A Middle Ground: "Green Completion"

The Environmental Protection Agency of the United States is attempting to create what I like to call a "middle ground" in order to keep the environment and human health in mind but also to keep the industry of hydraulic fracturing alive. By taking the facts from both sides of the argument about over a year ago, on April 17, 2012, the EPA passed regulations to reduce dangerous air pollution that occurs as a result of the oil and natural gas industry. This marked the first ever federal air standards for natural gas wells that undergo hydraulic fracturing. These regulations set up for the fractured wells are based on proven technology and practices that those in the industry have successfully used and continue to currently. About 50% of fractured natural gas wells in the United States are using these methods today. 

The EPA held two public meetings during the development of these regulations. Receiving more than 156,000 comments, the final product provides flexibility for the industry while keeping in mind the voice of the public. The rules allow for the industry to meet their designated deadlines while simultaneously keeping up with their part related to environmental benefits. The final regulations offer incentives for the industry to advance their technology and reduce pollution at the earliest stages. "Green completion", a tested and proved process that captures natural gas that escapes into the air, is a key player in the final regulations. With green completion there is an expected 95% yearly reduction in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds aka the pollutants) emitted that would be coming from about 11,000 new fracturing wells. This reduction is also expected to reduce ground-level ozone in oil and gas production areas as well as reducing methane emissions from new and updated wells.

"Green Completion" equipment (courtesy of motherjones.com)

The process includes special equipment which works to separate gas and liquid hydrocarbons from the previously mentioned "flowback", or other fluid that leaks out onto the surface, that comes from the well. This way the gas and hydrocarbons can be treated and sold without wasting precious natural resources. Green completion systems present a significant opportunity for cost savings. By using portable equipment to process and separate the gas, the recovered gas can be sent directly to another pipeline and sold from there. These systems can typically recover more than half of the total gas produced. When the final rules become implemented in 2015, EPA studies show that the costs saved will be anywhere between 11 to 19 million dollars. 

As of lately, some states and cities, including Colorado, Wyoming, Fort Worth and Southlake Texas, are requiring green completion systems. Working alongside the government to ensure safe practices, those taking part of green completion systems are at the forefront of ensuring environmentally friendly business and have set a standard for the industry.