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Last
Updated: January 17, 2008 |
In Alberta, coalbed methane is subject to the same drilling, production
and operational rules and regulations as natural gas. With recent
increases
in natural gas prices, maturing conventional natural gas reserves
and new technologies being developed, interest in developing coalbed
methane in coal is increasing.
The Government of Alberta is proceeding carefully so it can learn
from the experience of other jurisdictions and data collected from
Alberta operations. Through a cross-ministry
review and consultation process, the Government
of Alberta examined the rules and regulations applying
to CBM to determine if they
are appropriate for responsible development, or if improvements
could be made.
Recently, the Alberta Research Council completed an independent review of four water well complaints allegedly linked to coalbed methane activity. The results show the wells were not affected by coalbed methane development, but rather, the quality issues are due to naturally occurring methane or poor well construction or maintenance.
Question and Answer
Groundwater and Coalbed Methane Information Sessions
In June 2006, Alberta Environment hosts public information sessions across central and southern Alberta to address landowner concerns about coalbed methane development affecting groundwater supplies. Sessions will include displays and presentations by Alberta Environment, industry, other government agencies, and those representing landowner interests. The presentations will be followed by a question and answer session.
For more information on coalbed methane development, visit Alberta Energy online at www.energy.gov.ab.ca/NaturalGas/752.asp
Baseline testing of well water now mandatory prior to coalbed methane drilling
Companies wanting to develop shallow coalbed methane must now offer to test rural Albertans' water wells prior to drilling, according to a new standard developed by Alberta Environment in collaboration with the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB). The Baseline Water-Well Testing for Coalbed Methane Operations standard requires companies to offer and complete the baseline testing before drilling begins. The companies will submit the data to Alberta Environment and the landowner.
Baseline Water-Well Testing Requirements and Format for Electronic Submission of Results for Coalbed Methane Operations
Water Working Group
Coalbed methane development
has the potential to affect Alberta’s water aquifers and
water supply. As part of the CBM review process, the
Government
of
Alberta appointed a Water Working Group to provide advice
and recommendations about
policies and practices that will protect Alberta’s water
supplies while supporting responsible energy development.
The group, with representatives
from many stakeholder organizations, presented its findings to the CBM
Multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee overseeing
the review.
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