Examining gas leaks in Mass.

For this blog post, I’ll take a look at a dataset tracking the number of gas leaks in Massachusetts in 2020, published by the nonprofit HEET, which advocates for a more sustainable energy model. In total, the dataset tracks nearly 15,000 gas leaks in 2020 and estimates how much methane and CO2 was emitted in each leak.

—————————————————————————————————

Who collects this data set? If it's an organization, which department of the organization? Is there a specific person listed who you could contact?

While HEET has mapped out and published all of the data on its website, the leaks are originally reported to and published by the state’s Department of Public Utilities. Each natural gas company that works in Massachusetts is required by law to report leaks to the state, and specify what grade the leak was and how much gas was emitted. There is no contact listed for HEET or DPU, but they would both be rather easy to track down.

Why do you think the organization collects this data? Does it specify how it uses the data?

The state likely tracks the data for two reasons. First, there is an obvious public health need for tracking such leaks, as gas can be potentially harmful when inhaled at certain levels and, of course, can also lead to explosions and fires. The second reason I believe DPU tracks the data is related to the state’s climate change goals. If the state wants to hit net-zero emissions by 2050, as officials have previously committed to, identifying the main offenders in terms of leaks is important. If leaks increase or continue at a steady pace, it could threaten that net-zero goal. Even in the shorter term, Mass. officials have expressed interest in cutting emissions. So it makes sense to track them. HEET maps the data because its members want to push the state towards cutting emissions faster. Making the data more publicly available/digestible helps them in that quest.

What time period does the data set cover?

The data set covers the full year of 2020 — Jan. 1- Dec. 31.

What are some questions you have about this data set? (Note: they can be basic like "why is this data being collected?" or very specific like "what does the field BUS_LIC_STATUS mean?")

I’d like to know more about the quantities of leaked gases that are depicted by the data. What is considered a major leak? And what does that mean in the context of the greater emissions picture? What do some of these minor leaks mean for the net-zero goal? Do they need to be eliminated entirely for that to come to fruition?

Who are three types of people you could interview about this data set in order to learn more?

I could interview advocates. So folks at HEET and other climate advocacy organizations in Massachusetts like the Conservation Law Foundation and local energy councils. I could speak to experts — folks who study climate, emissions, and local gas leaks for some further contextualization. And I could talk to DPU officials to hear the state’s stance.