MARSHALL COUNTY — Two natural gas companies operating in Marshall and Wetzel counties are partnering with Project Canary with the goal of minimizing unwanted emissions and quickly identifying and repairing leaks.

Tug Hill Operating, LLC and XcL Midstream Operating, LLC will seek responsibly sourced gas, or RSG, certification for the entirety of their upstream and midstream assets via a partnership with Project Canary. Project Canary’s “TrustWell” and “Midstream” certifications analyze more than 600 data points on a per-well and midstream basis, according to a release from FTI Consulting.

Additionally, XcL will also install continuous emissions monitors at each of its major locations, including their Clearfork Processing facility and several of its central dehydration and compressor stations. XcL’s facilities will receive Project Canary’s midstream certification through this partnership.

Through this partnership, the two companies hope to demonstrate to buyers that natural gas is obtained in a professionally and environmentally ethical manner.

“The partnership between Tug Hill and XcL means, for the first time, gas purchasers will have the opportunity to buy RSG that has been TrustWell certified from the wellhead to the receipt point,” stated Michael Radler, CEO of Tug Hill and XcL. “Tug Hill and XcL jointly believe the integration of independent, high fidelity upstream and midstream certifications will result in a unique and unmatched RSG offering for the market.”

Using “Canary X” monitors, continuous updates on the state of well sites and at certain points along pipelines are uploaded to servers, providing near-constant information on potential methane leaks, allowing for faster response time and less gas escaping into the atmosphere. This allows quicker response times for leaks as well as identifying sites in need of upkeep, providing a business as well as environmental incentive to the companies.

Tug Hill initiated a pilot program earlier this year with Project Canary, earning platinum TrustWell certification, indicating that the company was in the top 10% of performance among evaluated companies. XcL is expected to outfit these devices by early next year.

Tug Hill produces more than 800 million metric cubic feet of natural gas per day, transported through XcL’s midstream gathering system, which includes numerous connections with major interstate pipelines including Rover, Eastern Gas Transmission, Texas Eastern, TC Energy and Rockies Express.

“Project Canary’s independent certification helps ensure midstream assets minimize unwanted methane emissions and maintain top tier operating practices, which will provide additional value for our customers,” stated Justin Trettel, Chief Operating Officer at XcL. “We are excited to partner with Tug Hill and Project Canary to enter into the first of-its-kind joint upstream and midstream certification and monitoring partnership.”