Coal Bed Methane
Welcome to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality Coal Bed Methane web site. Coal Bed Methane (CBM) is a natural hydrocarbon gas that occurs in beds of coal.
Coal Bed Methane Drilling Rig
Drilling for CBM usually involves the type of modest size rig used to drill conventional water supply wells. Some of the groundwater in and around the coal seam is pumped to the surface, where it is managed or discharged in accordance with an MPDES permit. Quantities of produced water are often very large. Lowering of the hydraulic head over the coal allows methane to come out of solution. The gas escapes up the well bore to the surface where it is processed and transported through pipelines to markets.
Produced Water Discharge
The DEQ’s main efforts on CBM involve the regulation of produced water management. The objective is to maximize beneficial uses of the water, and authorize responsible means of disposal while protecting the other beneficial uses that Montana surface waters support.
Completed CBM Wells
This site provides information on CBM production in Montana and northeastern Wyoming.
- CBM Basics - Frequently Asked Questions
- Laws, Regulations, Rules
- Water Quality Issues
- Environmental Analysis Documents
- Recent Research and Studies
- Water Quality Info
- Other Useful Links
