ECMC study of naturally occurring methane gas begins with aerial flights, in Las Animas and Huerfano Counties, June 10-20
Denver, CO (Jun. 04, 2024) - The Colorado Energy and Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) will conduct a study in the Raton Basin, including Las Animas and Huerfano Counties, to evaluate the presence of naturally occurring methane gas seepage originating from underlying coal layers found throughout the region. The study will use helicopter flights scheduled June 10- 20, 2024, to gather data.
Senate Bill 23-186 directed ECMC and Water Quality Control Division to locate methane seepage areas, quantify seepage rates, and study the feasibility and potential outcomes of capturing naturally occurring methane seepage in this region.
For this study, a helicopter operated by Bridger Photonics will survey between Trinidad and Stonewall, along the Purgatoire River corridor and its north-south oriented tributary canyons. Bridger utilizes methane specific imaging technology mounted to the underside of the aircraft to identify areas of interest, which will later be assessed by geologists.
These operations are part of the research phase of this project, and the flights will be conducted as efficiently as possible to limit noise exposure to local residents and wildlife. The helicopter will be flying at a relatively low elevation of approximately 500 feet above the ground and will be making multiple passes over the defined areas of interest. Tentative flight paths are depicted on this map and included in this announcement.
To learn more about the project, contact ECMC Staff: Rick Allison at rick.allison@state.co.us or Greg Deranleau at greg.deranleau@state.co.us.
ECMC Raton Basin Helicopter Flight Areas for June 2024:
About the ECMC
The mission of the Colorado Energy & Carbon Management Commission (ECMC) is to regulate the development and production of the natural resources of oil and gas, deep geothermal resources, the capture and sequestration of carbon, and the underground storage of natural gas in a manner that protects public health, safety, welfare, the environment and wildlife resources. Visit the ECMC website for more information.