Decreases in atmospheric pressure can result in a 20-fold increase in fugitive methane emissions from leaking onshore oil and gas wells, according to research from the University of British Columbia . 49, 8139–8146 (2015). Researchers injected 12 metres of natural gas for 24 days 30 cubic metres below the surface at a test site in northern A. R. . Atmospheric pressure and emissions were then monitored for five days , controlling for depth and rate of well leakage. The researchers said the results indicate current monitoring strategies may not be accurate, and that frequent or continuous monitoring is needed at sites with a deep water table.
Decreases in atmospheric pressure can result in a 20-fold increase in fugitive methane emissions from leaking onshore oil and gas wells, according to research from the University of British Columbia . Researchers injected 12 metres of natural gas for 24 days 30 cubic metres below the surface at a test site in northern A. R. . Atmospheric pressure and emissions were then monitored for five days , controlling for depth and rate of well leakage. The researchers said the results indicate current monitoring strategies may not be accurate, and that frequent or continuous monitoring is needed at sites with a deep water table.