Management and Effects of Coalbed Methane Produced Water in the Western United States
Management and Effects of Coalbed Methane Produced Water in the Western United States

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2010-10-15

Total Pages: 239

ISBN-13: 0309162939

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In some coalbeds, naturally occurring water pressure holds methane-the main component of natural gas-fixed to coal surfaces and within the coal. In a coalbed methane (CBM) well, pumping water from the coalbeds lowers this pressure, facilitating the release of methane from the coal for extraction and use as an energy source. Water pumped from coalbeds during this process-CBM 'produced water'-is managed through some combination of treatment, disposal, storage, or use, subject to compliance with federal and state regulations. CBM produced water management can be challenging for regulatory agencies, CBM well operators, water treatment companies, policy makers, landowners, and the public because of differences in the quality and quantity of produced water; available infrastructure; costs to treat, store, and transport produced water; and states' legal consideration of water and produced water. Some states consider produced water as waste, whereas others consider it a beneficial byproduct of methane production. Thus, although current technologies allow CBM produced water to be treated to any desired water quality, the majority of CBM produced water is presently being disposed of at least cost rather than put to beneficial use. This book specifically examines the Powder River, San Juan, Raton, Piceance, and Uinta CBM basins in the states of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. The conclusions and recommendations identify gaps in data and information, potential beneficial uses of CBM produced water and associated costs, and challenges in the existing regulatory framework.

Coal
Coal

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2007-12-21

Total Pages: 183

ISBN-13: 030911022X

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Coal will continue to provide a major portion of energy requirements in the United States for at least the next several decades. It is imperative that accurate information describing the amount, location, and quality of the coal resources and reserves be available to fulfill energy needs. It is also important that the United States extract its coal resources efficiently, safely, and in an environmentally responsible manner. A renewed focus on federal support for coal-related research, coordinated across agencies and with the active participation of the states and industrial sector, is a critical element for each of these requirements. Coal focuses on the research and development needs and priorities in the areas of coal resource and reserve assessments, coal mining and processing, transportation of coal and coal products, and coal utilization.

Valuing Ground Water
Valuing Ground Water

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1997-07-10

Total Pages: 203

ISBN-13: 0309175003

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Because water in the United State has not been traded in markets, there is no meaningful estimate of what it would cost if it were traded. But failing to establish ground water's valueâ€"for in situ uses such as sustaining wetlands as well as for extractive uses such as agricultureâ€"will lead to continued overuse and degradation of the nation's aquifers. In Valuing Ground Water an interdisciplinary committee integrates the latest economic, legal, and physical knowledge about ground water and methods for valuing this resource, making it comprehensible to decision-makers involved in Superfund cleanup efforts, local wellhead protection programs, water allocation, and other water-related management issues. Using the concept of total economic value, this volume provides a framework for calculating the economic value of ground water and evaluating tradeoffs between competing uses of it. Included are seven case studies where ground-water valuation has been or could be used in decisionmaking. The committee examines trends in ground-water management, factors that contribute to its value, and issues surrounding ground-water allocation and legal rights to its use. The book discusses economic valuation of natural resources and reviews several valuation methods. Presenting conclusions, recommendations, and research priorities, Valuing Ground Water will be of interest to those concerned about ground-water issues: policymakers, regulators, economists, attorneys, researchers, resource managers, and environmental advocates.

Energy, Mineral, and Ground-water Resources of Carbon and Emery Counties, Utah
Energy, Mineral, and Ground-water Resources of Carbon and Emery Counties, Utah

Author: R. W. Gloyn

Publisher: Utah Geological Survey

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 171

ISBN-13: 1557916799

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This report provides information for use in both short- and long term land-planning decisions, particularly at the county level, and an indication of the present and future economic impact of mineral and energy development. The report discusses eight major commodity groups: (1) oil and gas, (2) coal and coal resin, (3) coal-bed methane, (4) other energy resources (oil-impregnated rock, oil shale, geothermal), (5) uranium and vanadium, (6) metallic minerals, (7) industrial rocks and minerals, and (8) ground-water resources. In general, for each group or commodity within a group the following aspects are discussed: (1) known occurrences and characteristics, (2) past production and trends, (3) current production and exploration activity, and (4) geologic potential. Plates accompany each of the major commodity groups and show the locations of known resources and areas of geologic potential. In addition to the commodity discussions, the report contains a brief summary of land ownership status and concludes with a summary of commodities having the best potential for discovery and development. 161 pages + 14 plates