· ·

Large methane emissions leaking from landfills close to the center of Madrid, Spain

large-methane-emissions-leaking-from-landfills-close-to-the-center-of-madrid-spain

High-resolution satellites have detected substantial quantities of methane leaking from two landfill sites close to the center of Madrid, Spain.

Using data from the ESA's Copernicus Sentinel-5P mission combined with GHGSat’s high-resolution commercial imagery, scientists from the Netherlands Institute for Space Research (SRON) and GHGSat discovered both landfill sites combined emitted 8 800 kg (19 400 pounds) of methane per hour in August 2021, representing the highest observed in Europe by GHGSat.1

The area was originally identified based on methane hotspot mapping using Tropomi data from the Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite by researchers at SRON.

Scientists then used CHGSat imagery to spot methane plumes on August 20 and October 13, 2021, emanating from two landfill sites approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) apart, located just 18 km (11 miles) from the center of Madrid.

The largest source released methane at a rate nearing 5 000 kg (11 000 pounds) per hour, with satellite imagery showing a cloud of greenhouse gas drifting towards nearby residences.

The cause of the emissions is currently unknown, but data has been shared with the operator.

Image credit: CHGSat, ESA

References:

1 Satellites detect large methane emissions from Madrid landfills – ESA

Featured image credit: CHGSat, ESA

If you value what we do here, create your ad-free account and support our journalism.

Share:


Your support makes a difference

Dear valued reader,

We hope that our website has been a valuable resource for you.

The reality is that it takes a lot of time, effort, and resources to maintain and grow this website. We rely on the support of readers like you to keep providing high-quality content.

If you have found our website to be helpful, please consider making a contribution to help us continue to bring you the information you need. Your support means the world to us and helps us to keep doing what we love.

Support us by choosing your support level – Silver, Gold or Platinum.

Other support options include Patreon pledges, one-off payments using PayPal and purchasing products from our webshop.

Thank you for your consideration. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Teo Blašković

$5 /month

  • Ad-free account
  • Clean user interface and fast browsing
  • Direct communication with us via chat and email
  • Suggest new features, content and applications
  • Early access to new apps and features

$50 /year

$10 /month

  • Ad-free account
  • Clean user interface and fast browsing
  • Direct communication with us via chat and email
  • Suggest new features, content and applications
  • Early access to new apps and features

$100 /year

$25 /month

  • Ad-free account
  • Clean user interface and fast browsing
  • Direct communication with us via chat and email
  • Suggest new features, content and applications
  • Early access to new apps and features

$200 /year

You can also support us on Patreon

support us on patreon

or by sending us a one-off payment using PayPal:


Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

3 Comments

  1. “The cause of the emissions is currently unknown, but data has been shared with the operator.”????? Seriously?? Mmmmmm…..might it be because what is in the landfill is ‘BREAKING DOWN’?! (aka Decomposing)

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *