Study shows methane leaks in Pa. may be higher than state reports
Tuesday, May 19, 2020
A study released by the Environmental Defense Fund recently reported Pennsylvania’s oil and gas industry emits over 1.1 million short tons of methane annually — more than 16 times the amount reported to the state Department of Environmental Protection, according to Daily American.
Although unconventional well operators reported 70,150 short tons of methane emissions in 2017, EDF’s data put estimates seven times higher at 543,000 short tons. Additionally, levels from conventional wells were estimated to total in excess of 599,200 short tons — roughly 90% of actively producing oil and gas wells across the state are classified as conventional and therefore don’t send annual emissions data to the DEP.
While the data appears to indicate operators have underreported methane emissions to regulatory agencies by a lot, some critics believe the EDF’s analysis is based on flawed data that has been debunked by federal research agencies, including a study that was released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration last year.
Learn more: Daily American > Updated study suggests Pennsylvania methane emissions are underreported
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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.