INJECTING GASES INTO MONTANA

Gas is still fossil fuel, producing carbon dioxide. But better to bring up the gas and use the coal for storage than to burn the coal.

Energy company gets tentatative OK for coal-bed methane injection wells
April 14, 2007 (AP via Helena Independent Record)

WHO
Montana Board of Oil and Gas Conservation, Pinnacle Gas Resources Inc.

WHAT
The Board has approved a step forward in plans to drill two injection wells into Montana coal beds in pursuit of bringing up methane (natural gas). The test wells will dispose of salty water which comes up with the methane from seams 750-1200 feet down by re-injecting it into shallower dry seams in the coal beds.

WHEN
Drilling on the test wells is scheduled to begin within the month.

WHERE
The Powder River Basin area on the Montana-Wyoming border.

WHY
The salty water brought up with methane gas is potentially dangerous to adjacent soil, flora and fauna. Research indicates it will remain inert in the 20 foot thick, shallower seams. If successful, the re-injection offers a source of disposal for 4.8 million barrels of water in a 640-acre coal bed region.

QUOTES
Results of testing on [three previous test] wells appear “very promising,” said Daniel Arthur, a Pinnacle engineering consultant and researcher for the U.S. Department of Energy.