What are the current management practices with the CBM produced water?
Currently, outside Alaska, CBM product water is managed by the following methods: Discharged into a stream channel: Although direct stream discharge is no longer permitted on new wells, existing operations were “grandfathered” in and are still discharging directly into streams. Also, proposals are being advanced to allow regulated discharges during certain flow conditions. Impounded: This method involves constructing a pond in which CMB product water is stored. There are several terms for these impoundments: “holding ponds” “zero discharge ponds” or “infiltration ponds.” Although they do not directly discharge water on the land surface, most impoundments are not lined and discharge to the subsurface. In addition, seepage flow from impoundments is likely to reach some stream channels via subsurface flow. Land applied to crop or range land: Through some form of irrigation equipment. Other uses: CBM product water is also used for dust control, and in some cases is being used by coal mines
