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Updated: April 27, 2006 |
- Why is baseline testing required?
- When will the baseline testing begin?
- Who will pay for the testing?
- What will the baseline testing include?
- What are the landowner's responsibilities?
- Will the wells be tested again after the coalbed methane drilling is finished?
- Who will have access to the baseline testing information?
- Which water wells will be tested?
- Does this baseline testing only apply to coalbed methane activity?
- How many CBM wells have been drilled in Alberta?
- What is the Water for Life Strategy and how does it related to CBM development?
- What is coal bed methane (CBM)?
- Who should the landowner call if they have questions/concerns?
- Where can I get more information?
Why is baseline testing required?
Although some coalbed methane (CBM) companies already voluntarily test water wells, the government's new standard will ensure well water quality and quantity is accurately and consistently measured before any shallow drilling for coalbed methane.
The testing applies to shallow coalbed methane wells, with perforations above the base of groundwater protection that may impact fresh water.
The testing supports the Alberta government's Water For Life strategy by improving our knowledge of the province's water resources and ensuring safe, secure drinking water. Baseline testing results will also provide information to assist an investigation should complaints occur.
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When will the baseline testing begin?
Beginning May 1, 2006, the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board will require all coalbed methane companies to offer and conduct baseline testing prior to drilling or re-completing wells that involve fresh water. [Top]
Who will pay for the testing?
Coalbed methane companies will pay for the testing and submit the results to the landowner and Alberta Environment.
[Top] What will the baseline testing include?
Baseline testing will gather information on the well's water production capability, water quality, including bacteria, and the presence or absence of gas, including methane.
[Top] What are the landowner's responsibilities?
Landowners are encouraged to cooperate when contacted by a coalbed methane company regarding water well testing. Water protection is a shared responsibility.
Landowners are responsible for maintaining their wells through practices such as shock chlorination to keep the wells clean and free from bacteria. Also, well owners are responsible for ensuring their water quality is safe, and should have a routine chemical and bacteriological analysis completed regularly, available through their local regional health authority. For general information on wells and their maintenance, call 1-800-292-5697 for a free copy of Water Wells That Last For Generations or visit www.environment.gov.ab.ca [Top] Will the wells be tested again after the coalbed methane drilling is finished?
I f the landowner observes any changes in quantity or quality of water after drilling, he/she should contact the company and phone Alberta Environment's 24-hour hotline (1-800-222-6514). Once Alberta Environment and the coalbed methane company have been notified, the company must test the well again. The testing will help determine if coalbed methane drilling has impacted the well water.
[Top] Who will have access to the baseline testing information?
The company will ensure the landowner receives a copy of the baseline testing results. The results will also be filed with Alberta Environment as part of the new water well testing information database. This database will be used to evaluate the baseline testing standard after six months and again at 12 months to produce a public report.
[Top] Which water wells will be tested?
Once the landowner agrees, baseline testing will be conducted on all active water wells within a minimum 600 metre radius of the proposed drilling or re-completion involving fresh water (with perforations above the base of groundwater protection). If there are no wells within 600 metres, the company must offer to provide testing for at least one well up to 800 metres.
[Top] Does this baseline testing only apply to coalbed methane activity?
Currently the baseline testing applies only to coalbed methane activity. However, the Alberta government is working with industry and communities to examine the need to extend this requirement to other oil and gas activities and other water sources such as springs and dugouts.
[Top] How many CBM wells have been drilled in Alberta?
As of March 2006, the EUB indicates there are more than 6,000 CBM wells drilled so far in Alberta.
[Top] What is the Water for Life Strategy and how does it related to CBM development?
Water for Life: Alberta's Strategy for Sustainability is the Alberta government's water management strategy that defines the following commitments to Albertans:
- Albertans will be assured their drinking water is safe.
- Albertans will be assured that the province's aquatic ecosystems are maintained and protected.
- Albertans will be assured that water is managed effectively to support sustainable economic development.
The strategy supports the goal that Albertans have knowledge of drinking water issues, the tools to maintain or improve Alberta's water resources and that they understand the value of water to the economy and quality of life.
The Water for Life strategy is the Alberta government's framework for all water issues, including those water issues related to conventional oil and gas and CBM development.
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What is coal bed methane (CBM)?
Coalbed methane (CBM) refers to methane, the main component of natural gas, which comes from coal deposits. It is formed through a natural process that converts organic matter into coal over thousands of years. Pressure from overlying rock keeps the methane attached or 'adsorbed' to the coal.
Coalbed methane is considered unconventional natural gas since it is attached to the coal in coal seams instead of being contained in the normal porous and permeable rock formations that host conventional natural gas. For more information, visit Alberta Energy's website at www.energy.gov.ab.ca/2754.asp .
[Top] Who should the landowner call if they have questions/concerns?
If landowners have water well problems or complaints, they should call Alberta Environment's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-222-6514. If a landowner believes a company has not complied with the new testing requirements, they should call the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) at (403) 297-8311.
[Top] Where can I get more information?
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Alberta Environment: visit www.waterforlife.gov.ab.ca and click on the coalbed methane link , or call 310-0000 (toll-free in Alberta) and ask for the Alberta Environment regional office nearest you.
- Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB): visit www.eub.ca or call ( 403) 297-8311.
- Alberta Energy: visit www.energy.gov.ab.ca/2754.asp
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