The Methane Indicator highlights areas in the community with elevated ambient methane concentrations above the typical background level. While the MI reports the levels of methane from all sources, elevated methane levels most likely reflect emissions from gas infrastructure, the landfill, possible oil and gas wells in the area, and sewage. Most of the identified High and Medium DPI road segments are in the southwest section of BAAEC north of SR-60 and east of the I-605. High and Medium DPI road segments are also observed on these two freeways at their interchange.

Aclima’s algorithms can identify dangerous leaks that pose a potential combustion safety risk. The purpose of the MI is to detect methane leaks at any level to reduce the effect methane has on public safety and its impact on exacerbating global climate change, the latter since it is a potent greenhouse gas and second only to carbon dioxide. Methane also has a shorter atmospheric lifetime than CO₂, so achieving methane reductions may have a more rapid effect on reducing global warming.

Please note: In the event that Aclima’s monitoring indicates a methane leak at such a scale that it may pose a threat to human health or become a combustion risk, the local gas utility is immediately notified out of an abundance of caution for public safety.