Environment
Earthstone’s commitment to uphold high standards of environmental stewardship and responsible practices is at the core of our operations. We believe it is essential to conduct business in accordance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and implement similar operating standards when such laws and regulations do not exist. The combined mission for protection of land, air, water and people is one that we take seriously.
With a goal of continuous improvement, our field operations staff uses best practices and the latest technologies, many of which help us to reduce our environmental impact and improve operating conditions. All lease operators receive specialized environmental training focused on air quality compliance, waste management, spill prevention, and other areas of environmental compliance. We are also working with the industry, the community and our partners to establish and refine these practices and share our culture of respect for the environment. Below are some of the responsible steps and best practices that we employ to safeguard the environment:
Minimizing air emissions by installing Vapor Recovery Units (“VRUs”) in conjunction with tank battery construction
Targeting Zero Flaring by connecting natural gas pipelines ahead of flowback and first production, which negates need for flaring
Started implementation of Leak Detection & Repair (“LDAR”) program in 2019 to further minimize air emissions
Shifted to utilization of silos for handling of frac sand to reduce the presence of free-floating silica dust and create a safer work environment
Plan for 100% of water disposal on pipeline in the Midland Basin to reduce truck hauls, which, in turn, reduces CO2 emissions
Reducing truck hauls, and therefore CO2 emissions, in the Midland Basin by increasing operated oil on pipelines from the wellhead from 13% of production in 2019 to ~42% of production in 2020
Extensive use of multi-well pads and long laterals to reduce surface footprint and impact
Protect groundwater sources by adopting best practices for drilling, well design and well casing
Spill Prevention Policy/ Preventative Measures/ Procedures for minimizing impact of spills
Reducing CO2 emissions by increasing oil transported on pipelines From 13% in 2019 to 42% in 2020
- In 2020, have begun implementing active leak detection on operated pipelines
