When a new type of greenhouse gas
detecting method was recently employed, in which methane levels are measured in
the air above wells, some of the findings were a surprise to most. Seven of the
shale gas wells studied were identified as having high emissions levels. Though
the seven wells only account for one percent of those studied, all seven were
in the drilling stage, a stage that has never been associated with high methane
emissions. The methane plumes detected from the wells in drilling phase ranged
from 100 to 1000 times greater in strength than previously estimated. These
findings could significantly impact the way we look at natural gas production
and shale gas wells, and they could radically change the way the industry
strives to keep our environment safe and clean.
Besides illuminating the need for
better control of emissions, the study showed that current inventory methods
for detecting emissions are falling short. This new measurement method, known
as the “top down” method, uses a specially equipped airplane to monitor plumes
of methane above the wells. A method like this could serve as a good complement
to preexisting protocol, better protecting the environment.
