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Welcome to our new Site! We are working on preparing relevent information and statements to inform our clients and new customer of what is coming to our attention currently in the performance of our services from news issues, personal information, and PADEP policies. We hope to update it as frequently as possible but no offical schedule has been established.
Methane Gas
Methane is a naturally occurring gas which can be found in abandoned mines or mines being used that may not be properly ventilated. Methane gas is both colorless and odorless, making it difficult to detect build-up. In extreme cases, wells or mines have been known to explode because of the massive amounts of methane gas. If the gas does not have a place to vent it becomes dangerous and could eventually erupt.
When a mine is not vented or the ventilation is poor, the methane will continue to fill the shaft. The gas will either continue to build in the mine or it will begin to seep into the soil and possibly get into the ground water on surrounding properties. The wells that fail to ventilate the methane will simply cause it to build-up until the levels become unsafe. This again poses the threat of an explosion. Landowners should always be aware of what went on around the property before making it a residence or business. It is also a good idea for landowners to have the well water checked and the soil around the well inspected for unsafe levels of methane gas.
It is extremely important for mining operations to utilize vents in mines. When the mine is properly vented methane gas will reach the top of the shaft and then evaporate harmlessly into the atmosphere. It is always in the best interest of miners and the environment to keep methane levels as low as possible.
Abandoned mines can pose an even bigger threat to the surrounding areas because of two reasons. First of all, if the mine is not plugged up it becomes a danger for both wildlife and humans in the area. This becomes a risk factor because both could fall into a well and become trapped. The second reason relates to mines that are plugged but have no source of ventilation, causing the gas to continue building until it reaches a volatile state. Methane can also begin to leak into basements of nearby homes doubling the chances of an explosion. This may effect the health and general well-being of the homes inhabitants. Once again, it is always a good idea to have the soil and water checked when moving into a home.
Only in extremely rare cases can the build-up of gas cause explosions, but there is still health risks and environmental risks to take into consideration. Have the well to your home or business examined thoroughly and make sure to contact local DEP offices for precautionary measures.
Brett R. Crossley
Seewald Labratories Inc.
11/23/07
Recently, there have been some articles in the local papers concerning natural gas well exploration and the possible effects on property owners private wells. We do provide background analyses that will profiles your wells current water quality as well as actual Methane (natural gas) analysis of your well's water. Please click on the CONTACT INFO link at the top of this page and call or fax the numbers provided or send us an email if you are interested.
In the last few months we have been involved in some water surveys of the surrounding area and have noticed a relatively higher number of postive coliform bacteria and more importantly, fecal coliform bacteria showing in wells. We are not at all sure if this is a trend as the result of the lower rainfall totals this summer or just a random observation. However, if you were thinking about testing your private well please be sure to ask for a total and fecal coliform bacteria test.
Hope this info is helpful.
John Tobin, Laboratory Manager
All Contents ©2006 Seewald Labs Inc.