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CBNG Water Helps Ranchers Make a Living
Denver, CO–June 6, 2006

Surface discharge is one of the most broadly utilized tools out of The Water Management Toolbox. When ranchers and operators use surface discharge, water is more available than it was in the past.

In the West, current laws allow for beneficial uses of produced water. Operators and landowners alike have been drawn to surface discharge because of its ease of implementation, low costs, documented benefits to agricultural operations and the ecosystem in general.

Water quality can vary throughout the Powder River Basin.

But laws are in place to make sure surface discharge is conducted responsibly at each location.All of the water has to meet primary state and federal Safe Drinking Water Act quality standards.  State regulatory agencies such as the State Engineer’s Office and the Department of Environmental Quality oversee water regulatory issues.

Overall, CBNG water is classified as fresh. It is fit for domestic, livestock, wildlife and often times drinking water purposes.

Wildlife Biologist Larry Hayden-Wing, said produced water from oil and gas development is important in semiarid regions that are accustomed to periodic droughts.

“Produced water significantly increases biological diversity.”

He said his studies prove wildlife directly benefits from habitat, vegetation, protective cover, and protection from predators. “Produced water appears to increase forage quantity and quality.” He said the improved habitat is the underlying reason why antelope and sage grouse live there.

In addition to improving the ecosystem, produced water also brings benefits to landowners.

Working together

Since development began in the late 90’s, landowners have worked with energy producers to beneficially use the water produced from CBNG development. The results have been advantageous for both. Energy production is soaring and agriculturists can survive and even thrive amidst a drought.

John Flocchini, manager of  the Durham Ranch, said the extra access to CBNG water has been incredible.

“Our pastures are watered much more consistently. This has helped a lot with plenty of fresh stock water for both livestock and wildlife.”

Many ranchers agree- and are happy to work with producers to manage the extra water.

A 2005 survey conducted by the Coal Bed Natural Gas Alliance demonstrated how important the water is to landowners. The survey asked what was the most beneficial item a landowner received from CBNG development.  Out of 13 choices (including surface use agreements, royalty payments and surface payments) the number one benefit was use of the CBNG discharge water.

Making use of Produced Water

There are two types of surface discharge: discharging to surface water and discharging to land surface. Within these categories, landowners and producers have flexibility to find the best method for both the landowner and the operator.

Joel Ohman, from Gillette, has been using discharge water for stock and wildlife since 1999.  He likes the fact that he has access to extra water. “The quality causes no problems.”  

Tony Line, who manages 140,000 on the Padlock Ranch (and no live water on the entire place)  also thinks the extra water is wonderful.

Dee Reisch, a Sheridan Rancher said her cows actually prefer the CBNG water.
She said,  “The cows walk right past the old stock well and drink out of the CBNG stock well instead.” 

Gillette Rancher Joanne Tweedy said her calves were heavier than usual during the drought, as a result of beneficially using CBNG water.  “My pastures are utilized much more efficiently since calves have water in all corners of the pasture,” Tweedy said.     

Others decided to water their yards with discharge water, like Betty Rice, from Gillette, who now has three yards.   “We have some of the prettiest yards around. Our Evergreen Trees and Olive trees look gorgeous.”

Water on the East side of the Powder River Basin is of better quality than water on the west. But ranchers on both sides of the basin still find beneficial uses for the water.

Ranchers say communication, a plan, and an open mind is the key to making it work.  They greatly appreciate the many benefits CBNG water has provided for them.

This is the reality of beneficial use in the Powder River Basin.

Sheridan Rancher Forest Dunning says CBNG development is all a matter of perception. He said if you are an economic rancher, the increased water and agriculture production is the best thing ever.

Energy is being developed and the agriculture community is benefiting. In the arid Powder River Basin, this is really important. It boils down to opportunity. Opportunity to have water when there once was limited water. Opportunity for energy producers and agricultural producers now exists.