Unprecedented Measurements Provide Better Understanding of Methane Emissions During Natural Gas Production

Sept. 16, 2013

Completion emissions are lower than previously estimated; Data show emissions from pneumatic controllers and equipment leaks are higher than EPA national emission projections; Estimates of total emissions are similar to the most recent EPA national inventory of methane emissions from natural gas production.
AUSTIN, Texas — A new study from The University of Texas at Austin reports on extensive measurements of methane emissions — including the first measurements for methane emissions taken directly at the well pad — during completion operations for hydraulically fractured wells. A team of researchers from UT Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering and environmental testing firms URS and Aerodyne Research completed measurements at 190 natural gas production sites across the United States. The study was published today in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
http://www.utexas.edu/news/2013/09/16/understanding-methane-emissions/?goback=.gde_67258_member_274457381#!