RMGA Environmental and Sustainability Practices 3

Question 1

How does the natural gas industry define 'lost and unaccounted for' (LAUF) gas?

Accepted Answer

The difference between gas injected into the distribution system and gas metered to customers, representing leaks, measurement errors, and unbilled uses

Answer

Gas that is stolen from the pipeline by unauthorized users

Answer

Gas that evaporates from storage tanks during seasonal cycling

Answer

Gas consumed in utility operations that is not billed to customers

Question 2

What is a 'greenhouse gas reduction plan' typically required of gas utilities in states with climate legislation?

Accepted Answer

A documented strategy with targets and timelines for reducing the utility's methane and CO2 emissions from operations

Answer

A plan to reduce the utility's office energy consumption only

Answer

A financial plan for purchasing carbon offsets only

Answer

A plan to convert all gas customers to electric service immediately

Question 3

What technology allows utilities to detect gas leaks from a moving vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Mobile leak survey using laser-based methane analyzers mounted on a vehicle

Answer

Sonic leak detection using ground microphones

Answer

Aerial infrared photography from fixed-wing aircraft only

Answer

Stationary fence-line monitoring sensors

Question 4

What is the environmental purpose of 'pressure management' in natural gas distribution systems?

Accepted Answer

To maintain pressure at the lowest level sufficient for service, which reduces leak rates and gas losses from the system

Answer

To increase gas delivery capacity for peak demand

Answer

To prevent equipment damage from pressure surges

Answer

To ensure gas quality meets pipeline specifications

Question 5

What is 'biogas upgrading' and why is it relevant to gas utilities?

Accepted Answer

The process of purifying raw biogas (primarily methane and CO2) to pipeline quality for injection into the natural gas distribution system

Answer

A process that increases the BTU value of conventional natural gas

Answer

A technique for extracting methane from deep geological formations

Answer

A method for increasing gas storage capacity in underground facilities

Question 6

What does the term 'carbon intensity' mean when applied to natural gas supply?

Accepted Answer

The greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy delivered, considering emissions across the entire supply chain

Answer

The amount of carbon physically present in the gas molecule

Answer

The calorific value of the gas expressed in carbon equivalent units

Answer

The percentage of methane content in the natural gas blend