Environmental Performance
Compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations is one of the most fundamental aspects of environmental management. Regulatory compliance is also fundamental to sustainability. A key element of Con Edison's sustainability strategy is to model green behavior internally, and that encompasses commitment to compliance with all applicable environmental regulations.
Compliance is an integral part of each employee's day-to-day activities. Senior management carefully monitors performance in adhering to environmental regulations. Performance reports are prepared monthly, covering compliance with air, water and waste regulations in addition to other performance parameters.
The company uses a number of metrics to compile an environmental index that charts its progress. Selected measures of performance are designated Key Performance Indicators, and financial incentives help reach targeted environmental goals. This section provides a five-year snapshot of selected environmental performance indicators.
Con Edison of New York and O&R Environmental
Indexes for 2009
These environmental indexes provide a comprehensive overview of specific key environmental performance indicators.
| Con Edison of New York | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance Indicator | Status Against 2009 Goal |
2009 Actual |
2009 Goal |
| Environmental Index | |||
| Dielectric Fluid Released to Environment (gals) |
 |
16,412 | < 25,600 |
| Opacity Occurrences not to exceed NYCDEP Standard |
|
104 | < 150 |
| SF6 Emissions (lbs. of gas emitted) |
|
40,253 | < 80,000 |
| NOX Emissions Compliance (%) |
|
100 | 100 |
| Wastewater Discharge (SPDES) Exceedances |
|
3 | < 4 |
| Orange and Rockland | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Performance Indicator | Status Against 2009 Goal |
2009 Actual |
2009 Goal |
| Environmental Index | |||
| Violations (NOVs) | |
0 | < 1 |
| PCB Overhead Transformer Removals |
|
87 | > 50 |
| Oil Spills |  |
152 | < 143 |
| EH&S Site Assessments |
|
107 | > 70 |
The graphics show performance for each indicator.
- Performance met 2009 target
- Less than or equal to 10% off target
- More than 10% off target
Con Edison of New York New York City DEP-regulated
opacity exceedances
New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulations require Con Edison of New York to report instantaneous or two-minute opacity (or smoke) events at facilities with boilers and other combustion equipment. During 2009, 104 opacity events required DEP notification. All opacity events are investigated in detail to determine root causes and to develop corrective measures for reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
Nitrogen oxide (NOX) and sulfur dioxide (SO2)
Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide are released by combustion of fuel. Con Edison of New York's steam business accounts for virtually all releases of these substances.
To minimize the quantity of NOX and SO2 resulting from company operations, Con Edison of New York uses sophisticated and efficient controls to regulate and monitor combustion equipment. Operations are carried out according to rigorous procedural guidelines, and sensors constantly monitor flue gases so that personnel can adjust combustion to curb emissions.
The quantity of sulfur dioxide produced depends on the levels of sulfur in the fuel being used. Con Edison of New York has taken measures to use clean-burning natural gas for its combustion operations whenever practicable. When oil is used, the company specifies a maximum of 0.3 percent sulfur content, by weight, making it one of the cleanest residual oil fuels available in terms of sulfur dioxide emissions.
Con Edison of New York dielectric fluid released
to the environment
Dielectric fluid is a non-conductive oil used in pipe casings used for electrical transmission feeder cables. The oil transfers heat away from the conductors, and insulates and protects them against arcing. Overall, Con Edison of New York's pipe-type feeder system consists of about 630 miles of conductors and contains approximately 9 million gallons of dielectric fluid.
Con Edison of New York has established a highly sophisticated monitoring program for its oil-equipped feeders. The company's oil-management practices include an advanced detection technology to minimize fluid releases. With this methodology, a small quantity of tracer compound is added as a marker to the dielectric fluid in the casing of pipe-type feeders. If the tracer is detected, technicians can quickly pinpoint the location of the leak so that repairs can be made promptly.
In addition, company engineers identify potential trouble spots in order to predict the feeders most likely to release fluid. The company excavates these locations and makes necessary repairs.
Con Edison of New York's Cable and Splice Center for Excellence continuously evaluates new conductor designs. The Center determined that solid dielectric cables containing no oil can function safely and reliably in many applications. As system maintenance and upgrades are performed, sections of pipe-type feeders are being replaced with solid dielectric conductors where feasible.
Waste-water discharge exceedances
In accordance with the federal Clean Water Act and State Environmental Conservation Law, New York State issues permits to facilities that discharge waste-water or storm- water to rivers or other bodies of water, including to groundwater. These State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permits specify discharge limitations and require routine monitoring of discharges to confirm compliance. Monitoring results are then reported to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).
During 2009, Con Edison of New York managed 22 SPDES permits and experienced three wastewater discharge permit exceedances from more than 2,000 samples taken. Although only three of the samples failed to meet permit discharge limits, we continue to strive for zero. Recent water-related violations, including a State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) draft consent order we have yet to resolve, and performance problems have emerged as one of our most pressing environmental challenges. This has forced us to examine our water management processes. In 2010, we will identify, assess, and prioritize SPDES and other water discharge-related potential risk issues and plan a course of action to improve our controls.
Chemical releases above reportable quantities
During 2009, Con Edison of New York had 29 chemical releases that exceeded federally established reportable quantities. Of that total, three were mercury releases of more than 1.25 fluid ounces; eight were releases of refrigerant in excess of 50 lb.; and 18 were releases of antifreeze exceeding 0.13 gallons.
One O&R release of antifreeze exceeding 0.13 gallons occurred in 2009.
The companies have taken steps to reduce the likelihood of equipment failures that can result in chemical releases. Furthermore, root-cause analysis is used to investigate factors in releases and identify safer handling methods and procedures.
Hazardous waste manifested off-site
During 2009, Con Edison of New York shipped 6,000 tons of hazardous non-remediation waste to licensed commercial waste-handling facilities. The increase over 2008 is largely due to Con Edison of New York's M-29 tunnel excavation project and also an extensive structural improvement program being carried out at numerous company sites.
