Permitting

    Permitting is one of the things that is often overlooked in the process of deciding what infrastructure to have reclaimed and what to keep. The CBM company will likely have many permits through various agencies for different types of infrastructure. If you would like to maintain a well or reservoir you will need to make sure to look into the permits for these. Often this can be a simple and relatively inexpensive process, but complications can arise in the case of large reservoirs with high dams or wells with large pumps that put out high volumes of water. Whether your reservoir is in a stream channel or not will also make a difference on which agency is involved in the permitting process. The  primary agencies involved in most of the permits that will need to be  obtained to keep/use infrastructure are the Wyoming State Engineers  Office (SEO) and the Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission. The SEO will likely  hold the permits, but the Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission can provide  guidance on what is required of the CBM company legally and how to go  about converting ownership of infrastructure. There can be slight  differences and variations in almost every situation. Making a few phone  calls to make sure you don't run into large problems down the road can  be a quick and easy way to save a lot of time and headaches.

Listed below are links to forms needed to properly permit your well with the SEO/WOGCC and a powerpoint presentation put together by the SEO to help landowners understand the process. Be sure you are using the lastest forms available (3/20/14).

WYOMING OIL AND GAS SUPERVISOR AND STATE ENGINEER ISSUE GUIDANCE LETTER ON
COAL BED METHANE WELL TRANSFERS FOR DOMESTIC AND STOCK  USE
Conversion of Coal Bed Methane (CBM)
Wells to Water Wells - Guidance Letter

WOGCC/SEO LIST OF ACTIONS & STEPS REQUIRED TO
TRANSFER A CBM WELL TO THE LANDOWNER
WOGCC/SEO Process Required for the
Conversion of a CBM Well to Other Uses

WYOMING STATE ENGINEER'S OFFICE
Applications, Forms, and Instructions Page

WY SEO Transfer of Wells, Pits and Reservoirs Presentation
GOOD INFO!!