Responsible environmental stewardship is a core value at SWN. We believe natural gas is an essential part of a lower-carbon energy future and we are well-positioned to help deliver this future through responsible energy development.
Our operations are informed by the best current science and industry practices and guided by a commitment to be a model operator in environmental stewardship. Our Health, Safety and Environmental Policy underpins our commitment to avoid and mitigate environmental impacts associated with operations, including reducing emissions, conserving energy and reducing waste. Our comprehensive environmental management system helps to ensure that we operate consistently and at a high level across our operating regions. We maintain positive and productive relationships with federal and state regulatory agencies, and it is our practice to conform our operations to the spirit – not just the letter – of all environmental rules and regulations.
Air
In 2020, our methane leak/loss rate was 0.075%. While this was an increase of 0.02% over 2019, due to the acquisition of Montage Resources, SWN continues to surpass the voluntary ONE Future methane leak/loss goal for our sector of 0.28%, which we originally surpassed eight years ago, thanks to our early leadership in methane reduction.
Water
SWN has a comprehensive approach to protecting critical water resources. In 2020, for the fifth year in a row, we met our industry-first goal to maintain “Fresh Water Neutral” operations, by replenishing every gallon of fresh water we use through environmental conservation projects that restore and return beneficial fresh water to the environment.
Land
SWN’s goal is to minimize surface impacts, prevent spills, reduce waste and protect biodiversity. In 2020, even while facing the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, SWN achieved top-quartile performance among our peers in environmental metrics, including achieving a top-quartile Total Produced Fluids Spill Rate of 0.009 barrels (bbls) released per 1,000 bbls spilled.
Climate Change and Scenario Analysis
Our low-cost resource base means that SWN is well-positioned to prosper under multiple 2°C scenarios. Our leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions enhances our ability to comply with new policies and practices, and our capital discipline prevents us from investing in assets that are unlikely to recover their costs.
Key Metrics
14.3 billion
gallons of fresh water delivered to the environment through conservation projects since 2014, including 2.4 billion gallons of beneficial fresh water to the environment in 2020 alone
95%
Recycling of produced water compared to the volume of produced water SWN generated in 20201
0.075%
methane leak/loss rate for 20202
100%
of our operational facilities surveyed for potential methane leaks in 2020
100%
of our compressor stations surveyed for potential methane leaks in 2020
99%
of identified leaks were repaired3
0.009
Total Produced Fluid Spill Rate in 20204
- This includes produced water that SWN received from other operators, as well as rainfall captured in production equipment which is managed as contact water with our water management system. SWN also shared produced water with other operators; however in 2020, we received more than we shared out to others.
- In November 2020, SWN acquired Montage Resources, with producing wells in Ohio and West Virginia. As a result of this acquisition, the methane leak/loss rate increased 0.02% from 2019 to 2020. In accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency greenhouse gas reporting requirements, the properties acquired were included in the calculation for the entire year of 2020. The methane leak/loss rate for 2020 for Montage Resources was 0.141%, while SWN had a methane leak/loss rate without Montage of 0.059%.
- All leaks are ultimately repaired. However, fewer than 1% of leaks in 2020 were identified for delayed repair, in accordance with regulations to prevent excess emissions as a result of immediate repair.
- The Total Produced Fluid Spill Rate in 2020 was calculated by dividing the total barrels of produced fluid spilled outside of primary containment by 1,000 barrels of produced fluid. Produced fluid is defined as produced water, condensate, oil or natural gas liquids.