Methane gas concentration in soils and ground water, Carbon and Emery Counties, Utah, 1995-2003

Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5227
Prepared in cooperation with the Utah Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil, Gas, and Mining
By: , and 

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Abstract

The release of methane gas from coal beds creates the potential for it to move into near-surface environments through natural and human-made pathways. To help ensure the safety of communities and determine the potential effects of development of coal-bed resources, methane gas concentrations in soils and ground water in Carbon and Emery Counties, Utah, were monitored from 1995 to 2003. A total of 420 samples were collected, which contained an average methane concentration of 2,740 parts per million by volume (ppmv) and a median concentration of less than 10 ppmv. On the basis of spatial and temporal methane concentration data collected during the monitoring period, there does not appear to be an obvious, widespread, or consistent migration of methane gas to the near-surface environment.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Methane gas concentration in soils and ground water, Carbon and Emery Counties, Utah, 1995-2003
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2006-5227
DOI 10.3133/sir20065227
Year Published 2006
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Utah Water Science Center
Description iv, 20 p.
Country United States
State Utah
Other Geospatial Carbon County, Emery County
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