One common environmental challenge in the production of coalbed methane (CBM) is dealing with the groundwater from the target coal seam. CBM producers, seeking compliance with water quality regulations, have found the naturally high levels of sodium and salts in CBM produced water to be especially difficult to manage.

CES, a world wide leader in designing, building, operating and financing natural, land-based wastewater treatment systems, has embarked on field-scale tests of making beneficial use of CBM-produced water in several sites in Wyoming. This cost-effective land application approach utilizes basic soil science and soil chemistry packaged in an innovative manner.

Currently, CBM-produced water must either be treated and discharged into nearby water bodies, or returned to the ground through deep-well injection. The new process will allow producers to beneficially use the produced water on crops and native grasslands, utilizing a valuable natural resource without causing damage to the environment.

If CES operates the systems for the client, CES will provide the operation, repair, insurance and maintenance of the land application system(s) from startup through the last probable date for land application, including oil, filters and parts as a part of normal operations. CES will operate the system in a manner that will maximize the use of CBM water and protect the environment. Weekly reports on the volume of water applied, vegetation status and general site status will be provided and CES will collect soil, water and chemistry data to confirm the systems and sites are operating as designed. This data will be prepared for review by the client and for use in any reports required by the regulatory agencies.

View CES' CBM project examples...

The Bureau of Land Management
Environmental Impact Statement
(January, 2003)

The BLM requires that CBM operators provide a comprehensive water management plan to dispose of water produced during the testing and production of CBM wells.

•Using ponds to evaporate water is not the complete answer (read more).

•To view the BLM's EIS in its entirety, go to http://www.wy.blm.gov/nepa/prb-feis/index.htm

•Specific information regarding Land Application Disposal Guidelines can be found in: Appendix I - Water Management Plan (scroll to page I-9).

Presentations made at the Groundwater Protection Council's 2002 Produced Water Show and at the Strategic Research Institute's CBM Water Management Conference - Fall, 2002:
Developing Sustainable Practices for CBM-Produced Water Irrigation
(by Aaron DeJoia)
Demonstrated Economics of Managed Irrigation for CBM-Produced Water
(by Jonathan Paetz & Steel Maloney)