State releases coalbed methane enforceable standards

Petroleum News

The state of Alaska has released its enforceable standards for coalbed methane development on state-owned acreage in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

“When these standards are viewed in conjunction with HB 531, passed by the Legislature last session, the state of Alaska has put in place a comprehensive set of measures to keep the quality of life enjoyed by the residents of the Mat-Su Borough, while allowing for reasonable exploration and possible development of coalbed methane resources,” Commissioner of Natural Resources Tom Irwin said Dec. 13.

Irwin said the measures “will protect residents’ drinking water, significantly reduce any potential noise impacts, require careful planning for any new roads or pipelines and maintain real property values.”

The department has also released responses to comments on the public review draft.

Both documents can be viewed at www.dog.dnr.state.ak.us/oil.