More than half of the waste sites observed by aerial surveys are super-emitting sources of methane, according to a new study in the journal Science published on Thursday.
This study represents the most extensive evaluation to date of methane emissions from landfills, which rank as the third-largest source of methane emissions in the United States. It indicates a promising avenue for addressing climate change by focusing on a widespread and powerful greenhouse gas.
It is led by the research group Carbon Mapper, with researchers from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Arizona State University, University of Arizona, Scientific Aviation, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Approximately 52% of landfills exhibited identifiable methane emission points, contrasting starkly with the 0.2% to 1% prevalence of “super-emitter” sites within the oil and gas sector, which stands as the primary methane source in the United States.
“Addressing these high methane sources and mitigating persistent landfill emissions offers a strong potential for climate benefit,” said Dan Cusworth, scientist at Carbon Mapper and lead author of the study.
Super emitters are sources that release at least 100 kilograms (100 lbs) of methane per hour, according to the EPA.
According to the study, emitting landfills, 60% of methane leaks endured for months or even years, whereas the majority of leaks at super-emitting sites within the oil and gas sector were characterised as “short-duration events.”
