HighMount E&P Recognized for Commitment to Environment and Safety by Two National Organizations
HOUSTON, TX (November, 2010) – Each year, the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Natural Gas STAR Program selects one new program partner to be recognized for their commitment to emissions reductions and demonstration of strong program participation. This year, the STAR Program elected to recognize HighMount E&P's efforts and awarded HighMount the "Rookie of the Year" Award.
Natural Gas STAR Program partners are asked to submit an annual report of their efforts to reduce emissions. The annual report, submitted by HighMount Environmental Specialist, Ervin Fisher (Sonora, TX), includes an implementation plan for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. HighMount's 2009 report was considered the most effective plan at reducing emissions among all partner groups in all categories.
Since joining as a production gathering partner in 2009, HighMount has realized methane emissions reductions totaling 471,240 Mcf. Those reductions are the approximate equivalent of the annual greenhouse gas emissions for 67,041 passenger vehicles.
HighMount employed various technologies and practices to achieve these totals, including the installation of electric motors, the elimination of unnecessary equipment and/or systems at each well site and by converting to instrument air systems. Nearly 81% of the reductions were achieved through the installation of plunger lifts.
Artificial plunger lifts, typically used to increase production in wells that have experienced marginal flow rates or high liquid content, allow a well to utilize its own energy to efficiently remove the liquids. These lifts require limited fuel to operate resulting in fewer emissions being generated to recover the well's production.
HighMount's 2009 Natural Gas STAR Summary Report is available on HighMount's website at www.highmountep.com.
At HighMount, not only do we continually look for ways to improve our business practices which could impact the environment, we remain dedicated to providing safe, responsible work conditions for the well-being of our employees.
This continued focus on safety was recently recognized by the National Safety Council which awarded HighMount the Perfect Record Award for operating 858,919 employee hours without occupational injury or illness requiring days away from work. The award covers the period from HighMount's inception on July 31, 2007 through July 31, 2010 in the Sonora District.
"Providing a safe work place and being good stewards of our environment are priorities for HighMount, says Steve Hinchman President and CEO. "Our environmental and safety performance reflects the character of the company and our overall operating performance. Congratulations to the HighMount men and women who helped us achieve these environmental and safety milestones."
HighMount E&P LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Loews Corporation (NYSE:L), is an energy company engaged in the exploration, development and production of long-life natural gas reserves in the United States. To learn more about HighMount, visit us at www.highmountep.com.