Methane detected in Iloilo deep well

ILOILO CITY—The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6 (Western Visayas ) on Monday confirmed that it has detected methane at a deep well in Dueñas, Iloilo.

In a press release, the EMB-6 said it conducted an initial assessment of a reported gas emission from a newly drilled deep well in Barangay Fundacion after residents observed gas emanating from the well, which could produce flame when exposed to an ignition source.

READ: Marcos vows vigilance against repeat of Navotas landfill fire

Article continues after this advertisement

The well was reportedly drilled to a depth of about 150 feet and was intended to serve as a water source for agricultural irrigation.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Initial field measurements using a portable gas analyzer detected methane (CH₄) at approximately 10 percent by volume.

“Methane is a naturally occurring gas that may be generated through the decomposition of organic matter in subsurface environments or may originate from deeper geological formations,” the EMB-6 said in its statement.

The agency noted that the incident was not the first reported occurrence of a flammable gas emission from a drilled water source in Dueñas.

An investigation in March 2024 at Barangay Tinocuan documented gas emissions from a newly drilled water source.

Article continues after this advertisement

Similar to the recent gas emissions, the drill hole also produced sustained flames when ignited.

Although similarities have been observed between the two incidents, EMB Region 6 stated that further technical evaluation is needed to determine whether they share a common geological origin.

Article continues after this advertisement

The agency added that the source and complete composition of the gas in Barangay Fundacion have yet to be fully established.

“At this stage, the source and complete composition of the gas in Barangay Fundacion have not yet been fully established. Additional field investigations and coordination with relevant government agencies may be undertaken to determine the origin of the methane and assess any potential environmental and public safety implications,” they said.

EMB Region 6 also advised residents and property owners to minimize activities that could ignite flames.

“As a precautionary measure, EMB Region 6 advises residents and property owners to refrain from smoking, lighting fires, or conducting activities that may generate sparks in the immediate vicinity of the well. The public is likewise encouraged to restrict access to the area until further assessment has been completed,” they stated.

READ: US landfills are major source of methane emissions – aerial survey

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

EMB Region 6 said it is coordinating with concerned agencies, including the Department of Energy, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the local government of Dueñas, to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the situation./coa