Alaska's Fairbanks North Star Borough and Its Gas Emissions

Transcription

1 FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH BASELINE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS INVENTORY BASE YEAR 2007 PREPARED BY ALASKA CENTER FOR ENERGY& POWER GWEN HOLDMANN, ORGANIZATIONAL DIRECTOR JOHN MURPHY, RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

2 About the cover: Large photo: Looking east over the University of Alaska Fairbanks Physical Plant on the winter solstice; photo by Todd Paris, UAF Marketing & Communications. All inset photos courtesy of the Fairbanks North Star Borough and the UAF Institute of Northern Engineering.

3 Fairbanks North Star Borough Baseline Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Base Year 2007 Prepared for the Fairbanks North Star Borough by: Alaska Center for Energy and Power, University of Alaska Gwen Holdmann, Organizational Director John Murphy, Research Technician September 23, 2008 For information about this report please contact: Gwen Holdmann, Organizational Director Alaska Center for Energy and Power University of Alaska 451 Duckering Building Fairbanks AK Tel. (907)

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5 Table of Contents Table of Contents... 3 Index of Tables... 4 Index of Charts... 4 Acronyms and Key Terms... 5 Executive Summary... 6 Method Overview... 7 Section I: Total Borough Greenhouse Gas Emissions... 8 Total FNSB Emissions with Air Fuel... 9 Nation and Statewide Comparison Section II: Residential Emissions Methodology Section III: Commercial Emissions Methodology Section IV: Industrial Emissions Methodology and Sources Historical Comparison of Industrial Emissions Section V: Transportation Methodology Section VI: Waste Management Methodology Section VII: Military Methodology Section VIII: Agriculture Methodology Section IX: Industrial Processes Appendix A: Standard Emissions Factors Appendix B: Emissions Allocation for Electrical Production Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Electrical Use Industrial Emissions from Electrical Generation Appendix C: FNSB Assembly Resolution

6 Index of Tables Table 1: FNSB Emissions by Sector...8 Table 2: FNSB Emissions with Air Fuel... 9 Table 3: Per Capita Emissions Table 4: Residential Emissions by Source Table 5: Commercial Emissions by Source Table 6: Industrial Emissions by Source Table 7: Industrial Fuel Use Table 8: Historical Comparison of Industrial Emissions Table 9: Transportation Emissions by Source Table 10: Waste Management Emissions by Source Table 11: Landfill Emissions from Municipal Solid Waste Table 12: Alaska Wastewater Management Coefficients Table 13: Calculating FNSB Wastewater Utility Use Table 14: Military Emissions by Source Table 15: Agricultural Emissions Table 16: Industrial Process Emissions Table 17: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Factors Table 18: Global Warming Potential of Greenhouse Gases Table 19: Electrical Use Emissions Factor Table 20: Emissions from Electrical Production Facilities Index of Charts Chart 1: FNSB Emissions by Sector...8 Chart 2: FNSB Emissions with Air Fuel Chart 3: Alaska State Emissions by Source, Chart 4: Residential Emissions by Source Chart 5: Commercial Emissions by Source Chart 6: Industrial Emissions by Source Chart 7: Transportation Emissions by Source Chart 8: Waste Management Emissions by Source Chart 9: Military Emissions by Source

7 Acronyms and Key Terms ADEC Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand CACP Clean Air and Climate Protection Software (ICLEI) CCP Cities for Climate Protection (ICLEI) CH 4 Methane CO 2 Carbon Dioxide CRQ FNSB Community Research Quarterly DOT Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency FAI Fairbanks International Airport FNSB Fairbanks North Star Borough GHG Greenhouse Gas GVEA Golden Valley Electric Association GWP Global Warming Potential HAGO High Atmospheric Gas Oil HFC Hydrofluorocarbons ICLEI International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas LSR Light Straight Run Gasoline MMt CO 2 e Million Metric Tons of CO 2 Equivalent Mscf Thousand Standard Cubic Feet MSW Municipal Solid Waste Mt CO 2 e Metric Tons of CO 2 Equivalent MWH Megawatt-Hours N 2 O Nitrous Oxide PFC Perfluorocarbon SF 6 Sulfur Hexaflouride VMT Vehicle Miles Traveled 5

8 Executive Summary It is difficult to conceive of many human activities that do not in some way contribute to the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Whether directly through combustion of fossil fuels in our vehicles or home heating furnaces, or indirectly through the production and transportation of the products we use daily, almost everything we do has an impact. The cumulative effect of these emissions is widely recognized as having significant negative impacts on a local, national, and global scale impacts which may be magnified in arctic and sub-arctic regions. On September 14 th, 2007, the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) Assembly passed Resolution (see Appendix C), which committed the Borough to participate in the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI). To date, more than 200 local governments across the U.S. and 770 local governments worldwide have joined ICLEI under their Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Campaign in order to proactively address greenhouse gas emissions within their communities. In Alaska, the communities of Anchorage, Homer, Juneau, and Kodiak also participate in the program. As a signatory to ICLEI, the FNSB agreed to participate in a five-milestone process to develop an action plan which includes goals and targets for combating climate change and greenhouse gas emissions in the Borough. These milestones include: Milestone 1: Conduct a baseline GHG inventory and forecast Milestone 2: Adopt an emissions reduction target Milestone 3: Develop a Climate Action Plan for reducing emissions Milestone 4: Implement the Action Plan Milestone 5: Monitor and verify results This report represents a first step toward achieving these goals by estimating the anthropogenic GHG emissions within the FNSB. This includes the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), methane (CH 4 ) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) from fuel combustion and waste management. Additionally, emissions of high global warming potential (GWP) gases, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ), are considered in Section IX: Industrial Processes. In anticipation of future governmental requirements on GHG inventories, the set of emissions included is consistent with ICLEI draft protocols. This includes both direct emissions of GHGs as well as the GHGs associated with electricity purchased by consumers within the FNSB. In addition to the information on emissions, this report also includes fuel use data wherever applicable. Total 2007 GHG emissions for the FNSB as determined through this inventory are 3.76 MMt CO 2 e, or 38.6 metric tons per resident. To put this in perspective, emissions in the FNSB are significantly higher (64%) than the national average, primarily as a byproduct of our cold climate. On the other hand, the per capita emissions in the FNSB are almost 50% lower than the average for the State of Alaska, primarily because this inventory does not account for the bulk of industrial emissions in the State, such as those associated with the oil and gas industry. 6

