Fi n d
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LEAKS
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Our Leak Detection and Repair Program uses an optical gas imaging camera to find leaks in our natural gas compressor stations.
The leaks found during our surveys are small, but they can add up. by Erin Madison
optical gas imaging camera that can show natural gas leaks and where
In spring 2022, NorthWestern Energy announced our commitment
they’re coming from so our crews can fix them.
to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, which also includes a plan to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030 and ultimately achieve net-zero methane emissions by 2050. One of the ways we’re working to reach that goal is through a new Leak Detection and Repair, or LDAR, program. The goal of the LDAR program is to find and fix leaks more quickly at our natural gas compressor stations. Compressor stations change the pressure of natural gas in our pipelines. That process creates a lot of
“For the most part, we get them fixed right away,” said Beth Stimatz, Environmental Compliance Specialist at NorthWestern Energy. Each compressor station has about 6,000 components that could be leaking. In 2022, we found 82 leaks. “If we weren’t doing the surveys, those leaks would continue to leak gas to atmosphere,” Beth said. The leaks found during the LDAR survey are small, but they can still add up.
vibration, which can cause nuts and bolts and connectors to come loose
“We don’t want to waste that product, and we also don’t want it
and cause leaks. Extreme temperatures also cause parts to expand and
going into the environment,” she said. “Our goal is to reduce the number
contract, which can lead to leaks.
of leaks we see each year.”
Every quarter, we do an LDAR survey, which involves using an 30 | BRIGHT MAGAZINE Vol. 3
