California Baseline Methane Survey: Identification of LArge Fugitive Methane Emitters from the Natural Gas Sector

Summary

SCH Number
2016078077
Public Agency
California Energy Commission
Document Title
California Baseline Methane Survey: Identification of LArge Fugitive Methane Emitters from the Natural Gas Sector
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
7/7/2016
Document Description
The purpose of this research is to conduct an airborne science campaign targeting large sources of methane emission and to generate maps of large point source emitters over the entire survey area. NASA will utilize state-of-the-art airborne instruments and methane detection algorithms to conduct a California methane point source survey over key regions that collectively dominate the state's methane budget. NASA will use its imaging spectrometers to map methane plumes at high spatial resolution. NASA will contribute with funding to analyze hundreds of thousands of high resolution imagines that will be collected to detect methane emissions. In addition, the Air Resources Board may enter into a similar agreement with NASA to add additional work to detect emissions from landfills, digesters, and other sources of methane. Some preliminary work conducted by NASA, in collaboration with PG&E with controlled releases, produce some promising quantitative results.

Contact Information

Name
Yu Hou
Agency Name
California Energy Commission
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency

Location


Notice of Exemption

Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
S:15306
Reasons for Exemption
15306 provides that projects which consist of basic data collection, research, experimental management and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource are categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA. This project will involve approximately 120 hours of aerial imagery collection conducted by research aircraft to survey methane emissions from California's natural gas infrastructure. The airborne data collection will be conducted in full accordance with FAA and NASA regulations. These data collection and analysis activities to be performed under this project will not have a significant effect on the environment.

Disclaimer: The document was originally posted before CEQAnet had the capability to host attachments for the public. To obtain the original attachments for this document, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613.

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