RMGA Environmental and Sustainability Practices 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the environmental benefit of replacing cast iron or bare steel gas mains with plastic pipe?
- Plastic pipe increases gas pressure capacity, allowing more gas delivery
- Plastic pipe eliminates corrosion-related leaks, reducing fugitive methane emissions and improving safety (Correct answer)
- Plastic pipe reduces the cost of odorant injection
- Plastic pipe improves electrical conductivity for cathodic protection systems
Correct answer: Plastic pipe eliminates corrosion-related leaks, reducing fugitive methane emissions and improving safety
Old cast iron and bare steel mains are prone to corrosion and joint leaks; replacing them with polyethylene pipe reduces fugitive methane emissions and eliminates safety hazards.
Question 2: What is the role of a 'methane emissions inventory' for a gas distribution company?
- To track methane content in the gas supply for billing accuracy
- To quantify and report greenhouse gas emissions from system operations for regulatory compliance and emission reduction planning (Correct answer)
- To measure methane levels in customer homes for safety monitoring
- To calculate the economic value of gas lost through leaks
Correct answer: To quantify and report greenhouse gas emissions from system operations for regulatory compliance and emission reduction planning
An emissions inventory systematically measures and reports methane releases from all sources in the distribution system, enabling regulatory compliance and targeted reduction efforts.
Question 3: What does EPA Subpart W require of natural gas distribution companies?
- Annual safety inspections of all pipeline segments
- Annual reporting of greenhouse gas emissions to the EPA (Correct answer)
- Monthly water quality testing near pipeline corridors
- Quarterly air quality monitoring at compressor stations
Correct answer: Annual reporting of greenhouse gas emissions to the EPA
EPA 40 CFR Part 98 Subpart W requires natural gas distribution companies to annually report greenhouse gas (primarily methane) emissions to the EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program.
Question 4: What is 'directed inspection and maintenance' (DI&M) in the natural gas industry?
- A workforce scheduling program for field technicians
- A targeted leak detection and repair approach that prioritizes fixing the largest emission sources first for maximum environmental benefit (Correct answer)
- A federal inspection program conducted by PHMSA inspectors
- A maintenance program for directional drilling equipment
Correct answer: A targeted leak detection and repair approach that prioritizes fixing the largest emission sources first for maximum environmental benefit
DI&M focuses resources on identifying and repairing the largest leaks first, maximizing emission reductions per dollar spent compared to uniform leak survey programs.
Question 5: What environmental advantage does natural gas have over coal and oil when burned for energy?
- Natural gas combustion produces no greenhouse gases
- Natural gas combustion produces significantly less CO2 per unit of energy and nearly no particulate matter or sulfur dioxide compared to coal or oil (Correct answer)
- Natural gas is a renewable energy source
- Natural gas combustion produces no nitrogen oxides
Correct answer: Natural gas combustion produces significantly less CO2 per unit of energy and nearly no particulate matter or sulfur dioxide compared to coal or oil
Natural gas combustion emits roughly 50% less CO2 than coal and 30% less than oil per unit of energy, with negligible sulfur dioxide and much lower particulate emissions.
Question 6: What is the purpose of 'atmospheric monitoring' near natural gas compressor stations or storage facilities?
- To measure gas quality for billing purposes
- To detect and quantify methane or other emissions to ensure compliance with air permits and protect community air quality (Correct answer)
- To monitor weather conditions for operational planning
- To track seismic activity near underground storage fields
Correct answer: To detect and quantify methane or other emissions to ensure compliance with air permits and protect community air quality
Atmospheric monitoring around gas facilities measures pollutant concentrations to verify compliance with air quality permits and provide early warning of equipment leaks or malfunctions.
RMGA Environmental and Sustainability Practices 2
What is the environmental benefit of replacing cast iron or bare steel gas mains with plastic pipe?