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Protecting and Enhancing the Environment

Natural gas offers clean, efficient energy. In a typical year, Iroquois transports enough natural gas to heat approximately 5 million homes, displacing the energy equivalent of more than 80 million barrels of oil, thereby reducing sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions to the air by approximately 125,000 tons.

STAR Partner Iroquois is a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Natural Gas STAR program. STAR is a voluntary government /industry partnership designed by the EPA to accomplish environmental protection through cost-effective measures. Launched in 1993, the program encourages natural gas companies to adopt "Best Management Practices" that can reduce emissions of natural gas.
Iroquois’ Best Management Practices All of Iroquois' compressor stations rate as minor emissions sources because they utilize technology that nearly halves nitrogen oxide emissions traditionally associated with more conventional compressor stations.  For example, our station control programming is designed to minimize the amount of natural gas released into the atmosphere when a station shutdown occurs, such as would occur for routine maintenance and repairs.  As a STAR member, Iroquois annually submits a report which documents our voluntary emission reduction activities.
	2008 Recipient of Natural Gas STAR Award for 12 Years Continuing Excellence

We have also sought other ways to reduce waste, such as recycling the degreaser used for parts cleaning and employing environmental companies who provide cleaning rags rather than using disposable towels at our compressor stations.

Iroquois is also committed to preserving our environment by seeking ways to minimize intrusions, and to maximize protection, of our natural resources. Whether restoring a sensitive wetland, protecting sanctuaries for wildlife, or constructing nature trails, Iroquois recognizes that respect for the environment is an important part of who we are.

Wood Duck Initiative
Iroquois’ environmental initiatives enhance and protect the environment not only for the residents of our communities but also for all living creatures.  For example, during mainline construction in the late 1980s, the crossing of the Hudson River resulted in the removal of trees in a fresh water wetland that served as a habitat for wood ducks.  Iroquois replicated this habitat by building a pond in close proximity and installed eleven wood duck boxes.  These boxes have since been moved to a nature preserve, which has proved to be a much better habitat.  Iroquois continues to monitor these boxes yearly and we are pleased to see the population increasing.