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A new study by the Wyoming State Geological Survey finds that the coal-bed methane gas boom that left a legacy of orphaned wells across the state will also impact groundwater in Wyoming for decades to come.
During the methane boom in the early 2000s, drillers pumped huge amounts of water out of coal seams to release the gas. Wyofile reports that the water was discharged onto the surface, and as a result, some sandstone aquifers in the Powder River Basin have declined by more than 100 feet since 2001.
According to the state study, those aquifers will take 52 years to refill on average, with some looking at up to 144 years. Those estimates are the "best-case" scenario, because the state did not take climate change or the ongoing drought into consideration.
The most severe damage appears to be to aquifers within 20 miles of the Powder River, where much of the remaining coal-bed methane gas wells are located. As of 2015, there were approximately 3,000 orphaned coal-bed methane wells across Wyoming, left behind by bankrupt companies for taxpayers to clean up.
Poll shows broad support for Avi Kwa Ame monument designation
A new poll from the Nevada Conservation League and League of Conservation Voters shows strong support in Nevada for designating Avi Kwa Ame as a national monument.
With no background information, 60% of Nevada voters support the monument proposal, with 10% opposed and 30% undecided. After hearing arguments from monument supporters and opponents, support for the monument increases to 70%, with nearly half of voters strongly supporting a monument designation.
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It’s like trying to predict an earthquake. With all the technology we have today they are not coming any closer to predicting them. The same goes for a coal fire.”
