--> Abstract: Natural Gas From Coalbeds Exploration Along the South Coast of Oregon: A 21st Century Approach to Natural Resource Exploration; #90063 (2007)

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Natural Gas From Coalbeds Exploration Along the South Coast of Oregon: A 21st Century Approach to Natural Resource Exploration in Sensitive Environments

 

Halferty, Margaret A.1, Steven P. Pappajohn1 (1) Methane Energy Corp, Coquille, OR

 

The Oregon coast is home to breathtaking wonders of nature including spectacular beaches, pristine salmon- and steelhead-filled streams, and lush, verdant forests. Residents take pride in this dramatic natural beauty as is evidenced their well known devotion, and sensitivity, to maintaining this environmental treasure trove.

 

Situated in Coos County along the southwest coast of Oregon, the Coos Bay Basin is a thick (over 6,000 feet) Eocene-age accumulation of dominantly non-marine sediments and coalbeds. Recently, Methane Energy Corp. (MEC) identified over 1 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas in-place in the coalbeds of the Coaledo formation in the Coos Bay Basin. While exploration and production testing continues, the ultimate aim, upon proving commercial production rates, is to develop this deposit into a natural gas field.

Many operational challenges face MEC in Coos County. Since only one other gas field has been developed in Oregon (Mist Field, 1979), local residents are often unfamiliar and leery of petroleum industry activities. Further, domestic coalbed methane projects have often suffered from both poor industry practices and negative press. And although natural gas is the environmental fossil fuel of choice, concerns can arise from many sectors including regulatory agencies, environmental interests, sports and recreation groups, politicians, and many others.

 

MEC has identified 5 critical elements in support of operating in this sensitive environment:

o Involve and engage the community; o Adhere to and, where possible, exceed regulations; o Provide education and promote discussions; o Preempt concerns with data and information; o Be transparent and identify the benefits of the project.

 

The effectiveness of this approach is best demonstrated by cost and time savings. To date, the Coos County community has shown strong support for the current exploration efforts.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90063©2007 AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, California