Let’s Clear the Air.
Hess Reducing Air Emissions in North Dakota
Hess Corporation announced today that its operations in North Dakota are on track to meet the air quality guidelines developed by the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH).
The guidelines seek to reduce the level of “fugitive emissions” (such as methane and other organic compounds) that can be released into the air through potential leak points in the petroleum production process. Hess helped lead the consultative process within industry, which was a foundational piece for individual company discussions with the NDDoH.
As a company Hess was also one of the first movers and has been working quickly to make its operations compliant with its agreement with NDDoH.
“Hess has pursued a comprehensive program across our 446 operating sites in North Dakota to detect and eliminate emissions leaks, retire or upgrade storage facilities where needed, and develop model well pads for the future,” said Brent Lohnes, Hess General Manager for North Dakota.
“So far we have upgraded 99 percent of our operating sites to be compliant with the air emissions guidelines and we are working to finalize our program in the days ahead. This initiative has ensured fewer emissions are being released into the air, and our sites are operating more efficiently. Through the use of optical gas imaging, which allows invisible gases to be observed via infra-red technology, Hess has been able to identify vapor sources and take remedial action where necessary,” he said.
Lohnes added that Hess has been very appreciative of the collaborative approach of the North Dakota Department of Health, which has helped support its efforts to address air quality issues and reduce emissions.
“North Dakota has been working with the oil industry to address air quality issues in the oil patch,” said David Glatt, Chief of the Environmental Health Section of the North Dakota Department of Health. “The oil companies have been identifying and implementing innovative solutions to these issues. We appreciate this cooperative relationship benefiting the environment and the citizens of the state.”
“North Dakota has been working with the oil industry to address air quality issues in the oil patch,” said David Glatt, Chief of the Environmental Health Section of the North Dakota Department of Health. “The oil companies have been identifying and implementing innovative solutions to these issues. We appreciate this cooperative relationship benefiting the environment and the citizens of the state.”
Hess’s efforts in North Dakota build on a strong record of environmental stewardship and a commitment to sustainable practices globally that have seen the company recognized as one of the top 100 Most Sustainable Corporations worldwide. Hess has also earned a place on the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for North America for seven consecutive years.
# # #
Hess Corporation is a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. Hess is committed to meeting the highest standards of corporate citizenship and creating a positive impact on the communities where it operates.