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THE TOOLBOX-WATER SOLUTIONS
What is the TOOLBOX-WATER SOLUTIONS?
Denver, CO–June 6, 2006

The Toolbox - Water Solutions distinguish the most commonly used water management tools in the Powder River Basin. The options include: surface discharge, managed irrigation, on and off channel impoundments, injection, treatment various commercial and industrial uses, and emerging technologies. 

Numerous “sub” tools remain important options under each of the main tool categories listed above. This is precisely why a blanket rule is not possible when it comes to managing CBNG water. The water varies in quality across the basin and a variety of tools is possible to manage the water accordingly. The Toolbox - Water Solutions approach allows the landowner and operator to reach inside and pick the best “tool,” or set of tools, for the job at hand.  In essence, they are The Toolbox - Water Solutions.

Numerous options exist underneath each main tool category today.  The key is adopting a “tool” or “set of tools” that works in concert with the landowner’s future vision of the ranch or farm.

Tool Categories (Click here for PDF)

Tool 1: Surface Discharge is defined as CBNG water, in it’s natural form, being directly discharged into surface drainages or used for land application, such as irrigation.  This is currently one of the more widely used management practices in the PRB.

Tool 2: Managed Irrigation is the application of established soil science, water chemistry and agronomic principles to utilize produced water in a beneficial manner. The overarching goal is to grow forage for livestock and wildlife, while protecting soil physical and chemical properties. Managed Irrigation has been successfully implemented on thousands of acres in Wyoming’s PRB.

Tool 3: Impoundments can be either off- channel or in- channel. Off Channel impoundments do not intersect with a natural watercourse or drainage, whereas in-channel do. Off- channel impoundments can either be lined or unlined.

Tool 4: Injection is another management solution.  Widespread use is limited because the majority of aquifers in the Powder River Basin are unable to handle large amounts of water injected into them. 
  
Tool 5: Treatment is another growing water management category. Currently, the science is not proven and because of this, cost remains high. Underneath the treatment category, almost ten different options exist today.

Tool 6: Commercial and industrial uses are additional tools for putting CBNG water to use. The most commonly used methods are for road dust abatement and using the water for coal mines.

Tool 7: Emerging technologies include new water solutions that are beginning to surface. These new technologies could lead to many additional water management tools in the near future. This includes utilizing different plant varieties to filter water and using special equipment to separate water and gas at the wellhead.