Responsible environmental stewardship is a core value at SWN. We believe natural gas is an essential part of a lower-carbon energy future, and thanks to our focus on developing natural gas and gas liquids responsibly, we are well-positioned to help deliver this future.
We take a science-based approach to responsible development and strive to be a model operator in all aspects of environmental protection. Our comprehensive environmental management system helps to ensure that we operate at a consistently 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 environmental regulations.
Air
In 2018, we reduced our methane leak/loss rate to 0.056 percent,1 which is 96 percent below the industry average of 1.62 percent.2 SWN achieved and surpassed the voluntary ONE Future methane leak/loss goal for our sector of 0.36 percent five years ago, thanks to our early leadership in methane reduction.
Water
SWN has a comprehensive approach to protecting critical water resources. In 2018, for the third 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 conservation projects and treatment technologies that return beneficial fresh water to the environment.
Land
SWN aims to minimize surface impacts, prevent spills, reduce waste and protect biodiversity. In 2018, we were recognized by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection for excellence in well site reclamation.
Climate Change and Scenario Analysis
Our low-cost resource base means 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 constrains us from investing in assets that are unlikely to recover their capital costs.
Key Metrics
10 billion
gallons of fresh water delivered to the environment through conservation projects since 2014, including 3+ billion gallons of beneficial fresh water to the environment in 2018 alone
99%
of produced water in Northeast Appalachia was recycled
100%
of our operational facilities surveyed for potential methane leaks in 2018
100%
of our Midstream-operated compressor stations surveyed for potential methane leaks in 2018
99%
of identified leaks were repaired5
- In accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency greenhouse gas reporting requirements, assets that were divested in 2018 are not reported.
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, Timothy J. Skone, P.E., 2018, Industry Partnerships and Their Role in Reducing Natural Gas Supply Chain Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
- In accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency greenhouse gas reporting requirements, assets that were divested in 2018 are not reported.
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, Timothy J. Skone, P.E., 2018, Industry Partnerships and Their Role in Reducing Natural Gas Supply Chain Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
- All leaks are ultimately repaired. However, less than 1 percent of leaks in 2018 were identified for delayed repair in accordance with regulation to prevent excess emissions as a result of immediate repair.