Keeling Curve

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Project Summary / Description:

The coal mines above Redstone in Pitkin County, Colorado, once provided jobs and an economic engine to the Roaring Fork Valley community. Now abandoned, the mines are venting large amounts of methane into the atmosphere. 

CORE has been collaborating with research partners since 2021 to gain more of an understanding of methane emissions escaping from these mines and explore effective solutions to tackle this challenge. 

In 2023, comprehensive methane release data was successfully collected from various sites throughout Coal Basin, confirming significant amounts of gas escaping into the atmosphere. Mitigating methane emissions at Coal Basin could be one of the most significant efforts toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region and propelling Pitkin County closer to achieving its climate action goals.

The next steps for the Coal Basin project team is to gain approval from local stakeholders to implement mitigation strategies, as well as secure funding to bring the project to fruition.

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How Project Affects Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

From the data collected by CORE and Delta Brick & Climate Co. in 2023, we estimate that 1,950 tons of methane are escaping from Coal Basin each year. That’s equivalent to 12,150 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles driven for one year or nearly 10% of greenhouse gas emissions in Pitkin County.*

Methane is a colorless, odorless, and potent greenhouse gas that occurs naturally and is also produced through human activities, such as livestock farming, landfills, and fossil fuel extraction - like coal mining. 

During coal mining activities, methane is released from the coal and surrounding rock strata. Once a mine is closed or abandoned, methane can continue to escape from various portals made during the mining process and natural openings in the earth. 

While methane remains in the atmosphere for a shorter period compared to carbon dioxide, it is far more effective at trapping heat, which leads to global warming and climate change. According to the EPA, methane is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide during a 20-year period.

Methane emissions can rapidly intensify the greenhouse effect, leading to higher temperatures and causing adverse effects on weather patterns, sea levels, ecosystems, and human health. Reducing methane emissions is essential in the fight against climate change and achieving global sustainability goals.


*Calculated based on the 2020 Pitkin County Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report.

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Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

One of CORE’s five top values is Environmental Justice. CORE prioritizes processes, experiences, and solutions that are accessible to every community. 

Living in rural communities at high elevations poses unique challenges for our residents, including a high cost of living and effects on skin, eye, reproductive, respiratory, and mental health. Coupled with exposure to air pollutants, individuals have a greater risk of negative impacts on their health and well-being. 

While mild exposure to methane over a few days or weeks hasn’t proven to show many physical symptoms it could have a dramatic impact on overall mental health. Long-term effects of methane gas poisoning can include lasting cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological problems. Those who have been exposed are also at an increased risk of developing memory loss, depression, epilepsy, claustrophobia, and heart problems.

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