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METHANE EMISSIONS FROM ABANDONED UNDERGROUND COAL MINES
Citation:
Ringler, E., S. Piccot, AND D. Kirchgessner. METHANE EMISSIONS FROM ABANDONED UNDERGROUND COAL MINES. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/A-94/127 (NTIS PB94190956), 1994.
Description:
The paper summarizes current research on abandoned underground coal mines. t forms an initial basis for developing an inventory of methane emissions from such mines. arly measurements have shown that some abandoned coal mines can liberate large volumes of high quality gas (up to 750,000 cu ft/day; 21,000 cu m/day). uch amounts are comparable to emissions from active underground coal mine with methane rates among the highest in the U.S. ther abandoned mines liberate little or no gas. ver the past several years, the EPA has sponsored research to improve emissions data and establish more representative emissions inventories for coal mining operations. his research has focused on developing improved emission factors and relationships, and improving inventories for methane emissions from surface mining, coal handling, and abandoned underground mines. he work has initially focused on coal mining in the U.S., but will be extended to global coal production. mproved emissions inventories for coal mining operations will enhance the ability of researchers to assess the significance of coal mining in global scale processes. etermination of representative methane emissions relationships and mechanisms for coal mining (especially abandoned mines) will also be useful to researchers and industrial groups exploring for potential sources of energy.
