As one of the largest privately owned gas storage companies in the U.S., we recognize our role in protecting our environment for future generations. We align with the best available practices to reduce our operational footprint, limit our emissions, and manage climate-related risks for long-term security.
Our management approach is governed by an Environmental Management System (EMS) and associated EMS Manual (EMSM) that align with the ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management Standard. The EMSM applies to facility operations pertaining to the injection, withdrawal, and storage of natural gas services that Enstor provides as well as to our corporate office location. Enstor provides EMSM training to all employees at every facility. Our Environmental Policy describes the intention and principles that we have adopted in relation to environmental performance, including but not limited to legal compliance, continual improvements, and pollution prevention.
Enstor has also been evaluating methane intensity, through the ONE Future Coalition. The ONE Future Coalition is a group of more than 50 natural gas companies working together to voluntarily reduce methane emissions across the natural gas value chain to 1% (or less) by 2025. The inaugural submission of emissions resulted in a methane intensity of 0.82% for 2020. In 2021, Enstor evaluated the highest sources of emissions and took the following actions: maintained pressure upon blowdown; reduced idle time on units; and monitored for leaks through audio, visual, and olfactory (AVO) inspections. As a result, our methane intensity calculated by ONE Future was 0.502% for 2021. It is estimated that the methane intensity for 2022 will be reduced by at least another 50% due to the engine replacements at our Katy facility and increased leak detection measures.
In 2021, Enstor executed a contract with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TECQ) through its New Technology Implementation Grant Program. This joint effort will proceed in 2022 and will replace eight lean-burn engines at our Katy facility, with more efficient remanufactured rich-burn engines, producing lower emissions and increasing Enstor’s capacity to serve our customers.
LDAR refers to U.S. EPA regulations designed to help reduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and volatile hazardous air pollutants (VHAP). Following the monitoring pilot project using drones at the Katy facility in 2020, Enstor expanded the inspections to Grama Ridge facility in 2021. The drones utilize Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) and Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras. At all facilities, Enstor implemented ongoing monitoring processes such as daily AVO inspections to identify and repair any leaks and or issues found at the facilities.
We are committed to using our resources efficiently and minimizing waste in our operations. Our sources of waste are generated mainly from routine maintenance activities and the operation of compressors at our facilities. Our facilities dispose low volumes of non-hazardous waste (i.e., domestic waste) according to the definition of applicable state regulations through accredited waste disposal facilities. In 2021, Enstor was able to recycle 19,000 pounds of used piping at the Katy Facility, reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills. We also maintain a universal waste program that limits the number of batteries, lightbulbs, and paint that goes to landfill.
