Preserving Air Quality, Reducing Emissions
Chesapeake’s operations can produce emissions from both venting and combustion of fuels used. As a result, our emissions profile is a mix of GHGs and conventional air pollutants.
An Integrated Approach to Managing and Reducing Air Emissions
Compliance
Abide by all applicable state and federal environmental requirements; as relevant we will conduct training programs to educate employees on operational and record keeping practices
Monitoring and Maintenance
Layer multiple leak detection monitoring techniques and technologies for comprehensive emissions identification, repair and prevention
Engineering Design and Innovation
Increase efficiency and reduce emissions through capital investment, technology adoption and innovative facility design
Emissions Reporting
Work with third-party organizations to develop and implement an increasingly integrated and holistic emissions monitoring, verification and reconciliation program (in addition to EPA and state validation programs)
Complying with Regulatory Requirements
Chesapeake’s robust air quality program has regulatory compliance at its foundation. We utilize an electronic compliance management system that allows task tracking, report generation and emissions calculations to facilitate compliance with state and federal requirements, as well as integration with maintenance tasks and inspections with field employees.
2023 Emissions Inventory (metric tons)
| Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) | Nitrogen Oxide (NOX) | Sulfur Oxide (SOX) | Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (metric tons) | (metric tons) | (metric tons) | (metric tons) | |
| Corporate Headquarters (OKC) | 0.53 | 5.88 | 0.13 | 0.09 |
| Marcellus | 506 | 1,739 | 4 | 68 |
| Haynesville | 160 | 1,197 | 375 | 37 |
Monitoring for and Managing Emissions
Chesapeake utilizes a variety of on-site and remote continuous detection and emissions monitoring technologies which provide consistent surveillance of our operations. While many of these programs focus on detecting and reducing GHG emissions, they have residual effects in reducing other emissions or pollutants within the same operations.
Emissions Detection Methods
Fixed Monitoring
- Fixed methane detection, 2,500 devices
- React quickly to stop emissions: aim to locate source of emission within 24 hours
Aerial Flyovers
- Biannual flyover of all facilities
- Provides holistic snapshots of source-level methane emissions
Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) Inspections
- Quarterly inspections
- 3,068 inspections conducted in 2023 (Haynesville and Marcellus) with 13 certified inspectors
Audio, Visual, Olfactory (AVO) Inspections
- Weekly (Marcellus)
- Monthly (Haynesville)
Emissions Management Program
All emission detection methods follow this same protocol
Directing and Managing Maintenance
Chesapeake has deployed more than 2,500 stand-alone real-time methane detection devices across our operations. When these monitors detect a potential leak, we aim to respond within 24 hours. A lease operator performs an on-site visit, identifies the leak and usually repairs it on the spot. If the leak can’t be identified or repaired by a lease operator, we bring in a technician with an OGI camera for leak detection and repair.
We initiate and manage maintenance activities through our Enterprise Asset Management software application. This program allows for the centralized management of equipment and asset data and offers a standardized work order system. Creating such consistency across our operating areas increases accountability for maintenance activities and provides data for trend analysis and preventive improvements to our sites.
