Harps Posted January 23, 2008 Posted January 23, 2008 http://www.gov.ab.ca/home/NewsFrame.cfm?Re...E01B01EE07.html January 17, 2008 Study shows water well quality not related to coalbed methane development Edmonton... A thorough assessment of four water well quality concerns from private landowners shows no relation between coalbed methane development and well-water quality. The Alberta Research Council has conducted an independent review of four water well complaints allegedly linked to coalbed methane activity. The results show the wells were not affected by coalbed methane development, but rather, the quality issues are predominantly due to naturally occurring methane. Other quality issues are associated with poor well construction and maintenance. A fifth water well that was also assessed may be affected by conventional oil and gas development or a natural geological feature, such as a fault. Work will continue to determine the specific source. “Many private water wells in Alberta are constructed in coal seams that naturally contain methane gas, and proper venting of well systems is critical,” said Rob Renner, Minister of Environment. “Alberta Environment is working with federal, provincial and municipal partners to develop a water well education program for private well owners.” As a result of provincial standards set in May 2006, companies involved in coalbed methane development have been collecting baseline information on active water wells within a minimum 600-metre radius of coalbed methane wells. The tests measure water well production capability, water quality (including bacteria) and the absence or presence of gas in the water well (including methane gas). Since that time, approximately 4,550 water wells have been sampled. The Alberta government is working with partners to develop an extensive water well education program for private well owners, which is expected to launch this spring. If landowners have water well problems or concerns, they should call Alberta Environment’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-222-6514. -30- Backgrounder: Q&As on coalbed methane attached. Media inquiries may be directed to: Jim Law Director of Communications Alberta Environment 780-427-6267 jim.law@gov.ab.ca Cara Van Marck Communications Alberta Environment 780-427-6267 cara.vanmarck@gov.ab.ca To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. January 17, 2008 What is coalbed methane (CBM)? Coalbed methane refers to methane, the main component of natural gas, which comes from coal deposits. It is formed through a natural process that converts organic matter into coal over thousands of years. Pressure from overlying rock keeps the methane attached to the coal. Coalbed methane is considered unconventional natural gas because it is attached to the coal in coal seams instead of contained in the normal porous and permeable rock formations that host conventional natural gas. For more information, visit Alberta Energy’s website at www.energy.alberta.ca/NaturalGas/561.asp. Can methane migrate from CBM or other oil & gas activity into my water well? The potential for methane to migrate from these activities into a water well does exist, but is highly unlikely for a number of reasons. Strict regulations govern the construction and completion of gas wells to ensure groundwater resources are protected. What are the health risks associated with methane in well water? In general, methane escaping from water faucets does not present a health risk. There are no known or demonstrated adverse health effects associated with drinking or bathing with well water that contains methane. The greatest concern is when methane is allowed to accumulate in confined spaces with little or no ventilation, such as in well pits, cellars, basements or well houses. Methane accumulating in these spaces may be explosive and can cause asphyxiation. For more information about the health effects of methane, contact your Regional Health Authority. Who should landowners call if they have questions/concerns? If landowners have water well problems or complaints, they should call Alberta Environment’s 24-hour hotline at 1-800-222-6514. If a landowner believes a company has not complied with the new testing requirements, they should call the Energy Resources Conservation Board at 403-297-8311. Where can I get more information? Alberta Environment www.waterforlife.gov.ab.ca and click on the coalbed methane link, or call 310-0000 (toll-free in Alberta) and ask for the Alberta Environment regional office nearest you. Energy Resources and Conservation Board www.ercb.ca/portal/server.pt or call 403-297-8311. Alberta Energy www.energy.alberta.ca/NaturalGas/561.asp. The other side... http://www.concernedaboutcbm.org/cbm/ Quote
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