9 While this report represents the most comprehensive effort to date to quantify GHG emissions within the FNSB, there are clear limitations involved. Accounting for all the aggregate emissions generated in our daily lives is a nearly impossible task, and there is no current methodology for capturing the emissions associated with all the imported goods coming into a community. As such, the scope of this inventory is limited to the major source categories of transportation, heating, electric energy production, and solid waste, which is consistent with inventories that other ICLEI communities have undertaken. We hope that in future years this baseline inventory will continually be refined and improved upon, and that it will serve as a tool for identifying areas within the FNSB where emissions levels can be reduced. Method Overview Emissions throughout this report are expressed in tons of gas per year having a warming effect equivalent to carbon dioxide, the most abundant and cumulatively important gas. The consistent units are Million Metric Tons of CO 2 equivalent (MMt CO 2 e). Appendix A explains the method for calculating CO 2 equivalent. Borough energy usage was determined using protocols promulgated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as followed by ICLEI and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For some sources, FNSB GHG emissions are estimated based on the 2007 FNSB population. Throughout the inventory a population value of 97,484, as estimated by the United States Census, is used. This value is reported in the FNSB Spring 2008 Community Research Quarterly 1. Each section of this report describes the accounting procedures and calculations used within that section, and the sources of uncertainty associated with these calculations. Calculations were performed for the most recent year for which complete sets of data are available (2007 in most cases). The basic procedure for the calculations involved taking raw data about each activity in the major source categories and multiplying it by a carbon emission factor for that activity. In most cases for this report, a few additional calculations were required to manipulate the raw data into the correct units for its respective emission factor. In noted situations, the method for calculating emissions involved use of an outside inventory tool. ICLEI provides the Clean Air and Climate Protection (CACP) software and the EPA provides a series of State Greenhouse Gas Inventory Tools. In situations where these were used, all necessary inputs are explained. It is important to note that many of the quantities of GHG emissions reported here are estimates. It is not possible for this or any other municipality to measure GHG emissions with total accuracy given the number of sources. In the future, it is recommended that the FNSB work with the State of Alaska and local energy providers to maintain a level of data availability that ensures subsequent assessments are as accurate as possible. 1 Fairbanks North Star Borough, Community Research Center, Community Research Quarterly, Vol. XXXI, No. 1, 2008; available from accessed August 1, 2008; page 60. 7

10 Section I: Total Borough Greenhouse Gas Emissions In 2007, 3.76 MMt CO 2 e were emitted from sources originating in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. These emissions represent all emissions associated with sources that are anticipated to be required in future reporting protocols. In Table 1 and Chart 1, these emissions are broken into the following sectors: Agricultural, Commercial, Industrial, Industrial Processes, Military, Residential, Transportation, and Waste Management. Table 1: FNSB Emissions by Sector Source Emissions MMt CO 2 e Agricultural Commercial 0.71 Industrial 1.03 Industrial Processes 0.05 Military 0.66 Residential 0.83 Waste Management 0.42 Transportation 0.06 Total 3.76 Chart 1: FNSB Emissions by Sector 8

11 Total FNSB Emissions with Air Fuel In addition to those sectors reported in Table 1, an important part of FNSB GHG emissions are those associated with air fuel combustion. Air fuel combustion occurs at Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), Eielson AFB, and Fort Wainwright. Because this fuel is likely used in transit between FNSB and other areas, these emissions are essentially shared across political and geographic boundaries. For this reason, inventory protocols regarding these emissions differ. In the absence of state or federal guidelines, the ICLEI protocol allows these air fuel emissions to be omitted GHG inventory totals. However, air fuel emissions represent a substantial portion of FNSB emissions and have been included in the state-level GHG inventory produced by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC). Likewise, ICLEI acknowledges that these emissions are of interest to local government inventories and can be reported outside of emissions totals. Table 2 shows the FNSB emissions by sector if air fuel combustion emissions are included. FAI air fuel emissions are added to the Transportation sector and emissions from air fuel at Eielson AFB and Fort Wainwright are added to the Military sector. The sector breakdown with fuel combusted by airplanes is shown in Table 2 and Chart 2. When considering air fuel, total 2007 FNSB emissions were 4.32 MMt CO 2 e. Table 2: FNSB Emissions with Air Fuel Source Emissions MMt CO 2 e Agricultural Commercial 0.71 Industrial 1.03 Industrial Processes 0.05 Military 1.09 Residential 0.83 Transportation 0.55 Waste Management 0.06 Total

