Abingdon, Va.- Outstanding achievements by members of the Virginia gas and oil industry were recognized Thursday, Oct 12, 2017 during the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, Division of Gas and Oil and the Virginia Oil and Gas Association third annual awards program, held at the Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon.
CONSOL Energy Named Operator of the Year
The 2016 Operator of the Year is CONSOL Energy. Recognized for their continued efforts to advance safety, over the past year CONSOL Energy significantly improved operations without negative impacts on safety or the environment.
As natural gas markets continue to improve, the new initiatives aimed at achieving additional gains in production and cost performance continue to improve at CONSOL Energy. Partnerships were strengthened with contractors and vendors. Changes made by CONSOL Energy allowed it to meet changing market conditions and keep activity and investment in Virginia’s natural gas industry moving forward.
Projects this year included improvements in energy efficiency, drilling and production. The company supported several pipeline safety awareness events. Representatives even met with local fire departments to better prepare them should an emergency occur. Perhaps most notable is CONSOL’s commitment to bettering the communities in which it operates. The company supported several schools, local libraries, food pantries, The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and other regional festivals, fairs and cultural events.
LDC of the Year- Virginia Natural Gas
The Localized Distribution Company (LDC) of the Year 2016 award went to Virginia Natural Gas for their sustained success and commitment to building the future of energy in Virginia throughout recent mergers. Since their beginning in 1849, Virginia Natural Gas has become one of the largest local distribution companies, serving more than 293-thousand customers in southeastern Virginia.
The company’s legacy has grown over the years with committed leadership and a workforce that is dedicated to the safety of their people, the public and their pipelines. It is evident in projects such as Steps to Advance Virginia’s Energy plan, or SAVE and the Conservation and Ratemaking Efficiency program known as energySMART. The company also earned a V3 program certification for creating opportunities to transition retired military personnel into Virginia’s workforce.
Through their innovative projects, strategic partnerships and public awareness programs, VNG distinguishes itself as an industry leader. They are strongly dedicated to environmental stewardship, committed to providing outstanding customer service and to operating the safest and most reliable natural gas distribution system in the state.
Additional awards presented were as follows:
Leadership Award: Leon Boyd, Vice President of Noah Horn Well Drilling, and co-owner of L and D Well Service
This award acknowledges an individual industry leader or volunteer who has gone above and beyond their duties, either for the company they represent or for the industry as a whole. The award focuses on the individual’s involvement, positive impact and overall effectiveness related to projects or programs in which they may have been involved.
Leon has been a key driver in helping to educate others about the Natural Gas Industry and is known for his commitment to habitat restoration and stewardship.
Environmental Quality: E. Dillon and Company
This award recognizes a company’s efforts and performance related to operating responsibly for its stakeholders and for being a good steward of the environment. In order to receive this award, a company must demonstrate excellence associated with safe operations, protection of the environment and regulatory compliance during the production, transmission or distribution of natural gas in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The company was commended for their expertise in road surfacing which are essential for gas production. E. Dillon & Co. have delivered countless loads of stone for road surfacing that assists operators with erosion and sediment controls and vehicular wear and tear. Their well-deserved reputation for customer service and expertise in the road surfacing field is evident at the end of every job.
Excellence in Safety: Gas Field Services
This award demonstrates excellence in any area associated with safe operations, protection of the environment and/or regulatory compliance during the production, transmission and/or distribution of natural gas in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Gas Field Services has taken a lead in the safety training and reporting of Virginia gas and oil operators. All members attend annual contractor safety training and have put it to use on their own sites. Their ability to operate safely and with continued to respect to the environment and weather is second to none. The sites were left in impeccable shape after work was completed, along with meeting all regulatory requirements. Gas Field Services regularly helps to keep everyone aware of hazards and improve the industry overall.
Partnership Awards: (Multiple) CONSOL Energy and PARMACO, Incorporated; CONSOL and RP Pipeline
These awards acknowledge a joint venture or partnership which made positive impacts in the natural gas industry in the Commonwealth of Virginia. They recognize nominees who were involved in any project or program which demonstrated a coordinated effort between two or more entities of the natural gas industry in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The award recipients have made a positive impact in the industry or communities in which natural gas is produced, transmitted or distributed in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Both PARMACO Inc, and RP Pipeline worked closely with CONSOL Energy to improve operational safety and efficiency.
Excellence in Escrow Management/Distribution Awards: Jody Maney, First Bank and Trust; CONSOL Disbursement Team
2016 was a record breaking year for royalty disbursements in Virginia. These awards recognize an individual or individuals whose actions who were involved in projects or programs which helped to make the process much more efficient for everyone involved and distributed millions of dollars to royalty owners.
Community Outreach: Virginia Natural Gas
This award acknowledges a company’s efforts related to community outreach in a particular community or area of operation in Virginia. Virginia Natural Gas was successful in community outreach by partnering with Old Dominion University on a campaign called “Know what’s below. Call 811 before you dig.”
Virginia Natural Gas sets safety as a priority and they continuously look for opportunities to creatively encourage the use of 811.
For the past three years, Virginia Natural Gas has partnered with Old Dominion Sports Properties at the university to get the word out about calling 811 with Big Blue fans attending games.
Development/Innovation: CONSOL Energy
This award recognizes a company’s efforts to positively impact the natural gas industry in Virginia, by developing or applying existing technology to improve the natural gas industry in the Commonwealth of Virginia. CONSOL Energy developed and patented multiple techniques and technologies over the past year which has assisted with production, monitoring, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Service Providers of the Year: Cementing/Completions-C&J; Field Services – G&R; Service Rigs- L&D; Drilling-Noah Horn
This award recognizes service providers within the production, transmission and/or distribution of natural gas in the Commonwealth of Virginia, who demonstrated excellence in safety, environmental conservation, regulatory compliance, community outreach, innovation and/or development.
Meeting Highlights
Earlier in the day, VOGA held its fall board of directors meeting. Israel OQuinn, Delegate for the 5th District of the Virginia House of Delegates addressed attendees at the breakfast meeting, emphasizing the importance of Natural Gas Vehicles, Energy Independence and energy education.
At the morning board meeting, the board heard updates on a variety of topics including the current status of regulatory reviews and progress being made on the development of two interstate pipeline projects. Additionally, they discussed the education and outreach programs that are currently underway.
For additional information about VOGA, interested persons may visit www.vaoilandgas.com.
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Beth Stockner
Public Relations Manager
Virginia Oil and Gas Association
(276) 608-8224- Abingdon
