Bronte Wells
Natural gas is a fossil fuel that is often marketed as a clean energy source. However, the burning of natural gas does release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to global climate change. While it is a cleaner-burning resource than coal and liquid petroleum, it still emits carbon in the form of CO2 and methane. Methane is leaked in large quantities during the extraction and transport of natural gas, and it is a greenhouse gas that is 86-87 times more potent than CO2 over a 20-year period. The combustion of natural gas also produces nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are precursors to smog, and small amounts of sulfur, mercury, and particulates. The drilling and extraction of gas from wells, as well as its transportation in pipelines, can result in methane leaks and the release of other harmful pollutants.
What You'll Learn
CO2 emissions from burning natural gas
Burning natural gas emits carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapour, as well as small amounts of other chemicals. Natural gas is a fossil fuel, composed primarily of methane. It is the cleanest of the fossil fuels and emits fewer harmful pollutants than other fossil fuels like coal and petroleum products.
The combustion of natural gas releases fewer emissions of nearly all types of air pollutants and carbon dioxide (CO2) than burning coal or petroleum products to produce an equal amount of energy. For instance, for every 1 million BTU consumed (burned), more than 200 pounds of CO2 are produced from coal, compared to over 160 pounds of CO2 produced from fuel oil, and less from natural gas.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that in 2022, U.S. CO2 emissions from burning natural gas for energy accounted for about 35% of total U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions. The clean-burning properties of natural gas have contributed to increased natural gas use for electricity generation and for fleet vehicle fuel in the United States.
However, it is important to note that the drilling and extraction of gas from wells, as well as its transportation in pipelines, can result in the leakage of methane, the primary component of natural gas. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and high rates of methane leakage have been found throughout the natural gas system. The impact of methane leakage on the total global warming potential of natural gas-based power must be considered.
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Methane leaks during extraction and transport
Natural gas is a fossil fuel composed primarily of methane. While burning natural gas emits fewer harmful pollutants than other fossil fuels, the drilling, extraction, and transportation of natural gas can result in methane leaks, which contribute to climate change.
Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas that is 28 times more powerful than carbon dioxide in warming the climate over a 100-year period and 86 times stronger over 20 years. Even small leaks can have a significant impact on the climate. For example, a study of 21,525 wells found that more than 10% had leaked at some point, with most of the gas seeping into the air and a small portion being liquid leaks. These leaks can also pose health risks to nearby communities, as methane can contaminate groundwater and cause dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues.
In addition to the environmental and health impacts, methane leaks also waste energy and can lead to explosions. Utility companies are required by law to inspect their lines and fix safety problems within a specified time, but these rules do not mandate the repair of all leaks. The detection and measurement of methane emissions can be challenging, and current inventories may not accurately reflect the true extent of the problem.
To address this issue, organizations like the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 are encouraging companies to measure and report their methane emissions from sources such as pipelines, storage tanks, and offshore platforms. Satellites and other advanced technologies are also being used to detect and quantify methane leaks. By improving monitoring and mitigation efforts, the industry can work towards reducing methane emissions and mitigating their impact on the climate.
In summary, while natural gas may burn cleaner than other fossil fuels, the leakage of methane during extraction and transport remains a significant concern. Addressing this issue through improved monitoring, regulation, and mitigation strategies is crucial for minimizing the environmental and health impacts of the natural gas industry.
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Air pollution from well drilling
Natural gas drilling has a significant impact on the environment and the communities that live nearby. Well drilling activities produce air pollution, and the process of extracting natural gas can contaminate water and soil resources.
During the drilling process, natural gas can be released into the atmosphere, and the flaring of natural gas produces CO2, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other compounds, depending on the chemical composition of the gas and how well it burns. Flaring is considered safer than releasing natural gas, as methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than CO2. However, the practice still contributes to air pollution and has negative health outcomes for nearby residents.
A 14-year analysis of air quality in California found higher levels of air pollutants within 2.5 miles of oil and gas wells, including toxic particulate matter (PM2.5), carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants are linked to adverse health effects, including preterm birth, asthma, and heart disease. The risk of exposure is particularly high for children, as their lungs are still developing, and ozone can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, and aggravated lung disease.
The drilling process also impacts the natural landscape, disturbing vegetation and soil, and requiring the clearing of land for pipelines and well sites. The noise and vehicle traffic from drilling operations can also be disruptive to wildlife and local communities, affecting those who depend on tourism for their livelihoods.
The use of chemicals during drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and well workover operations further contributes to air pollution. Lighter and more volatile chemicals, such as benzene, toluene, and hydrogen sulfide, can escape from produced water pits into the atmosphere and be carried into nearby neighbourhoods. The burning of fuel to power trucks and equipment also emits NOx, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter.
