Effluent Limitations Guidelines and Standards For Coalbed Methane

EPA is considering an amendment to the oil and gas effluent guidelines that will establish requirements for discharges from the extraction of coalbed methane, a type of natural gas. Extraction of coalbed methane involves pumping out groundwater from underground coal formations.

Regulatory development will include a review of current treatment technologies, costs, economic impacts, and an environmental assessment in establishing effluent limitations guidelines and standards (ELGs) for the coalbed methane industry. Effluent limitations based on such ELGs would be incorporated into National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and control mechanisms for discharges to Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs).

EPA expects to publish draft effluent guidelines in June 2013.

Caltha LLP provides expert consulting services to public and private sector clients nationwide to address water quality standards, wastewater permitting and assessing potential impacts of chemicals in the aquatic environment.

Caltha LLP Aquatic Toxicology / WQ Standards Services Website