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Methane occurrence in groundwater of south-central New York State, 2012: summary of findings

Fact Sheet 2013-3118
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20133118

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Abstract

A survey of methane in groundwater was undertaken to document methane occurrence on the basis of hydrogeologic setting within a glaciated 1,810-square-mile area of south-central New York that has not seen shale-gas resource development. The adjacent region in northeastern Pennsylvania has undergone shale-gas resource development from the Marcellus Shale. Well construction and subsurface data were required for each well sampled so that the local hydrogeologic setting could be classified. All wells were also at least 1 mile from any known gas well (active, exploratory, or abandoned). Sixty-six domestic wells and similar purposed supply wells were sampled during summer 2012. Field water-quality characteristics (pH, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, and temperature) were measured at each well, and samples were collected and analyzed for dissolved gases, including methane and short-chain hydrocarbons. Carbon and hydrogen isotopic ratios of methane were measured in 21 samples that had at least 0.3 milligram per liter (mg/L) methane.

Suggested Citation

Heisig, P.M., Scott, T., 2013, Methane occurrence in groundwater of south-central New York State, 2012: summary of findings: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2013-3118, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20133118.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Methane occurrence in groundwater of south-central New York State, 2012: summary of findings
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2013-3118
DOI 10.3133/fs20133118
Year Published 2013
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New York Water Science Center
Description 2 p.
Country United States
State New York
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details