Emissions & Air

Hilcorp

Emissions and Air

Hilcorp is committed to reducing emissions and expanding production across our operations.

By driving down the emissions intensity of our production, we ensure that the maximum societal benefit is realized from the late-life assets we acquire. We have a demonstrated track record of achieving such improvements, as discussed below.

Leaders in Carbon Sequestration

Prior to the Federal Government expanding the 45Q tax credits to incentivize similar projects, our West Ranch CO2 Flood was the first project of its kind in the U.S. to capture a coal plant’s emissions and extract CO2 for commercial use.

  • To date, we have successfully sequestered over 3.7 million metric tons of CO2 at West Ranch Field using CO2 captured by the coal plant operator.
  • The CO2 capture potential is the equivalent of taking 350,000+ cars off the road.
  • Many of our late-life assets may have future CO2 sequestration potential and are being evaluated.
Identifying Sources and Monitoring

Hilcorp recently completed its largest and most comprehensive equipment inventory. This survey of tens of thousands of locations establishes a quality baseline for emissions reporting and reductions. Accurate inventory management combined with a robust monitoring program helps not only reduce EPA-calculated emissions estimates, but more importantly, actual emissions. Because each asset team possesses different variables that might affect actual emissions, we use a wide variety of technologies and methods for monitoring. We have a robust emissions monitoring program that exceeds national and state regulations in every state in which we operate.

  • In the San Juan Basin, Audio, Visual, and Olfactory (AVO) inspections on over 12,000 wells are performed on a weekly or monthly basis.
  • Dedicated personnel perform Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) to identify and fix leaks.
  • Operators and Environmental Health and Safety personnel regularly complete facility inspections to ensure equipment is maintained and functioning properly.