Appalachian Methane Initiative completes emissions monitoring

The Appalachian Methane Initiative (AMI), a coalition of U.S. natural gas companies engaged with independent monitoring providers, technical consultants, and universities, recently completed its pilot methane emissions monitoring program.

The initiative conducted more than 1,700 surveys of gas facilities and 60 surveys of non-gas facilities in approximately 1,100 square miles of the Appalachian Basin.

Key findings include:

Coal mine vents or direct emissions from mines were the largest contributor to emissions associated with coal mine operations. Emitters had emissions of more than 5,000 kilograms per hour.

Condensate tanks and compressors were among the largest sources for on-pad gas operations.

Non-oil and gas operations contributed the majority of emissions in the pilot region, measuring 76 percent during the second quarter, 53 percent during the third, and 73 percent during the fourth.

“By ensuring that data are collected, analyzed, and reported by an independent academic institution, AMI seeks to model the level of transparency and scientific rigor necessary to compete in a global market looking for low emission natural gas,” Arvind Ravikumar, Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin faculty member, said.

The Chesapeake Energy Corp., EQT Corp., and Equitrans Midstream Corp. founded the Appalachian Methane Initiative in 2023.