Coalbed methane development is rapidly moving forward in Alberta, the province that has Canada's largest resources of natural gas from coal seams. The density of CBM wells and the large land base potentially affected raises concerns about cumulative impacts and land fragmentation by wells, pipelines and roads. Other effects may include the diversion of water from non-saline aquifers when CBM is extracted from shallow coal seams, gas migration, and noise from compressors. Recommendations for improved regulations, environmental impact assessments, and best practices were made in 2003 to show how impacts can be reduced. The Alberta government has started making some changes to regulations, but much of the information in the report is still relevant today. A list of questions helps landowners ask companies and government about projects that affect them.
Unconventional Gas
The Environmental Challenges of Coalbed Methane Development in Alberta
June 1, 2003
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