The Environmental Partnership’s 2019 Bakken Workshop, hosted by Lime Rock Resources on July 25th, included presentations by and for oil and natural gas producers working in North Dakota and Montana.

Ben Waldon, with Marathon Oil, discussing an approach to tank vent line sizing

Participants heard in-depth presentations from Bakken operators on the optimal usage of equipment such as high-volume combustors, tank vents and thief hatches, as well as the ongoing challenges local operators face. Given the Bakken region’s large temperature swings during the year, there was a focus on the best ways to minimize emissions during extremely hot and cold temperatures. The workshop also included updates from the North Dakota Petroleum Council on regional production and emissions trends, as well as regulatory developments and challenges.

The event concluded with a presentation from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality on their agency, and the efforts they are making to monitor and improve air quality in the state. The agency noted the importance of state and federal regulators working closely

Angie Burkhalter with Continental Resources, and Matt Todd with The Environmental Partnership

with industry to make the most meaningful impacts.  

“The 2019 Bakken Workshop was a great example of oil and natural gas professionals coming together to discuss the technical challenges and successes with reducing industry emissions in the Bakken region. These workshops are filling a desire from industry to continue to learn from each other to improve operations and, as the program continues to grow, the diversity of experience and contributions grows with it.” – Kevin Hendricks, Environmental Engineering Technical Lead, Denbury Resources, Inc.