12 Chart 2: FNSB Emissions with Air Fuel Nation and Statewide Comparison To put the FNSB GHG emissions into perspective, it is interesting to compare how much the Borough is emitting compared to both the state of Alaska and the United States as a nation. Table 3 shows a comparison of these emissions sources, using the most recent GHG inventories from Alaska and the United States. In addition to total emissions, Table 3 also shows GHG emissions per capita, which is an estimate of the emissions for each individual living in the FNSB, Alaska, and the United States. This table shows that on a per capita basis, emissions in the FNSB are significantly higher (64%) than the national average, but lower than the average for the State of Alaska. While there are many reasons that the FNSB s GHG emissions might differ from Alaska as a state and the United States as a whole, one interesting metric is the consideration of heating and cooling degree days in the respective regions. Weighting per-capita emissions by this temperature measurement is an attempt to adjust the per-capita values by the specific climate of the FNSB as it compares to the contiguous United States. While this cannot be considered an accurate comparison since climate impacts different energy sectors to varying degrees, it does demonstrate that the higher per capita emissions in the FNSB are likely to be largely a byproduct of our cold climate. When considering climate as a factor, GHG emissions from heating are most directly and obviously impacted. However, emissions from transportation sectors are also higher in colder climates. The Alaska Center for Energy and Power has calculated as much as a 25% decline in motor fuel efficiency in winter compared to summer months, due to poor lubrication in bearings and other moving engine components. The higher electricity use in the FNSB in winter months due lack of natural light is also a factor related to our geographic location. 10

13 Table 3: Per Capita Emissions 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 Average Heating Degree Days Average Cooling Degree Days Emissions/ (Capita x Heating + Cooling Degree Days) Region Emissions Estimate (MMt CO 2 e) Year Estimated Population Year Emissions Per Capita (Mt CO 2 e) United States ,398, Alaska , FNSB (no air) , FNSB (w/air) , The formula used to calculate climate-weighted per-capita emissions is: Population Greenhouse Gas Emissions Heating Degree Days + Cooling Degree Days 2 US Total Emissions: United States Environmental Protection Agency, Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Sources and Sinks: Executive Summary, page 6; available from accessed August 1, Alaska Total Emissions: Roe, Stephen et al, Alaska Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Reference Case Projections, 1990 to 2020 (Center for Climate Strategies, July 2007), page 3; available from Appendix C in: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Summary Report of Improvements to the Alaska Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory. January 2008; available from accessed July 31, 2008, page United States Population: United States Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program, American FactFinder; available from ds_name=pep_2007_est&-mt_name=pep_2007_est_g2007_t001; accessed August 15, United States Heating Degree-Days: Energy Information Administration, Heating Degree-Days by Census Division, ; available from accessed August 15, United States Cooling Degree-Days: Energy Information Administration, Cooling Degree-Days by Census Division, ; available from accessed August 15, Alaska Heating Degree-Days: Climate Prediction Center, NCEP-NWS-NOAA, Heating Degree Day Monthly Summary, Monthly Data for June 2005; available from ftp://ftp.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/htdocs/products/analysis_monitoring/cdus/degree_days/archives/heating%20degree%20 Days/monthly%20states/2005/jun% txt; accessed August 18, Fairbanks Heating Degree-Days: Alaska Climate Research Center, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, 2007 Year in Review Fairbanks; available from accessed August 15, Fairbanks Cooling Degree-Days: Alaska Climate Research Center, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Mean Annual Cooling Degree-Days for Selected Bases ( ); available from accessed August 15,

14 It is also interesting to compare the various sources of the FNSB GHG emissions to Alaska s state emissions sources. The sector breakdown of the Alaska state GHG emissions factors is shown in Chart Chart 3: Alaska State Emissions by Source, Alaska Total Emissions: Roe, Stephen et al, Alaska Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Reference Case Projections, 1990 to 2020 (Center for Climate Strategies, July 2007), page 3; available from Appendix C in: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Summary Report of Improvements to the Alaska Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory. January 2008; available from accessed July 31, 2008, page

15 Section II: Residential Emissions The residential sector includes households and individuals emissions in the home setting. Emissions in this area come from home heating fuel (including petroleum fuels, natural gas, coal and wood), fuels used for appliances, and electricity purchased from public utilities. In 2007, total emissions from the residential sector were MMt CO 2 e. In Table 4 and Chart 4, these emissions are broken down by fuel source. Table 4: Residential Emissions by Source Source Fuel Used Units Emissions MMt CO 2 e Residential Heating Oil 48,856,202 Gallons Residential Coal Use 436 Tons Residential Natural Gas 56,279 Mscf Residential Wood Combustion 57,638 Tons Residential Electrical Use 300,140 MWH Total Chart 4: Residential Emissions by Source Methodology Heating Oil: In a survey of heating fuel distributors in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, distributors were asked to provide the amount of heating fuel and an estimate of percent sold to residential consumers. Distributors surveyed were Alaska Aerofuels, Alaska Petroleum, Everts Air Fuel, Fairbanks Fuels, the Fuel Company, Interior Fuels, Polar Fuels, and Sourdough Fuels. Total estimated heating fuel consumed by residential consumers was 48,856,202 gallons in