Overall, well drilling and natural gas extraction have significant impacts on air pollution, with potential health, environmental, and economic consequences for nearby communities.
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Water pollution from extraction and waste
Natural gas extraction and waste processes can cause water pollution in several ways. Firstly, during the site preparation stage, the construction process can lead to erosion of dirt, minerals, and other harmful pollutants into nearby water bodies. This includes rivers and streams, where sedimentation and increased erosion can negatively impact aquatic life.
Secondly, hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," uses large amounts of water, which can strain local groundwater and surface water supplies, particularly in water-scarce regions. The process also generates significant amounts of wastewater, which may contain hazardous chemicals, drilling muds, diesel, and other contaminants. Improper management of this wastewater can result in leaks and spills, contaminating both groundwater and surface water sources.
Additionally, there is a risk of surface water contamination from deliberate improper disposal of wastewater. The complex treatment requirements of wastewater components further emphasize the importance of proper wastewater treatment and disposal to prevent water pollution.
Furthermore, natural gas extraction activities can disturb vegetation and soil, impacting local ecosystems and water resources. The use of engines and compressors at well sites and along pipelines can also contribute to water pollution, as leaks and spills of diesel and other fluids may occur.
The contamination of drinking water sources with hazardous chemicals and naturally occurring radioactive materials has been documented, posing health risks to nearby communities. Improperly constructed or failing wells have been identified as a major cause of gas and wastewater contamination, leading to leaks of methane and other underground gases into drinking water supplies.
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Health risks for nearby residents
Burning natural gas contributes to air pollution and can negatively impact the health of nearby residents. Natural gas is composed of mostly methane, which, while not directly harmful, contributes to the formation of ground-level tropospheric ozone, a harmful air pollutant. The burning of natural gas also produces nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, which are known respiratory irritants that have been linked to the development of asthma. Additionally, natural gas flares can burn for weeks, releasing harmful chemicals such as benzene, fine particle pollution, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, heavy metals, and black carbon. Exposure to these pollutants can lead to adverse health outcomes, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Studies have found that residents living in close proximity to natural gas well sites are at a greater risk of experiencing health effects from air pollution. For example, a study in Pennsylvania found that emissions from a plastics plant in Beaver County resulted in excess emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which spread across the county and possibly further throughout the state. Long-term exposure to these pollutants can cause both short-term and long-term health risks, including an increased likelihood of asthma attacks and other respiratory issues.
The health risks associated with living near natural gas burning industries are not limited to respiratory issues. Research has also linked exposure to natural gas flares and wells to adverse birth outcomes. A study in Texas found that women living near natural gas and oil wells that use flaring to burn off excess gas had a 50% greater risk of premature birth, with babies also being born with lower birth weights on average. Additionally, women who identified as Latina or Hispanic in the study were found to have a higher risk of preterm birth, raising environmental justice concerns.
Furthermore, the drilling and extraction of natural gas can contaminate drinking water sources with hazardous chemicals and naturally occurring radioactive materials. While methane itself is not associated with acute health effects, it can pose flammability concerns if it leaks and accumulates in enclosed spaces, creating a risk of gas line explosions capable of causing catastrophic injuries and significant property damage.
Overall, the burning of natural gas and the associated pollution pose significant health risks to nearby residents, including respiratory issues, cardiovascular disease, cancer, adverse birth outcomes, and the risk of gas line explosions. It is important for regulators and policymakers to address these risks and mitigate the potential harm to public health.
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Frequently asked questions
No, natural gas is a fossil fuel that contributes to climate change and pollutes the air and water. However, it is often marketed as a clean energy source because it is cleaner-burning than coal and liquid petroleum.
Burning natural gas releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, increasing CO2 levels, trapping heat, and contributing to global climate change. It also emits methane, a greenhouse gas that is about 86-87 times more potent than CO2 over a 20-year period.
The drilling and extraction of natural gas from wells can result in the leakage of methane and other harmful pollutants, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The construction process for building well pads, pipelines, and access roads can also cause erosion and sedimentation, leading to increased aquatic contamination and habitat fragmentation.
Burning natural gas emits fewer harmful pollutants and releases lower levels of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter compared to burning coal or petroleum products. For example, for every 1 million British thermal units (BTU) consumed, coal produces over 200 pounds of CO2, while natural gas produces about 160 pounds.
People who live near areas of high oil and gas activity are at a greater risk of chronic illnesses and cancer due to exposure to air and water pollution. Smog, formed by the reaction of pollutants such as VOCs, can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and people with asthma.
