Gas venting

Gas venting, more specifically known as natural-gas venting or methane venting, is the intentional and controlled release of gases containing alkane hydrocarbons - predominately methane - into Earth's atmosphere. It is a widely used method for disposal of unwanted gases which are produced during the extraction of coal and crude oil. Such gases may lack value when they are not recyclable into the production process, have no export route to consumer markets, or are surplus to near-term demand. In cases where the gases have value to the producer, substantial amounts may also be vented from the equipment used for gas collection, transport, and distribution.

Gas venting contributes strongly to climate change.^[1][2] Nevertheless, many individual cases are sufficiently small and dispersed to be deemed "safe" with regard to immediate health hazards. Large and concentrated releases are usually abated with gas flares to produce relatively less-harmful carbon dioxide gas. Gas venting and flaring that are performed as routine practices are especially wasteful and may be eliminated in many modern industrial operations, where other low-cost options are available to utilize the gas.^[3]

Gas venting is not to be confused with similar types of gas release, such as those from:

• emergency pressure relief as a method of last resort to prevent equipment damage and safeguard life, or
• fugitive gas emissions which are unintentional gas leaks that occur in coal, oil, and gas operations, such as from orphan wells

Gas venting should also not be confused with "gas seepage" from the earth or oceans - either natural or due to human activity.