16 Coal: This number is based on weight information from Usibelli Coal Mine and consumer breakdown by North Pole Coal; approximately 436 tons of coal were used by residential consumers. It should be noted that this number is expected to increase in the future as heating oil prices rise. Natural Gas: According to Fairbanks Natural Gas, 56,279 Million Standard Cubic Feet (Mscf) were used residentially. Wood: Estimates of wood emissions are based on information provided to the ADEC by Sierra Research 11. This information is based on surveys conducted inside the FNSB about residential wood use. In addition to the Sierra Research information, the assumed density of wood used in the FNSB is 39 lbs/cubic foot, based on information from ADEC 12. In keeping with statewide inventory methodology, only CH 4 and N 2 O emissions from wood combustion were considered. As explained in the statewide inventory, carbon dioxide emissions from biomass combustion are assumed to be net zero, consistent with US EPA and IPCC methodologies, and any net loss of carbon stocks due to biomass fuel use should be accounted for in the forestry analysis 13. For reference, the actual amount of CO 2 emissions due to wood combustion are 0.10 MMt CO 2 e. 11 Sierra Research Technical Staff, Personal Communication, Re: Wood Use Report [ to John Murphy John.murphy14@gmail.com]. (July 29, 2008). 12 Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Amendments to: State Air Quality Control Plan, (State of Alaska: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, 2007); available from blic+review+draft pdf; accessed July 31, Roe, Stephen et al, Alaska Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Reference Case Projections, 1990 to 2020 (Center for Climate Strategies, July 2007), page B-1; available from Appendix C in: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation. Summary Report of Improvements to the Alaska Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory. January 2008; available from accessed July 31, 2008, page

17 Section III: Commercial Emissions The commercial sector includes the emissions of businesses except those designated Industrial by Golden Valley Electric Association (GVEA) and do not hold Title-V air quality permits, which are included in Section IV, Industrial Emissions. Examples of such commercial businesses include restauraunts, retail stores, and other facilities intended for public use such as Fairbanks Memorial Hospital. Emissions in this area come from heating fuel (including petroleum fuels, natural gas and coal), fuels used for appliances, and electricity purchased from public utilities. In 2007, total emissions from the commercial sector were MMt CO 2 e. In Table 5 and Chart 5, these emissions are broken down by fuel source. Table 5: Commercial Emissions by Source Source Fuel Used Units Emissions MMt CO 2 e Commercial Coal Use 218 Tons <0.001 Commercial Electrical Use 407,513 MWH Commercial Heating Oil 21,334,000 Gallons Commercial Natural Gas 642,445 Mscf Total Chart 5: Commercial Emissions by Source Methodology Heating Oil: These figures are based on a survey of heating fuel distributors in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Distributors were asked to provide the amount of heating fuel and an estimate of percent sold to commercial consumers. Distributors surveyed were Alaska 15

18 Aerofuels, Alaska Petroleum, Everts Air Fuel, Fairbanks Fuels, The Fuel Company, Interior Fuels, Polar Fuels, and Sourdough Fuels. Total estimated heating fuel consumed by commercial consumers was 21,334,000 gallons in Coal: This information is based on weight information from Usibelli Coal Mine and consumer breakdown by North Pole Coal. As with residential coal use, this number is expected to increase in the future as heating oil prices rise. Natural Gas: This information was provided by Fairbanks Natural Gas. 16

19 Section IV: Industrial Emissions The Industrial Emissions sector contains large identified emissions sources as well as electricity purchased by consumers designated Industrial by GVEA. The large emissions sources are those that require an operating permit which implements the requirements of Title-V of the Clean Air Act 14. The electrical power consumers designated Industrial by GVEA are: Ft. Knox and Pogo mines, Flint Hills Refinery, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Ground Missile Defense, and University of Alaska Fairbanks. Table 6 and Chart 6 show industrial emissions sources. Source Table 6: Industrial Emissions by Source Emissions MMt CO 2 e Aurora Electrical Use (Generated Sold) Flint Hills Resources GVEA Electrical Use (Internal Use + Loss) Industrial Electrical Use Petro Star Refinery University of Alaska Fairbanks Total Chart 6: Industrial Emissions by Source 14 Title V of the Clean Air Act governs emissions of air pollution from facilities emitting 100 tons or more per year of a criteria air pollutant (e.g. sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, nitrogen oxide) or 10 tons per year of a hazardous air pollutant (e.g. benzene, mercury, formaldehyde). 15 Emissions allocated to Aurora Energy and Golden Valley are taken only from the power consumed by these power plants. Please see Appendix B for more information. 17

