Bulletin 2011-36

On February 17, 2010 and October 19, 2010, the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) announced interim relief from annual pressure testing requirements for coalbed methane (CBM) pressure and flow control wells for calendar years 2010 and 2011, respectively (Bulletin 2010-09: Interim Relief from Annual Pressure Testing Requirements for Coalbed Methane Pressure and Flow Control Wells for 2010 and Bulletin 2010-33: Extended Interim Relief from Annual Pressure Testing Requirements for Coalbed Methane Pressure and Flow Control Wells for 2011). The ERCB has now completed its review of annual pressure testing requirements for CBM control wells and is prepared to implement a change to CBM pressure testing requirements.

Pressure testing requirements for all CBM pressure and flow control wells will be changed to require an initial pressure test and a single subsequent pressure test towards the end of each control well’s producing life in order to establish drainage area and ultimate CBM recovery. The ERCB will work with industry to finalize the design and administration of the changed requirements. In the interim, exemption from annual pressure testing and reporting for CBM control wells remains in effect.

All other CBM desorption and pressure and flow control well and data requirements remain unchanged.

Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to

<original signed by>

Kevin Parks, Ph.D., P.Geol.
Executive Manager
Geology, Environmental Science, and Economics Branch