Enstor Gas, LLC
Using technology and best practices to identify and reduce methane emissions.
Enstor Gas, LLC (Enstor) joined ONE Future to further the company’s commitment to being responsible stewards of the environment and minimizing environmental impacts. A major component of this commitment is focusing efforts to reduce methane emissions.
Enstor is active in assessing its seven (7) natural gas storage facilities operating in states across the central and southern regions of the United States for methods to best reduce and prevent methane emissions at each location. To further the commitment of reduced emissions, Enstor has focused efforts on replacing current equipment with improved technology at various locations. Enstor’s core values and focus on continuous improvement play an important role in these endeavors.
Enstor is continuously focusing efforts to adjust operational procedures in order to mitigate emissions and improve emission measurements. The utilization of industry best practices and implementation of Audio, Visual, Olfactory (AVO) inspections at the facilities and along the pipelines further support the company’s goals and values. These activities minimize the impacts on global warming potentials by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and the potential for leaks.
In 2020, Enstor began using drone technology to identify leaks and encroachments. Drone technology is utilized to further the methane mapping process. The drone data is evaluated and alerts Enstor to any methane emissions above established thresholds. These thresholds are based on then-current regulatory requirement and Enstor meets or exceeds the requirements. The alerts ensure that Enstor can quickly assess and make necessary repairs. Enstor is working towards utilizing this technology at all of its underground storage facilities to evaluate the potential for leaks and for leak prevention, which in turn protects the environment and surrounding communities.
Enstor endeavors to be a good steward of the environment and surrounding communities. In order to meet these goals and values, the company operations are proactive with leak inspections and preventions and strives to meet and exceed the best practice industry standards. Where drones cannot be utilized, Enstor actively conducts well inspections, quarterly, weekly, and sometimes daily. These activities are often more stringent than current standards but ensure Enstor meets the best practice standards set forth by the government and industry.
Enstor is committed to protecting the environment by utilizing new technologies and ensuring employees are educated in best practice methodologies. Enstor has already begun the process of training employees on early leak detection through AVO inspections. The company is committed to fully implementing this best practice by the end of 2021.