20 Table 7 shows the amounts and types of fuel used by the industrial emissions sources. Please note that fuel values for Aurora Energy and GVEA are total combustion rather than the on-site use as shown in Table 6, including fuels used for generating power for non-fnsb consumers. For more information about emissions from electrical utilities and power producers, please see Appendix B. Table 7: Industrial Fuel Use Source Fuel Type Amount Units Emissions (MMt CO 2 e) Aurora Energy Coal Coal (sub-bituminous) 220,531 Tons Flint Hills Resources Diesel Distillate Fuel 32,361 Gallons <0.001 Flint Hills Resources Fuel Gas Natural Gas 519,000 Mscf Flint Hills Resources LSR LSR/Gasoline 33,800,000 Gallons Flint Hills Naphtha Naphtha 1200 Gallons <.001 Golden Valley Coal Coal (sub-bituminous) 193,553 Tons Golden Valley Distillate (Diesel + HAGO) Distillate Fuel Gallons Golden Valley Jet A Jet Fuel Gallons Golden Valley Naphtha Naphtha Gallons Petro Star Fuel Gas Natural Gas Mscf Petro Star Fuel Oil #1 Residual Fuel 410 Gallons <.001 Petro Star LAGO (Diesel) Distillate Fuel Gallons Petro Star LSR LSR/Gasoline Gallons UAF Coal Coal (sub-bituminous) Tons UAF Diesel Diesel Gallons UAF Natural Gas Natural Gas Mscf Total Methodology and Sources Information about fuel use from Title-V sources was provided by personal communication with the permit holders. This includes Aurora Energy, Flint Hills Resources, GVEA, Petro Star Refinery, and the University of Alaska. In addition to this fuel use, the Industrial Electrical Use information was also provided by GVEA. See Appendix B for an explanation of the electric utilities emissions. Historical Comparison of Industrial Emissions Using the 2002 Alaska statewide greenhouse gas inventory 16, it is possible to compare 2007 industrial emissions with 2002 values. Table 8 shows the time-frame comparison. Although the 16 Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Summary Report of Improvements to the Alaska Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, (State of Alaska: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, January, 2008), Page 8; available from accessed July 31,

21 Alaska Railroad operated a Fairbanks heating plant in 2002, according to the corporation s environmental representative, the heating plant did not operate in For GVEA and Aurora Energy, the 2007 emissions value is taken from total fuel burned rather than the amount of power consumed by the utilities. This method is consistent with the ADEC inventory which attributes all emissions from power generation to the generation sources rather than the end-use consumers of electricity. See Appendix B for an explanation of the electric utilities emissions methodology for this inventory. Table 8: Historical Comparison of Industrial Emissions Owner 2002 Emissions (MMt CO 2 e) 2007 Emissions (MMt CO 2 e) % Change Alaska Railroad Corporation Fairbanks Heating Plant % Aurora Energy LLC % Flint Hills Resources Alaska % Golden Valley Electric Association % University of Alaska Fairbanks % 19

22 Section V: Transportation The transportation sector includes non-military traffic by on-road vehicles, the Alaska Railroad, and airplanes fueling at Fairbanks International Airport. Total transportation emissions in 2007 were MMt CO 2 e. Table 9 and Chart 7 show transportation emissions by emissions source. For information about military transportation emissions, please see Section VII. Fairbank s DMV Count Table 9: Transportation Emissions by Source % of On- Road Fleet Estimated VMT CACP Fuel Efficiency (miles/gallon) Estimated Fuel Use (gallons) Weighted Emissions Factor (lbs CO 2 e/gallon) GHG Emissions (lbs CO 2 e) DMV Vehicle Type Fuel Type Passenger 59, % 353,454,866 Gasoline ,082, ,366, Motorcycle 4, % 26,698,475 Gasoline ,051, ,534, Commercial Truck 7, % 42,462,096 Diesel ,745, ,930, Pickup Truck 32, % 192,899,917 Gasoline ,911, ,800, Bus % 3,121,686 Diesel , ,786, Total On-Road 103, ,637, ,418, Off-Road Equipment Gasoline - 495, ,675, Off-Road Equipment Diesel - 1,960, ,023, Alaska Railroad Diesel - 982, ,058, FAI Jet Fuel 11,105, ,266, FAI Aviation Gas 2,111, ,757, FAI Non-Av Gas 37, , Total 947,176, MMt CO 2 e Chart 7: Transportation Emissions by Source 20

23 Methodology On-Road Transportation: Estimates for on-road transportation come from the 2006 Northern Region Annual Traffic Volume Report published by Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT). On DOT monitored roads in the FNSB, Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) for 2006 were 618,637, The percentage of VMT by each vehicle type was estimated using the Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles 2007 Currently Registered Vehicles for Fairbanks 18. Fuel efficiency values were taken from the ICLEI (CACP) software. Off-Road Equipment and Alaska Railroad: Off-road equipment includes non-road vehicles such as snow machines, ATVs, and boats as well as a variety of combustion maintenance and agricultural equipment. Estimates for off-road equipment fuel use come from supplemental information included as part of the ADEC Fairbanks PM 2.5 Designation report 19. This report also contains the estimates which were used for railroad fuel use in the FNSB. The Alaska Railroad was unable to provide information about fuel use inside the borough. Fairbanks International Airport: Fuel use information for FAI was provided by the Director of the DOT marketing division. This information is taken from all fuel sellers at the airport for Fiscal Year Fuel designated Non-Aviation Gasoline is identical to Motor Gasoline. Table 9 shows the volumes and types of fuel sold at FAI. 17 Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, 2006 Annual Average Daily Traffic: Northern Region. Alaska Highway Data Traffic Volume Data Files. September 2007; available from accessed July 31, Alaska Department of Administration, Division of Motor Vehicles, 2007 Currently Registered Vehicles; available from accessed August 15, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Supplemental Information: Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation PM 2.5 Designation and Boundary Recommendations; available from accessed August, 1, 2008; page

