The Coal Bed Methane Primer document discusses background and development in the Rocky Mountain west of a new source of natural gas and its environmental implications. The Primer is designed to serve as a summary document, which introduces and encapsulates information pertinent to the development of CBM. The discussions focus on coal deposits, methane as a naturally formed gas, split mineral ownership, development techniques, operational issues, producing methods, applicable regulatory frameworks, land and resource management, mitigation measures, preparation of project plans, data availability, Indian Trust issues and relevant environmental technologies. The primer includes a large section on federal, state, and local regulations, as well as BMPs, for coal bed methane.
Required vs. Recommended:
Recommended BMPs: “Although BMPs are often derived from Federal, State, or local standards, BMPs by definition do not constitute regulations and therefore, should only be considered as a guidance tool for protection foreseeable affects to resources.†Pg. 43
Ownership:
"Ownership: Private, state, and federal. The document was prepared with input from a variety of sources and is meant as a document to help make coal bed methane development more environmentally friendly in all ownership lands. “An important aspect of this CBM Primer involves the sharing of information with a broad array of stakeholders, including land and mineral owners, regulators, conservationists, tribal governments, special interest groups, and numerous others that could be affected by the development of CBM within their vicinity.†Pg. 1 “It is envisioned the Primer will be used by a variety of stakeholders to present a consistent and complete synopsis of the key issues involved with CBM.†Pg. 3
It is hoped this approach will help better define and clarify CBM related resource issues in a manner that will benefit landowners, operators, and federal or state agencies. Pg. 44"
