U.S. Water News Online
CASPER, Wyo. -- State Engineer Patrick Tyrrell is recommending that coal-bed methane companies be asked to prove that the production of groundwater is reasonable to achieve gas production in certain areas and that the state consider water volume limits in drainages.
"We find ourselves, at times, in a Sophie's choice situation, in that we want to ensure beneficial use of water. On the other hand, we don't want to (impede development of gas)," Tyrrell said at a meeting of the Wyoming Coalbed Methane Task Force.
The task force asked Tyrrell to explore how his office might become more involved in resolving the issue of managing volumes of coal-bed methane water on the surface. In order to produce methane from coal seams, water is pumped from the coal aquifer to release the gas. However, the process often produces more water than can be put to beneficial use.
Tyrrell offered four options. Two would require statutory changes targeting limits within drainages. Two others already within the state engineer's authority to conserve groundwater resources would involve a water-to-gas ratio to justify the production of water would result in a reasonable payoff of gas production. Those could be written as conditions of permits issued by the state engineer.
The task force agreed to post the recommendations on its Web site as ideas for further consideration and public comment.
Tyrrell's recommendations drew skepticism from industry officials while environmental and agriculture groups regarded them as a step in the right direction.
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