State: ND flared gas dropping as production rises
North Dakota gas flaring dropping as production rises; level still 10-times worldwide average
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- State data show the amount of natural gas in North Dakota that was burned off as a byproduct of oil production is dropping as crude production rises.
State Department of Mineral Resources statistics show natural gas production in October was at record levels, at more than 796,000 million cubic feet daily.
Records show the percentage of natural gas that was flared in October was 30 percent. The record high for flaring was set in September 2011 at 36 percent.
Officials say the amount of natural gas that is captured is increasing as new processing plants and gathering systems are built.
The Energy Information Administration says less than 1 percent of natural gas is flared from oil fields nationwide, and less than 3 percent worldwide.
