Crestwood Equity Partners

Reducing Emissions Improves Operational Efficiencies

Through safe, reliable and efficient operations, we strive to reduce methane emissions and capture marketable methane. Crestwood is committed to continuously improving the way we manage emissions generated by our facilities as we remain steadfast in working towards a better future for our industry and environment.

As society evolves through the energy transition, Crestwood expects that its natural gas focused assets will continue to provide necessary energy supply to meet long-term energy demand while balancing reduced carbon emissions. Therefore, we continue to understand, assess and improve our management and approach to methane emissions.

In 2020, we enhanced our approach to Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) by increasing our inspections at our compressor stations, processing facilities and pipelines that meet or exceed regulatory standards. We have incorporated the use of Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) at our natural gas processing facilities. OGI cameras can quickly spot emissions and leaks, allowing technicians to find fugitive emissions faster than with Method 21 or “sniffer” detectors. Performing just one OGI inspection at a non-regulated facility per year can reduce fugitive emissions by at least 40 percent.

Another best practice implemented to reduce methane emissions was to increase the replacement frequency of our rod packing compressor systems and utilizing low-emission rod packing, where feasible. Over time, these systems begin to leak more methane as the pressure, fitting and alignment of the packing rods change and wear increases. By increasing the frequency, including as planned maintenance, we reduce otherwise expected fugitive emissions.