When Marathon Oil Company first published its environmental policy statement in the company newsletter, twenty employees immediately volunteered to be on the Green Star Team. Marathon has built its program around employee suggestions. During the monthly HES Meetings held at the Kenai Gas Field, employees are encouraged to share suggested recycling and waste minimization ideas.
One employee suggested that the company purchase a less-toxic, citrus-based cleaner for cleaning parts. In addition, Marathon no longer uses any hazardous solvents or materials in the field. Any use of a hazardous material that can generate a hazardous waste must be pre-approved. To minimize waste, Marathon has also utilized a water-based drilling mud system for drilling and workover operations that is free of hydrocarbons.
In August of 2001, Marathon gained approval of a plan to beneficially use drill cuttings from its drilling operations as a gravel resource within the field. The use of this gravel reduces impacts to the environment by reducing the need for mined gravel and decreasing the use of energy to dispose of the exempt, non-hazardous waste. Marathon is the first company in Alaska to seek approval of the use of drill cuttings on the surface and its application will be used as a blueprint for other operators.
Marathon recycles office paper, newspapers, magazines, aluminum cans, toner cartridges, phone books, and batteries in its offices. Recycling volumes total about 450 pounds of material each year. Paper waste reduction has resulted from a combination of computer technology and conscious efforts by employees. Networking computers and using E-mail has reduced the need for inter-office memos. Also, employees now review documents on-screen before printing to reduce paper use.
A fountain soda machine has been installed to reduce the volume of aluminum cans generated. This has reduced waste as a result of the use of disposable and reusable cups instead of aluminum cans. Recycling bins are still available for aluminum cans, which are picked up weekly along with paper products for recycling.
In Marathon’s leased office space, the property owner has upgraded fluorescent lamps and window coverings to decrease energy costs.
Marathon has been active in getting the word out about Green Star and its goals. At an Earth Fair held in Anchorage, Marathon distributed information about how to reduce hazardous waste generation and how other businesses can become Green Star companies. Marathon also was a founding sponsor of the Central Kenai Peninsula Green Star chapter, working with three Chambers of Commerce, local agencies, and interested industries.
Marathon Oil Company http://www.marathon.com
