DEQ continues issuing permits to coal-bed methane producers using 'flawed' formula

Wyoming environmental regulators are still reviewing an independent report that found flaws in how the state determines pollution limits in certain coal-bed methane discharge water. "We are taking a very serious look at that consultants' report," John Corra, director of the state Department of Environmental Quality, said Tuesday. "It's new information for us, and we want to dig into it. And we're just not ready yet to say much about it." Meantime, the state continues to review and issue water discharge permits that some contend will result in damage to agriculture land. "We haven't seen anything from DEQ other than business as usual, using the same scientifically invalid methodology," said Jill Morrison, an organizer with the Sheridan-based Powder River Basin Resource Council. Corra said his agency eventually will submit comment to the state Environmental Quality Council about the report. The council is accepting public comment until Sept. 30. Some farmers, ranchers and conservation groups contend the state allows coal-bed methane developers to discharge water with too much sodium and salt, which can damage land and vegetation. The issue is important because stricter controls on salt and sodium could force industry to undertake more costly measures in handling the water...AP