Colorado Natural Gas Introduces Innovative Picarro Vehicle for Advance Leak Detection

9/3/2024

Centennial, Colorado (September 3, 2024) – Colorado Natural Gas (CNG) is proud to announce the addition of a new cutting-edge technology to its operations. This year, CNG has introduced a vehicle to its fleet that is equipped with advanced leak detection capabilities. The vehicle, which has been retrofitted by Picarro, is helping enhance the safety and reliability of CNG's system while also reducing the potential direct emissions from the pipeline network.

"At CNG, the safety and reliability of our natural gas system is our top priority," said Mitch Pebley, CNG’s Director of Operations. “Introducing the Picarro vehicle in our CNG service territory has underscored our commitment to implementing innovative solutions that enhance the safety of our communities and allow us to reach our climate goals."

Customers are likely to see a trained technician driving the CNG marked car traveling public roadways at a slow rate of speed in the evening and nighttime hours to accomplish its important mission. By operating in the evening hours, the vehicle is able to work more efficiently and is less likely to impede the flow of traffic.

The Picarro advanced technology is up to 1,000 times more sensitive to detecting leaks than basic hand-held instruments and has the ability to directly measure emissions. Picarro can detect pipeline methane down to one part per billion in ambient air while reducing false positives from naturally occurring sources, enhancing safety measures, and ensuring the efficient delivery of natural gas to CNG customers.

The Picarro vehicle will allow CNG to proactively identify and address leaks, minimizing disruptions to service and safeguarding our customers and the communities we serve.