Methane plume detected in United States
On 26 Mar 2023, the EMIT - NASA satellite saw methane escaping at about 777 kg/h from a coal mine.
Evidence packet
If it continued at this rate for 24 hours it would release about 18.6 tonnes of methane.
- Detected
- 26 Mar 2023 · 20:42 UTC
- Satellite
- EMIT - NASA
- Sector
- Coal
- Wind
- Plume drifting towards the E · 1.8 m/s
- Coordinates
- 37.76867, -81.25685
Open in Google Maps (satellite) - UNEP plume ID
9d32e803-cac9-493e-92c2-f19ae8daae8c
Likely operator
ARCH RESOURCES INC Strong evidence
Draft research (cites A1): The ICG Beckley coal mine, operated by Arch Resources, is only 1.54 km from the plume site and matches the coal sector designation, making it the most plausible emission source despite no closer infrastructure being listed.
Emitting site
USA_S_269 · Venting shaft
13 plumes detected at this site
Status
UNEP has not recorded a notification for this plume.
Nobody has reported contacting the operator through Methane Leaks yet.
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Write to the operator →Authorities you can notify
- U.S. EPA — report an environmental violation — Federal tip line; covers landfills, oil & gas and coal mines.
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
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Cite as: UNEP IMEO MARS plume 9d32e803-cac9-493e-92c2-f19ae8daae8c, via Methane Leaks (https://www.methaneleaks.com/plume/9d32e803-cac9-493e-92c2-f19ae8daae8c), accessed 6 Oct 2026.