Gas Leaks & Trees

Decades of scientific research have shown that trees are adversely affected by gas that escapes from pipes under our streets and infiltrates the soil around tree roots. The Multi-Town Gas Leaks Initiative is an informal group led by representatives of HEET, Mothers Out Front, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and several municipalities. The purpose of the initiative is to explore how towns in National Grid territory can work together to accelerate progress on gas leaks.

A sub-group on gas leaks and trees is working to provide resources on this topic and to organize further advocacy. They prepared and presented the following Webinar:

May 28, 2020 Webinar: "How Gas Leaks Affect Our Trees: The Science, the Signs, and What We Can Do" Discussion moderated by Arlington Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine, with an expert panel and topics:

• Dr. Nathan Phillips, Boston University: "How do methane leaks affect trees?" (PDF)
• Bob Ackley, Gas Safety USA: "What does the impact of methane on trees look like in our towns?" (PDF)
• Brandon Schmitt, Director, Wellesley Natural Resources Commission: "How are some municipalities addressing this problem and what more needs to be done?" (PDF)

Other Resources

• Methane Leaks in Bedford: Trees failing to thrive may be suffering from a nearby methane leak. Check the map the Girl Scouts prepared to see if methane could be the cause of a tree's decline in health.
• Gas Leaks Kill Trees (PDF) from the Gas Leaks Allies
• Bedford HEET gas leaks map