24 Section VI: Waste Management The waste management sector includes fugitive CH 4 emissions from municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills inside FNSB and emissions of GHGs from wastewater treatment utilities. Because there is no MSW incinerated at the reporting landfills, no CO 2 or N 2 O emissions occur due to burning of solid waste. Additionally, no CH 4 capture technology is used by borough landfills. The total 2007 emissions from waste management were MMt CO 2 e. Table 10 and Chart 8 illustrate the sources of emissions due to waste management. Table 10: Waste Management Emissions by Source Source Emissions MMt CO 2 e FNSB Landfill Ft. Wainwright Landfill <0.001 Chena Hot Springs Resort Landfill <0.001 FNSB Wastewater Total Chart 8: Waste Management Emissions by Source Methodology Solid Waste: The ICLEI CACP Waste in Place software is the source for GHG emissions from solid waste. The CACP software requires information about weight of municipal solid waste (MSW) and lifetime of the landfill. The data inputs for the CACP software are shown in Table 11. The emissions column is information calculated by the CACP software. 22

25 Information on the FNSB landfill was provided by the FNSB Solid Waste Manager. Information about the Ft. Wainwright landfill was a part of the 2002 Emissions Inventory produced by ADEC Air Quality Division. Although composition information was not available for the Fort Wainwright landfill, MSW was deposited along with demolition debris until 1999 when the FNSB Cell 1 landfill was constructed. It is assumed that the density of the waste was 1500 lbs/cubic yard (0.75 tons/cy) and that 50% of the waste was MSW. Information about the Chena Hot Springs landfill was provided by the owner of Chena Hot Springs Resort. Table 11: Landfill Emissions from Municipal Solid Waste Landfill Volume (CY) Density (Tons/CY) Weight (Tons) % MSW Weight MSW Year Opened Year Closed Emissions lbs CO 2 e FNSB Cell 1 N/A N/A % FNSB Cell 2 N/A N/A % N/A 3560 FNSB Construction Debris Landfill 2673, % Ft. Wainwright Landfill % N/A 29 Chena Hot Springs Resort Landfill N/A N/A % N/A 48 Total 49,594 Waste Water Management: Emissions for waste water management were calculated using the EPA State GHG Inventory Tool. 20 This calculator uses state population, utility use information, and waste processing information (e.g. red meat processing) to estimate GHG emissions. The EPA default coefficients were used with the exception of those listed in Table 12, which were taken from the Alaska State GHG Inventory. Table 12: Alaska Wastewater Management Coefficients 21 Variable Value Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) kg/day/person Amount of BOD anaerobically treated 16.25% CH 4 Emission Factor 0.6 kg/kg BOD Wastewater treatment N 2 O Factor 4.0 g N 2 O/person/year Biosolids Emission Factor 0.01kg/N 2 O/-N/kg sewage-n 20 U.S. EPA State Inventory Tool Wastewater Module; methodology and factors taken from U.S. EPA, Emission Inventory Improvement Program, Volume 8, Chapter 12, Oct. 1999; available from accessed August 1, Roe, Stephen et al, Alaska Greenhouse Gas Inventory, page G-4; available from page 119.; accessed August 20,

26 In addition to these values, the percentage of FNSB residents using utilities was calculated based on Borough utility use and military populations using on-base utilities. Borough utility use was taken from the FNSB Community Research Quarterly (CRQ) 22. These calculations are shown in Table 13. An estimated 37.8% of FNSB residents used utilities in In addition to utility use, the EPA calculator requires estimates for food processing. In the FNSB the only value of importance is red meat processing. Approximately 32 metric tons of red meat were processed in the FNSB in 2007, based on a population percentage of the EPAprovided Alaska value of 227 metric tons. Table 13: Calculating FNSB Wastewater Utility Use Calculating Population on Utilities Value Source # Residential Utilities Customers 6,974 FNSB CRQ Avg. People per Household: FNSB 3.02 United States Census Population on Utilities 21,061 Plus 80% Military Populations: Eielson Population 6,008 Average from FNSB CRQ Ft. Wainwright Population 13,720 Average from FNSB CRQ Total Population on Utilities 36,844 Total FNSB 2007 Population 97,484 US Census/FNSB CRQ % Population on Utilities 37.8% 22 Community Research Quarterly, Vol. XXXI, No. 1, 2008, page

27 Section VII: Military The FNSB is home to two military bases: Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base. This section accounts for emissions from the central heat and power plants on each base as well as jet fuel, distillate fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas combusted. Distillate fuels and liquefied petroleum includes the fuel used for military ground vehicles. The estimated total emissions from the military sector were 1.09 MMt CO 2 e in Table 14 and Chart 9 show military emissions by source. Table 14: Military Emissions by Source Source and Fuel Fuel Type Amount Units Emissions (MMt CO 2 e) Ft. Wainwright Power Coal Coal (sub-bituminous) Tons Eielson Power Coal Coal (sub-bituminous) Tons Ft. Wainwright LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gas Gallons <0.001 Ft. Wainwright Distillate Distillate Fuel Gallons Ft. Wainwright JP4 JP4 Jet Fuel Gallons Eielson JP8 JP8 Jet Fuel Gallons Eielson JP4 JP4 Jet Fuel Gallons Eielson Diesel Distillate Fuel Gallons Total Source by Base Eielson AFB Central Heat & Power Eielson AFB Jet & Diesel Fuel Ft. Wainwright Central Heat & Power Ft. Wainwright Jet & Diesel Fuel Total Total without Air Fuel

