USGS: High Levels of Methane Gas in NY Southern Tier Water Wells

A new federal study has found high levels of methane gas in water wells in the Southern Tier of New York, even in areas that aren't near oil and gas drilling.

The U.S. Geological Survey says 15 percent of groundwater samples from 66 household wells across south-central New York contained methane at levels high enough to warrant monitoring or remediation. Higher concentrations of methane were found in water wells located in valleys.

The USGS says the testing was done in the summer of 2012 and the study area includes about 2000 square miles in parts of Broome, Tioga, Chemung, Chenango, and Delaware counties.

You can read more on the survey here.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947