Methane standards to affect tribes

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2001

The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking comments on the disposal of water produced by methane drilling, standards that will affect development on tribal land in Region 8.

Region 8 includes Montana and Wyoming, where the potential for coalbed methane development in the Powder River Basin is significant. Tribes with potential include the Crow and Northern Cheyene Tribe of Montana; and the Northern Arapaho and Shoshone on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming.

The standards will affect the water that is pumped out of the ground when coalbed methane is extracted. Typically, the water is discharged into the water system, stored in reservoirs, reinjected or held for other uses.

Comments are being accepted until October 11.

Get the Story:
Comments sought on methane drilling (The Billings Gazette 9/26)

Relevant Links:
Coalbed Methane, Region 8 - http://www.epa.gov/region08/water/
wastewater/npdeshome/cbm/cbm.html