During the second half of the 1990’s Coal Bed Methane (CBM) production increased dramatically nationwide to represent a significant new source of natural gas. In recent years, the exploration and development of CBM has been under intense scrutiny in many parts of the country. The heightened concern of environmental issues related to present-day production practices - including water production, hydraulic fracturing, pipeline construction, storage facilities, water impoundment and disposal facilities, underground injection activities, compressor station operations, etc. – increases the importance of using practices and mitigation strategies that facilitate resource development in an effective, timely, and environmentally sound manner. [...]
