Methane Leaks
Coal · 22 Apr 2024

Methane plume detected in United States

On 22 Apr 2024, the EMIT - NASA satellite saw methane escaping at about 3,505 kg/h from a coal mine.

Satellite map of methane plume locations in United States
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3,505 kg/h
± 1,760 kg/h (UNEP uncertainty)

If it continued at this rate for 24 hours it would release about 84.1 tonnes of methane.

Detected
22 Apr 2024 · 16:15 UTC
Satellite
EMIT - NASA
Sector
Coal
Wind
Plume drifting towards the S · 1.9 m/s
Coordinates
37.76867, -81.25685
Open in Google Maps (satellite)
UNEP plume ID
cff4d8d9-0d0f-4cfe-b410-e9feb3a7c0a1

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
7 plumes detected at this site

Status

UNEP has not recorded a notification for this plume.

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Cite as: UNEP IMEO MARS plume cff4d8d9-0d0f-4cfe-b410-e9feb3a7c0a1, via Methane Leaks (https://www.methaneleaks.com/plume/cff4d8d9-0d0f-4cfe-b410-e9feb3a7c0a1), accessed 5 Oct 2026.