--> Abstract: Water Quality Issues Associated with Coalbed Methane Development, by Eric A. Kern; #90039 (2005)
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Previous HitWaterNext Hit Previous HitQualityNext Hit Issues Associated with Coalbed Methane Development

Eric A. Kern
Golder Associates Inc, Lakewood, CO

Management of produced Previous HitwaterNext Hit from coal bed methane (CBM) operations poses a significant issue for operators seeking permits to drill and develop CBM resources. Management of large quantities of Previous HitwaterNext Hit is a challenge and regulatory agencies are tasked with creation of an equitable system that preserves the historic uses of Previous HitwaterNext Hit in the area and provides for appropriate use and/or disposal of CBM produced Previous HitwaterNext Hit. CBM produced waters are often characterized by elevated salinity and tend to be high in sodium but comparatively low in calcium and magnesium. Various options are available for management of CBM produced waters, including storage, evaporation, treatment, re-injection and surface discharge. However, many of these options may not be feasible or cost-effective based on site-specific conditions and gas production rates. When surface discharge is employed as a component of a Previous HitwaterNext Hit management plan, the interaction of CBM produced Previous HitwaterNext Hit with soils and sediments can result in the dissolution of naturally occurring minerals, and the resulting Previous HitwaterNext Hit type can be very similar to historic ambient surface waters. Therefore, the characteristics of the receiving environment are important factors in governing the resulting Previous HitqualityNext Hit of the Previous HitwaterNext Hit and regulatory standards must consider changes in the composition of the Previous HitwaterNext Hit subsequent to surface discharge. Geochemical and hydrologic models can be used to support permitting efforts by evaluating the effect of discharge of CBM produced waters on the Previous HitqualityNext Hit of receiving surface waters and the subsequent assimilative capacity of receiving watersheds. These types of analyses can be used to develop Previous HitwaterNext Hit management plans that maximize the beneficial use of the CBM produced Previous HitwaterTop and facilitate responsible development of the CBM resources.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005