Coal bed methane extraction
From open-encyclopedia.com - the free encyclopedia.
Coal bed methane extraction is a method for extracting methane from a coal deposit. Wells are drilled into the deposit, water is pumped out, then the methane is extracted, compressed and piped to market. Disposal of the water, which may contain impurities such as salt, presents an environmental problem as does the resulting lowering of the water table.
This process involves the drilling of tens of thousands of wells, and extensive support facilities such as roads, pipelines and compressors.
