Environmental aspects of coalbed methane extraction, with emphasis on water treatment and disposal

摘要

Exploration, drilling and production activities for the development of coalbed methane resources have increased greatly over the past decade. There are now operating fields in the U.S.A. and many pilot-scale operations around the world. The increased development has been accompanied by greater concern about the potential environmental consequences of exploiting these resources. The main concerns relate to: the environmental impacts of the exploration, development, operation and closure of a wellfield; the disposal of water produced during the stimulation and production of gas; and the adverse effects on groundwater and other subsurface resources. Experience gained from operating fields in the U.S.A. indicates that, of these, disposal of the co-produced water represents the most significant environmental problem.