Methane Leaks from Pipelines Harm Air Quality and Community Health

The Trump administration's support for the oil and gas industry has contributed to increased pipeline leaks, which can release methane into the atmosphere and harm air quality, especially in neighboring states. Our research has found that these leaks can be particularly problematic for communities where they occur, as well as in nearby areas that can experience elevated air pollution levels. The study used data from the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, and other sources to examine the relationship between methane leak incidents and fine-particle air pollution levels in the United States.

Key Takeaways:

• Our research found that years with more methane leak incidents in a state or its neighboring states corresponded with significantly higher annual average fine-particle air pollution levels in those states.
• The role of methane in forming fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is well understood, as it reacts with other chemicals in the atmosphere, such as nitrogen oxides and organic compounds, to produce secondary organic aerosol (SOA), which contributes to PM2.5.
• The 2018 Aliso Canyon gas leak in California sent an estimated 96,000 metric tons of methane into the atmosphere.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that undocumented small leaks in the U.S. may total on the order of 15,000 metric tons of methane per year, enough to raise background PM2.5 by approximately 0.1 micrograms per cubic meter in downwind areas.
• Small leaks are common and can be hazardous, causing health problems, such as respiratory issues, even at low concentrations of fine particulate matter.
• Reducing pipeline leaks could conserve energy, reduce global warming, and improve air quality in communities with pipelines.

Statistics:

• Fine-particle air pollution concentrations in downwind areas of New Hampshire and Vermont spiked from 2018, leading to an increase of approximately 0.3 micrograms per cubic meter (3% of the U.S. standard) in 2018 annual average PM2.5 levels.
• The 2018 Aliso Canyon gas leak released approximately 96,000 metric tons of methane into the atmosphere.
• Undocumented small leaks in the U.S. may total on the order of 15,000 metric tons of methane per year, sufficient to raise background PM2.5 by approximately 0.1 micrograms per cubic meter.

Sources:

• The Conversation - https://theconversation.com/us - 2023
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - https://www.epa.gov
• U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration - https://www.phmsa.dot.gov
• Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory - https://www.ldeo.columbia.edu