*********CBM water could quench thirst
hursday, November 8, 2007 7:39 AM MST
GILLETTE (AP) -- The city of Gillette is considering mixing water pumped during coal-bed methane production with regular drinking water to stretch the city's supply in the face of a projected water shortage.
Steve Peterson, Gillette's utility engineering manager, said the city has spoken with some in the coal-bed methane industry about providing water as a short-term solution. Companies pump water from the ground in coal-bed methane production.
Peterson said the city's need for the water will continue until a planned $170 million pipeline can be built in the next 10 years.
"We could use the water starting next summer," Peterson said. The city needs an estimated 5 million gallons a day.
Under the city's proposal, methane companies would be responsible for the delivery of the water to the city. It would have to meet or exceed state and federal drinking water standards. The city wants a 10-year commitment to provide the water, but would allow either side to terminate the agreement on 30 days' notice.
Paula Beasley, a senior public affairs representative with Anadarko Petroleum Corp., stated that the company is aware of Gillette's water needs and is open to discussing possible solutions.
Beasley said the company now sends the water through a 48-mile pipeline to Midwest, where it is reinjected into the ground.
Bob Vergnani, operations manager with Coleman Oil and Gas Co., said disposing of water is a big expense for companies.
"Anytime we can use that water, it's a good thing," Vergnani said. He said water from the company's wells south of Gillette, from the Wyodak coal seam, is good quality.
Vergnani said the biggest problem he sees with the city's request is the high cost of treating the water and shipping it. He said it's currently less expensive to discharge the water than it would be to treat it and put it to use. |
