 |
|
SGA Environmental Excellence Award
2009 SGA Environmental Excellence Award Recipients: These awards will be presented during the Opening Session of the SGA Environmental, Safety & Training Conference June1-3 in Dallas, Texas. 2009 Environmental Excellence Partnership Award Northwest Pipeline GP (Williams) Williams Gas Pipeline’s (WGP) 26-inch pipeline crossing at Woodard Creek became exposed during November flood events in 2006. The project is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Head-cut erosion moving upstream through the stream channel resulted in a six-foot drop in elevation over the pipeline at the crossing. The exposed pipeline was at risk of being damaged by the large bedload cobbles and boulders in the stream channel and possible continued to be undercut vertically in response to continued head-cut erosion, and the exposed span length would have increased unless erosion protection measures were installed. In Fall 2007, a repair of the exposed pipeline included the installation of a rock grade control structure along with the downstream side of the exposed pipeline. Following this initial response, WGP collaborated with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group (LCFEG) and other state and federal agencies to develop a plan for long-term stabilization of the pipeline and creek bed while ensuring protection of the resources within the creek, including critical habitat for federally protected salmonids (coho salmon and steelhead). WGP and its contractor, ENTRIX, designed a large morphologically complex log jam structure to be placed downstream of the pipeline and installed fish habitat structures further downstream in partnership with the USFS and LCFEG to provide refugia for juvenile salmonids within the reach. Other conservation objectives of the project included storage for sediment to benefit downstream reaches of the creek between the crossing and confluence with the Columbia River, create additional spawning habitat by accumulation of gravels behind the log jam structures, reduce low flow depth to width ration for fish passage, and stabilize the creek banks. The end result was a project that is currently providing protection to the pipeline while stabilizing the creek and providing habitat for salmonids. As part of the relationship developed with the USFS and non-profit LCFEG, WGP anticipates partnering again on future projects to support getting much needed habitat enhancement and overall water quality benefits within the system. The partnership is a true win-win for the company and the environment.
2009 Environmental Excellence Technology Award Nicor Gas During the mid-1990s, Nicor Gas’ Transmission Department recognized the need to replace high bleed pneumatic controls. They completed a cost benefit analysis for the program and also identified the environmental benefits. In 1997, they initiated the program by replacing 15 pneumatic devices. They continued for over a decade and completed the replacement program in 2008. Further, for new installations, pneumatic devices were no longer installed and mechanical controls were used instead. During 2008, the final year of the replacement program, Nicor Gas replaced 25 pneumatic controls with a methane reduction estimated at 17,400 Mcf (695 Mcf/unit per year, manufacturer’s data). The overall program has resulted in a decrease of nearly 100,000 Mcf of natural gas emissions since 1997. Further, the number of leak calls due to this equipment has essentially been eliminated. In total during 2008, this program has resulted in emission reductions totaling 87,000 metric tons of CO2e. For the entire program, Nicor Gas has reduced emissions by some 4,871,000 metric tons of CO2e associated with 178 total pneumatic devices. From a more practical perspective, EPA estimates a typical home uses 52,429 cubic feet of natural gas per year. In 2008, by reducing fugitive emissions at these pneumatic devices, Nicor has conserved the equivalent of the annual natural gas usage of 332 homes. For the entire program, Nicor has eliminated emissions equivalent to the annual natural gas usage of over 1,850 homes. Through this program, Nicor Gas has preserved the environmental and conserved a valuable asset.
2009 Environmental Excellence Stewardship Award El Paso Corporation The Carson City (Nevada) Field Office (CCFO) of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has worked with El Paso Corporation to reclaim the Comstock Mill Site, Storey County, NV. The property has been inactive for many years and the reclamation responsibility assumed by a series of unpatented claim owners. Efforts by the BLM and State of Nevada to require the claim owners to mitigate environmental and physical safety concerns at the sites had little success. A subsidiary of El Paso formerly operated the mill site, and El Paso reached a consent agreement with BLM to complete the reclamation of the mill site. The project required major reclamation efforts and financial commitments by El Paso, demonstrating El Paso’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The demolition of buildings and structures at the Comstock Mill took place between August 8, 2006 and October 20, 2006. All recyclable materials were taken to a scrap metal yard for salvage (final tonnage of scrap metal for recycling was 661 tons). All hazardous materials and empty cyanide drums were profiled, manifested and transported offsite. Prior to demolition, an asbestos abatement company removed all asbestos containing materials from the site. At the end of the demolition, the 10-acre site was graded into the natural topography (free draining), covered with two to five feet of clean soil and seeded with native species. The reclamation of the Comstock Tailings Impoundment began in October 2007 and was completed in April 2008. The stated purpose of the reclamation was to help ensure protection of public safety and health and provide a final landform compatible with natural surroundings that promote re-vegetation. The goal was to mitigate the migration of cyanide and toxic metals from the impoundment into local groundwater.
The SGA Environmental Excellence Award was established in 2005 to recognize SGA member companies who have made a significant impact in protecting our environment. Through utilization of innovative environmental practices, SGA member companies reduce waste, save money, and contribute to the industry’s environmental protection efforts, as well as benefit the health and welfare of the nation. The program must be voluntary and not the result of mandates by regulations or enforcement decrees. For more information, contact Marsha Short at 972-620-4024.
PAST RECIPIENTS 2005 Partnership Award - Oklahoma Natural Gas Company Technology Award - Atmos Energy Corporation Stewardship Award - R. Christopher Goodwin & Associates, Inc./U.S. Army Environmental Center Chairman's Award - Texas Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership 2006 Partnership Award - Florida Gas Transmission Technology Award - South Carolina Electric & Gas Company Stewardship Award - Nicor Gas Chairman's Award - Texas Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership 2007 Partnership Award - Nicor Gas Technology Award - Atmos Energy Corporation Stewardship Award - Alliance Pipeline, LP 2008 Partnership Award - Atlanta Gas Light Company Technology Award - Nicor Gas Stewardship Award - El Paso Corporation Chairman's Award - Cheniere Energy, Inc.
|
