Coalbed

Industry Brief

A proposed coalbed methane (CBM) project in British Columbia’s Elk Valley is drawing opposition on both sides of the U.S./Canadian border. BP plc’s Canadian subsidiary in January announced it would spend C$1 billion to develop the Mist Mountain CBM Gas Project in the province’s Crowsnest Coalfield (see Daily GPI, Jan. 28). BP also entered into a commercial agreement with Elk Valley Coal to evaluate CBM opportunities on the Elk Valley acreage. However, the city council in Fernie, BC, wants to prevent the Elk Valley development. The council unanimously passed a resolution that provincial regulators rescind or not issue leases to BP to explore or develop the Elk Valley region because of the possible environmental contamination. The tourism industry in Fernie, which is about 50 miles north of Montana, could be jeopardized, the council stated. Because the Elk River sends water into Montana’s Lake Koocanusa, which is near Glacier National Park, some U.S. stakeholders also have voiced their opposition to BP’s plans. Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) said in February that the potential CBM project in the Elk Valley was a “worry” for Montana because of possible contamination to the border-straddling Lake Koocanusa. Provincial officials said environmental reviews are their top priority, and concern in Fernie and Montana is premature. Also, not all of the area’s residents are opposed to the CBM proposal, noted BC’s Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. The ministry said it would consider the Fernie opposition, but it also will consider other regional stakeholders that are in favor of the development.

April 17, 2008

Unconventional Gas Plays Deliver for EnCana

With a trio of solid results from unconventional natural gas plays in Cutbank Ridge, Jonah and East Texas — and coalbed methane (CBM) joining in — EnCana Corp. delivered a chorus of good news for both its earnings and production in the final three months of 2007.

February 18, 2008

Judge Greenlights Atlantic Rim Project

A U.S. district court judge has denied a preliminary injunction by environmental groups to shut down development of a coalbed methane (CBM) natural gas drilling project along Wyoming’s Atlantic Rim.

December 10, 2007

Judge Denies Preliminary Injunction; Atlantic Rim Project to Continue

A U.S. district court judge denied a preliminary injunction by environmental groups to shut down development of a coalbed methane (CBM) natural gas drilling project along Wyoming’s Atlantic Rim.

December 4, 2007

Montana CBM Water Standards Upheld

A state district court judge in Billings, MT, upheld state water quality standards that had been challenged by coalbed methane (CBM) producers. Conservation groups claimed “a major legal victory” while at least one producer said it was in compliance and no changes to operations would be necessary.

October 29, 2007

Montana CBM Water Standards Upheld

A state district court judge in Billings, MT, upheld state water quality standards that had been challenged by coalbed methane (CBM) producers. Conservation groups claimed “a major legal victory” while at least one producer said it was in compliance and no changes to operations would be necessary.

October 23, 2007

NEB Offers Dismal Short-Term Outlook for Canada Gas Output

Canada’s National Energy Board (NEB) has delivered a dreary forecast for Canadian conventional natural gas production in the short term, estimating a decline of 7-15% in deliverability between now and 2009.

October 15, 2007

NEB Issues Dismal Short-Term Outlook for Canada Gas Output

Canada’s National Energy Board (NEB) Wednesday delivered a dreary forecast for Canadian conventional natural gas production in the short term, estimating a decline of 7-15% in deliverability between now and 2009.

October 11, 2007

Montana Senators Seek to Halt BP CBM Development in Canada

Two Montana senators met with BP officials last Monday to express their opposition to the energy company’s plan to drill for coalbed methane (CBM) on the Canadian side of the Flathead River basin, saying the wastewater from the activity would pollute Montana water.

September 17, 2007

Montana Senators Seek to Halt BP CBM Development in Canada

Two Montana senators met with BP officials Monday to express their opposition to the energy company’s plan to drill for coalbed methane (CBM) on the Canadian side of the Flathead River basin, saying the wastewater from the activity would pollute Montana water.

September 12, 2007
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