Pennsylvania’s methane leak data doesn’t include leaks at oil and gas facilities
Thursday, October 1, 2015
In 2013, more than 9,000 tons of leaked methane were reported by oil and gas companies in Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette PowerSource reports. However, that number doesn’t reflect all of the methane released into the air because leaks at oil and gas operations aren’t measured.<
The amount of methane measured in 2013 was an increase from 2012, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that more oil and gas wells were leaking. It indicates that more wells were producing.
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection plans to improve emissions and leakage reporting at oil and gas wells, according to the newspaper.
Via: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette PowerSource > Methane leak data in Pa. paints an uncertain picture
More about methane emissions and the shale industry:
- Proposed regulations could restrict methane emissions from oil and gas industry Sept. 8, 2015
- New research shows methane leaks in three U.S. natural gas fields in line with federal estimates Feb. 23, 2015
- Obama plans to cut methane emissions by at least 40 percent Jan. 16, 2015
- The shale industry’s money-making component: Methane Oct. 12, 2014
- Methane gas leaks a cause for concern with unconventional drilling July 7, 2014
- Study Shows Methane Often in Ground Water Prior to Drilling March 10, 2014
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.