The researchers found that upgrades in metering and regulating stations, changes in pipeline materials, better instruments for detecting pipeline leaks as well as regulatory changes have led to methane emissions that are from 36% to 70% lower than current Environmental Protection Agency estimates when the data gathered for this study is combined with current pipeline miles and the numbers of facilities. The study also showed significant variations by region, with some areas showing higher than average emissions because of large differences in the age and type of pipe in different parts of the US.
The study, published online today in Environmental Science & Technology, provides the most comprehensive set yet of direct measurements of emissions from the distribution system and, with a series of partner studies, is helping to determine the natural gas industry's contribution to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and to global warming. The distribution system includes underground natural gas pipelines as well as metering and regulating facilities and customer meters in cities and towns. The research is led by Regents Professor Brian Lamb in WSU's Laboratory for Atmospheric Research with assistance from Conestoga-Rovers and Associates, an engineering and environmental consulting firm.
The researchers found dramatically lower emissions at metering and regulating stations. In fact, because of the significant differences they saw from the early 1990's data, the researchers revisited nine sites from the previous study and measured 10 times fewer emissions than 20 years ago. They also measured lower emissions from individual pipeline leaks as compared to earlier studies. The improvements are the result of both regulatory changes and increased investment in leak prevention by utilities.
Read more at Researchers See Drop in Methane Emissions from Natural Gas Local Distribution Systems
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