Mayors’ Council on Pipeline Safety 2015 Conference May 14, 2015 Lesley Fleischman Clean Air Task Force

Benefits of reducing methane leaks from the distribution sector Safety – Fixing leaky pipelines can help stop gas leaks before they create an explosive safety hazard. Waste – Gas distribution companies leak over $400 million dollars worth of gas in the U.S. in Climate – Pound for pound, methane is more than 80 times worse than carbon dioxide in the coming two decades when warming may begin to change key natural systems. 2

Source: EPA, US Greenhouse Gas Inventory 3

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Emissions Factors in the EPA’s Inventory Pipeline Type MaterialEmission FactorUnit Mains Cast Iron mcf/mile-year Unprotected Steel Protected Steel 3.07 Plastic 9.91 Services Unprotected Steel 1.7 mcf/service-year Protected Steel 0.18 Plastic 0.01 Copper 0.25 Based on a study from 1996 “Average” emissions factors 5

2 recent studies (with different methodologies) McKain et al. Methane Emissions from Natural Gas Infrastructure and Use in the Urban Region of Boston, Massachusetts McKain et al. Methane Emissions from Natural Gas Infrastructure and Use in the Urban Region of Boston, Massachusetts – Top-Down: Atmospheric measurements and modeling of Boston area. – Finds methane emissions 2-3x larger than predicted by existing inventory methodologies and industry reports. Lamb et al. Direct Measurements Show Decreasing Methane Emissions from Natural Gas Local Distribution Systems in the United States Lamb et al. Direct Measurements Show Decreasing Methane Emissions from Natural Gas Local Distribution Systems in the United States – Bottom-Up: Measurement of leaks from 13 urban distribution systems. – Emissions estimate is 36% to 70% less than the 2011 EPA inventory. – Evidence of super-emitters. 6

Super-emitters Strong evidence suggests that the vast majority of emissions come from a small number of sources These large, unusual sources are referred to as “super-emitters” These may underrepresented in the component- by-component analysis that makes up the inventory. Finding and fixing these super-emitting sources is critical, and comprehensive leak detection and repair (LDAR) programs are essential. 7

Infrared (IR) Camera Technology Methane absorbs infrared radiation at certain wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. IR Cameras can be calibrated to “see” those wavelengths. Infrared cameras are now being deployed throughout the oil and gas industry. Allow inspectors to detect leaks in real time—rapidly inspecting all components at a facility. 8

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Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) Programs (for aboveground leaks) LDAR programs require regular surveying of facilities using infrared cameras or other instruments. The cost of inspecting facilities is low and, once leaks are found, the cost of repairing the leaks is largely (often entirely) paid for by the value of gas conserved by fixing the leaks. Our 2014 report Quantifying Cost-effectiveness of Systematic Leak Detection and Repair Programs Using Infrared Cameras analyzed the costs of LDAR programs at well pads and compressor stationsQuantifying Cost-effectiveness of Systematic Leak Detection and Repair Programs Using Infrared Cameras LDAR at large aboveground distribution facilities should be similarly cost effective. 10

LDAR at Aboveground M&R stations In our recent report, Waste Not, we called for quarterly surveys at large aboveground city- gate stations (meters and regulators).Waste Not We estimate this will reduce emissions by 60%. Saving over 18 bcf per year. 11

Underground Leaks: Classification Safety classification – Class 1: repaired immediately due to safety concerns. – Class 2: may create a future hazard, scheduled repair. – Class 3: no present or future hazard, monitored. Climate/Waste perspective – All leaks important from a climate/waste perspective. – Safety classification is not correlated with emissions magnitude. – Class 2 or class 3 leaks can have high emissions rates, but they may be further away from infrastructure and population so not an imminent security risk. – Class 2 and Class 3 can go on longer, so total emissions from these leaks can be high. – Class 1 leaks are repaired immediately, leak for a shorter length of time, so total methane emitted may be lower. 12

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