Contractor Awareness"
meetings to discuss damages. IGC participates
in utility coordination meetings to identify
projects where our facilities could be impacted
and take steps to retain/protect or relocate our
pipelines to prevent failure. IGC actively
participates in the 811 program, which would
include speaking at meetings, advertising in
the media, and placing vehicle wraps on select
company vehicles. We have a Critical Line
Program that includes "boots on the ground"
when excavations are near facilities that are
deemed critical (higher pressure and size that
would result in larger releases of methane if damaged). IGC will often route gas to a lower pressure system
with isolation valves rather than the time-efficient alternative practice of blowing the gas to atmosphere to
reach the desired pressure. When replacing pipe, we often utilize hot tap fittings to eliminate the amount of
methane that would have otherwise been released to the atmosphere. IGC has taken a proactive approach to
installation of excess flow valves (EFVs). A large portion of excavation damages are on our new service lines
that have EFVs installed. EFVs automatically shut off gas flow in the event of a damage/excessive leak.
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