There are over four thousand coalbed methane wells in the Black Warrior River watershed. Tens of thousands of acres are leased to this practice, creating a massive network of roads and well pads. The extraction of coalbed methane involves a process known as hydraulic fracturing. Hydraulic fracturing allows access to hard-to-reach energy deposits by forcing pressurized fluids such as surfactants and diesel fuel deep into the earth, creating underground fissures that permit the gas to flow toward the surface. Once these underground cracks are opened, fine sand or ceramics mixed with a chemical gel are pumped into the fissures to keep them open so the gas can be removed. Some of these mediums contain radioactive isotopes. So, groundwater contamination leads to well failures and, ultimately, surface water contamination. Another interesting part of the coalbed methane equation is ancient sea water. Deposits of saline water from long ago are deep in the ground and must be removed. Large amounts of this water are extracted and must be discarded, which means salty water is being discharged into the river and its tributaries - our source of fresh water. Coalbed methane, or natural gas, is known as a clean burning fuel. However, when considering the full cycle of this form of energy from extraction to waste disposal to consumption - it's not so pretty.
Coalbed methane well and roads in the foreground. Miller Steam Plant in the background. (Jefferson County, Alabama)
Close-up of a coalbed methane treatment ponds on the Black Warrior River. (Jefferson County, Alabama)
© Nelson Brooke 2004 Flight provided by Southwings.org
To view maps showing coalbed methane wells, click here.
Fore more information on this subject, click on any of the following links:
Geological Survey of Alabama - Coal Systems
Oil & Gas Accountability Project
Earthworks - Hydraulic Fracturing of Oil & Gas Wells
Peg Hocutt's experience in Jefferson County, AL
Wilderness Society - Hydraulic Fracturing Threatens Drinking Water
"Regulatory Issues Affecting Management of Produced Water from Coal Bed Methane Wells"
§ 147.52 State-administered program—Hydraulic Fracturing of Coal Beds
Senator Jeff Sessions - S. 724 Hydraulic Fracturing Legislation
House Committee on Energy & Commerce - Dissenting Views on Energy Policy Act of 2003
"Provisions Benefiting Energy Industry Are Folded into Bill: Drilling Technique Pioneered
by Halliburton—That Might Pollute Water—Would No Longer Require Special Permit"
S. 1080 - "To amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to require the use of nontoxic products
in the case of hydraulic fracturing that occurs during oil or natural gas production activities."
EPA - "Study of Potential Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing of Coalbed Methane Wells on Underground Sources of Drinking Water"
Committee on Oversight and Governmental Reform - Contradictions in EPA Statements on Hydraulic Fracturing
"EPA Findings on Hydraulic Fracturing Deemed Unsupportable" - Union of Concerned Scientists
"EPA says 'water drilling' for coalbed gas not a threat"
"Clean Water at Risk in Energy Bill"
"Driller vs. Community Conflicts Rising As Bush Opens Rocky Mountain Lands"
"Montana Pollution Rules Draw Federal Objections" - Washington Post
"Ongoing Legal Challenges" - Montana Environmental Information Center
Coalbed Methane in Wyoming's Powder River Basin
"Latest Coalbed Methane News" - High Country News
EPA - Coalbed Methane Outreach Program (CMOP)
Halliburton Watch
