Methane gas found in Dueñas deep well sparks alarm

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Initial field assessments by the Environmental Management Bureau Region 6 (EMB-6) detected methane gas emissions from a newly drilled deep well in Barangay Fundacion, Dueñas, Iloilo, following reports that the gas could be ignited.

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

EMB-6 said personnel conducted a site inspection after residents reported on June 12 that flames could be produced when gas emanating from the well was exposed to an ignition source.

Using a portable gas analyzer, EMB-6 recorded methane concentrations of approximately 10% by volume during the initial assessment.

Methane is flammable in air at concentrations of roughly 5% to 15% by volume, meaning the level detected by EMB-6 falls within that explosive range.

“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,” EMB-6 said in a statement issued Monday.

“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,” it said.

EMB-6 said it is coordinating with the Department of Energy, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Dueñas local government, and other concerned agencies to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the situation.

As a precautionary measure, EMB-6 advised residents to avoid smoking, lighting fires, or engaging in activities that could generate sparks near the well.

The agency also urged the public to restrict access to the area pending further assessment.

EMB-6 noted similarities to an incident in Barangay Tinocuan, Dueñas, in March 2024, when a newly drilled water source emitted flammable gas that produced sustained flames when ignited.

That incident prompted concerns among residents and local authorities regarding potential geological gas deposits in the area.

However, EMB-6 said further technical evaluation is needed to determine whether the two incidents share a common geological origin.

The agency said additional investigations will help establish the source of the methane and determine any environmental or public safety risks associated with the emissions.