Canada Closes Major Methane Leak Amid Emissions Reduction Efforts

A major source of methane emissions from an oil and gas field in Alberta, Canada has been plugged according to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

The UNEP's Methane Alert and Response System (MARS) detected a massive leak in April that emitted 175 tons of methane (4,900 tCO2e) in just one week. The operators fixed the leak by repairing a failed ball valve connected to some pigging equipment.

This repair work is part of Canada's efforts to reduce methane emissions from oil and gas production while increasing production levels. However, the government has faced criticism for delaying its target to reduce methane emissions by five years.