28 Chart 9: Military Emissions by Source Methodology For all fuel used on the military bases, standard emissions factors were used. See Appendix A for emissions factors. Electrical generation information at Eielson AFB was provided by the Eielson public affairs officer. Electrical generation information at Fort Wainwright was provided by the Chief of Utilities at the Fort Wainwright Directorate of Public Works. All jet and distillate fuel use was given in reports provided to the FNSB. Information provided for Fort Wainwright was provided as non-heating fuel. To estimate the quantities of jet fuel and distillate fuel, a 10% growth rate was applied to 2002 estimates for distillate fuel given in an ADEC report analyzing PM 2.5 emissions Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Supplemental Information, page

29 Section VIII: Agriculture GHG emissions from agriculture occur primarily due to CH 4 from livestock and N 2 O released in fertilizer use and soil management. The estimated FNSB emissions from agriculture in 2007 were MMt CO 2 e. Methodology According to the 2007 ADEC statewide emissions inventory, total state agricultural emissions were 0.05 MMt CO 2 e in These include MMt livestock emissions (0.004 from Manure Management and 0.02 from Enteric Fermentation) and 0.03 MMt cropland emissions (from Agricultural Soils). Table 15 shows the Alaskan agricultural breakdown according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service 2002 Census of Agriculture 25. Personal communication with the USDA Agricultural Statistics Department indicates that the cropland value is lower than reported due to the inclusion of Delta Junction inside the Fairbanks census designation, although it lies outside the FNSB. The estimate used for Fairbanks cropland is 20,000 acres. Table 15: Agricultural Emissions Alaska Cropland (acres) Alaska Fairbanks % Fairbanks Emissions 98,131 20, Livestock Alaska (cattle, sheep, hogs) Alaska Fairbanks % Fairbanks Emissions FNSB Emissions (MMt CO 2 e) FNSB Emissions (MMt CO 2 e) 15,812 2, Total FNSB Roe, Stephen et al, Alaska Greenhouse Gas Inventory; page 3; available from accessed July 31, 2008, page United States Department of Agriculture, 2002 Census of Agriculture Volume 1 Chapter 2: Alaska County Level Data ; available from accessed July 31, 2008, Table #1. 27

30 Section IX: Industrial Processes Industrial process emissions occur from the use of high GWP substances such as refrigerants, and from industrial processes other than fossil fuel combustion. This includes the use of sulfur hexafluoride as a dielectric for electric utilities, fluorocarbon refrigerants, and limestone in cement manufacturing. Explicit data on the use of high GWP materials in the FNSB is unavailable. Therefore, for purposes of this inventory, emissions are calculated based on a population percentage of the reported Alaska state industrial process emissions. According to the Alaska State Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 10, Alaska emissions are: 0.01 MMt CO 2 e from Limestone use, 0.01 from Soda Ash, 0.3 from HFCs and PFCs, and 0.02 from SF 6 from electric utilities. Total state industrial process emissions are 0.34 MMt CO 2 e. Using a population ratio of 0.144, total FNSB emissions from industrial processes are 0.05 MMt CO 2 e. Table 16: Industrial Process Emissions FNSB Emissions Source (MMt CO 2 e) FNSB Industrial Processes

31 Appendix A: Standard Emissions Factors Table 17: Greenhouse Gas Emissions Factors Fuel Source CO 2 Factor CH 4 Factor N 2 O Factor Weighted Emissions Factor (lbs CO 2 /unit) Unit Distillate Fuels Gallons Residual Fuels Gallons Jet Fuels Gallons Kerosene/Naphtha Gallons Liquefied Petroleum Gases Gallons Motor Gasoline Gallons Aviation Gasoline Gallons Natural Gas Mscf Wood & Wood Waste Tons Wood & Wood Waste (no CO 2 ) Tons Coal Subbituminous Tons Table 16 contains the emissions factors used for GHG emissions from fuel combustion. Source for all emissions factors is the EPA AP-42 emissions factors. Easy access to CO 2 emissions factors is available on the Energy Information Administration website at The weighted emissions factor is a sum of the three criteria greenhouse gases weighted by global warming potential as defined by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 26 The global warming potential of the three combustion GHGs is shown in table 17. Table 18: Global Warming Potential of Greenhouse Gases Greenhouse Gas Global Warming Potential CO 2 1 N 2 O 21 CH Forster, P., V. Ramaswamy, P. Artaxo, T. Berntsen, R. Betts, D.W. Fahey, J. Haywood, J. Lean, D.C. Lowe, G. Myhre, J. Nganga, R. Prinn, G. Raga, M. Schulz and R. Van Dorland, 2007: Changes in Atmospheric Constituents and in Radiative Forcing. In: Climate Change 2007: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change [Solomon, S., D. Qin, M. Manning, Z. Chen, M. Marquis, K.B. Averyt, M.Tignor and H.L. Miller (eds.)]. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA. Page 212; available from accessed July 31,

