Coal Bed Methan-Questions answered.

To answer questions on what kind of monitor is needed on the coal bed methane wells to assure drinking water quality is maintained.

My suggestion is that you press for provincial and/or federal legislation that will encompass a comprehensive test of potable water in the aquifer surrounding the gas production site as well as a mandatory, regular public posting of the analysis of those sites including a bench mark test before drilling starts.

Considerations:
The coal bed is of different depths in different areas. Coal beds are not “static” by nature and all are in the proximity of the water aquifer particularly the Viking Aquifer.

The situation is serious now as explained by the pros. (Link provided at the end) Oil well holes going through the aquifer at a density of .5 wells to 5 wells per square km. Wells are cemented with a view to stopping leakage. This respectable document speaks to the degradation of cement in the wells over time. Their graphics are excellent.

Coal bed methane has a very much higher incident of water table perforation! Because a methane gas “battery” is located out of sight and many kilometers away from your home does not mean it will not seriously affect your ground water! It is an underground stream! Rules should apply to all batteries and their location in conjunction to the water aquifer and the flow of the aquifer should be made apparent and available.

None of this is new information or new science! Most is simply history! It is all available not hidden but, constantly understated. Demand that you get you information in a timely manner! Start working on your MLA and MP as you attend these hearings!

I am of the opinion that comprehensive information should be released to the public on all batteries! Such information should include a proportional graphic display on the coal seam in relation to the surface and the water aquifer. The sampling tubes should be shown on the graphic; a way to explain their depth and location to people other than engineers. Perhaps a provincial map with a point and click facility to bring up the location of your interest?

The criteria for testing must be laid out! What exactly are you testing for; what is being left out and how often are you testing? Where are the results going to be published and whom do you contact should you need to question?

If you allow the crud to get into your drinking water you will never in your life time or the life time of your children get it out. What is potable today may have to be distilled to drink and only then if you can abide the taste.

cyberclark@shaw.ca

To the Professional pages on oil perforation here