Study finds methane gas leaks throughout Staten Island

[hrmjustin]

Scott Waldman

ALBANY—Methane gas is leaking from hundreds of natural gas pipelines throughout Staten Island, a study by the Environmental Defense Fund has found.

Most leaks don't pose a public safety hazard, but waste fuel and contribute to climate change.

With results of the study in hand, the nationwide environmental group is hoping to work with regulators and utilities to target the leaks so infrastructure repairs can be made, said Mark Brownstein, the fund's associate vice president. The study, he said, shows that the aging infrastructure has an environmental and monetary cost since customers pay for gas that is wasted.

“It shows there are chronic leaks. They're not a threat to public safety but that have a real impact on the environment,” Brownstein said of the report.

http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2014/07/8549805/study-finds-methane-gas-leaks-throughout-staten-island?top-featured-3