COAL BED METHANE TOUR
By Larry Fox, District Technician
Coal bed methane production is on its way
north, and the  question we have to ask
ourselves is "Are we ready?"  The first
week of September, Laurie Kelley and I
traveled to Gillette, Wyoming to observe,
first-hand, the production of coal bed
methane.  In a cooperative effort with the
Rosebud Conservation District; Campbell
County Conservation District (Gillette, WY)
arranged tours with land owners and
producers.

We spent the first morning observing well
sites, compressor sites, reservoirs, stock
water systems, pipelines and roads.
Compressor Shack
While visiting with Robert Brug, Campbell
County Conservation District board
member and landowner, we became aware
that the most important issue for
landowners is to have a management plan
long before meeting with the landsman.  
Kendal Cox, CBM ranch manager added
that by having a management plan ready,
they were able to take advantage of the
methane production.  They were able to
have a say, to some extent, in the location
of compressors, wells, stock tanks, roads
and reservoirs.

Maintenance and rehabilitation of
reservoirs, and roads and control of
weeds and dust were also strongly
addressed in the management plan.
CBM Reservoir
Rubber tire tank filled with CBM water.
Robert and Kendall both suggested that it
is wiser to work with the methane
companies than to fight with them.  A good
working relationship helps ensure that the
methane companies do not use their
influence to get away with poor
environmental practices.

The afternoon was spent with Nick Fields,
Lance Petroleum, one of the many
methane producers in the area.  Nick
mentioned that they run into some
problems with planning and wastewater
management.  They try to work with the
landowners, but some of the practices
requested are not economically feasible.
Duck pond built to contain CBM water.
The following day we had the opportunity
to spend some time with Mark Williams, the
manager of a wastewater treatment
company.  We were shown one of the
water treatment facilities being used for an
irrigation project.  The treatment system
was called a Higgin's Loop, which was
developed by a strawberry farmer in
California, who devised the system to
remove salt from sea water.  Williams said
that the cost per acre was very high, but
the methane companies were paying for
the treatment.  Williams claimed that even
with the high cost, treating the water was
still the best way.  He warned us to be
aware that there are several companies
that lease the methane, and they do not
always follow the same guidelines.
View of undeveloped area
Our trip was very informational and educational.  I think the most important thing we
learned was to beware of what is out there.  If one is not prepared, there is potential for
a lot of damage to occur.

The best way to avoid damage is to have an open mind and communicate with your
neighbors, conservation district or anyone else that could have beneficial knowledge.  
Prepare yourselves and get started right away on a management plan that works to
your benefit.
Non-methane water pond
Example of damage from a leaky CBM pond
Rosebud Conservation District, PO Box 1200, 270 S Prospect, Forsyth, MT  59327
Email: webmaster@rosebudcd.org
(406) 346-7479
Rosebud Conservation District
CBM Tour - September 2004