32 Appendix B: Emissions Allocation for Electrical Production Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Electrical Use Electricity in FNSB is distributed by GVEA and broken into the Residential, Commercial, and Industrial sectors. Electricity in the FNSB is generated by a variety of different fuels and production facilities. Each method of production has different efficiencies and associated GHG emissions. Using the overall fuel used in generating power used by the FNSB and the associated power produced it is possible to calculate an emissions factor for FNSB electricity. The emissions factor is necessary in order to calculate the emissions from electrical consumption given in Megawatt-Hours (MWH) in these sectors. From this fuel use information, it is possible to calculate an emissions factor, emissions per MWH, for electricity consumed by FNSB users. GVEA generates electricity using Naphtha, Heavy Atmospheric Gas Oil (HAGO), Diesel Fuel, Jet A, and Coal. In addition to this generation, GVEA purchases electricity from Aurora Energy, Anchorage Municipal Light and Power, Bradley Lake Hydroelectric Project, and Chugach Electric Association. Table 18 illustrates the emissions factor calculations for electrical use in the Residential, Commercial, and Industrial sectors. Table 19: Electrical Use Emissions Factor Emissions (lbs CO 2 e) MWH Sold Emissions Factor GVEA , Bradley Lake 0 76,868 0 Aurora Energy , AMLP , CEA , Total ,163, Overall Emissions Factor lbs CO 2 e/mwh sold 30

33 Industrial Emissions from Electrical Generation In order to account for emissions from electrical production inside the FNSB by GVEA and Aurora Energy, the amount of electricity that was generated but not sold to consumers is counted in the Industrial Emissions section. The emissions factor used here is shown above, calculated for each utility separately. Industrial emissions are assigned to GVEA for with their MWHs designated Own+Loss, which was 60,700 MWH in Aurora Energy generated 215, 969 MWH and sold 197,419 MWH, leaving 18,550 MWH for their electricity consumed. Aurora Energy is assigned industrial emissions based on this value of 18,550 MWH. Emissions from these sources are shown in Table 19. The table also includes information on other electrical generation sites in FNSB, specifically the power plants at Eielson AFB, Ft. Wainwright, and UAF. Utility Emissions Table 20: Emissions from Electrical Production Facilities Emissions Factor MWH (lbs CO 2 e/mwh Emissions Consumed/Generated Generated) (lbs CO 2 e) Emissions (MMt CO 2 e) GVEA Aurora Eielson AFB Ft. Wainwright UAF

34 Appendix C: FNSB Assembly Resolution Included on pages

35 THE FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH RESOLUTION NO By: Luke Hopkins Mike Musick Victoria (Torie) Foote Valerie Therrien Introduced: 09/13/07 Adopted: 09/13/07 A RESOLUTION COMMITTING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LOCAL CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT PLAN WHEREAS, the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly has recognized the need to develop a community understanding of the potential impacts, adaptation to, and opportunities from climate change and learn what local actions could be taken and then consider appropriate steps to address these issues; and WHEREAS, numerous Alaskan commissions and panels charged with identifying Alaska s climate change indicators, have been considering the local impacts measured through research and observations. These include the University of Alaska International Polar Year Scenarios Network for Alaska Planning (SNAP) activities, Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy (ACCAP) research on public infrastructure impact costs, the Denali Commission s community surveys, Governor Palin s Sub-Cabinet Panel on Climate Change, and the Alaska Army Corp of Engineers; and WHEREAS, numerous University of Alaska scientists have presented information developed from their research that points to both short term and long term impacts to the natural environment and surrounding communities, including forest fire response management; and WHEREAS, local actions to increase energy efficiency and alternative energy developments are expected to reduce the high cost of energy needed to heat our homes and our businesses and, when incorporated into a borough energy plan that would reduce the use of fossil fuels, will be effective in adapting to climate impacts, producing financial savings, strengthening our economy, improving air quality and lead to a healthier, sustainable community. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly commits to participate in the Climate Resilient Community five milestone plan and, as participant, will promote public awareness of the benefits of developing and implementing an action plan that improves our local economy, and protects our resources and borough residents. Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska RESOLUTION NO Page 1 of 3

36 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Fairbanks North Star Borough Assembly requests the Mayor to participate in the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Climate Resilient Community grant program to specifically develop our local five milestone plan that includes: Milestone 1. Study and assess climate vulnerability The Fairbanks North Star Borough shall work with local and agency experts and University of Alaska scientists to assess vulnerabilities and opportunities associated with climate change. Milestone 2. Set goals and prioritize Based on the assessment, the borough shall develop a prioritized list of goals and targets that reduce climate vulnerabilities and enhance opportunities, including goals based on a Borough energy plan that prioritizes cost savings and improvements to air quality (PM 2.5). Acquire commitments from the public and stakeholders to address these goals. Milestone 3. Develop an action plan Produce a concise plan that describes the actions and policies for A) Adapting to climate change by reducing the negative impacts and taking advantage of opportunities, and B) opportunities made available from reducing the use fossil fuels through alternative energy uses, increases in energy efficiency and conservation. The plan will include a description of timing, financing, and responsible parties. Potential partners from the community include University of Alaska, non-profit organizations, agencies, and private businesses. Milestone 4. Implement the action plan Borough administration and potential partners will implement the action plan that includes a time line. Milestone 5. Monitor efforts and re-evaluate the action plan Document results and accomplishments toward the goals in the action plan. Re-evaluate, revise, and determine if an alternative approach is necessary to reach the goals set in the action plan. Report updates to the public, local governmental bodies and experts to evaluate progress toward the goals. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Fairbanks North Star Borough requests assistance from ICLEI s Climate Resilient Community program as our borough progresses through the milestones. Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska RESOLUTION NO Page 2 of 3