Identifying Opportunities for Methane Recovery at U.S. Coal Mines: Profiles of Selected Gassy Underground Coal Mines 2002-2006 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency September 2008 (Revised January 2009) EPA 430-K-04-003 Identifying Opportunities for Methane Recovery at U.S. Coal Mines: Profiles of Selected Gassy Underground Coal Mines 2002-2006 EPA 430-K-04-003 September 2008 (Revised January 2009)* U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY * In the previously released version of this report, there was an error on page 1-7 involving two bulleted items dated July 2007. These bullets refer to roof fall events at CONSOL Energy’s Bailey (PA) and Buchanan (VA) mines. Both bullets actually refer to the same roof fall event, which occurred at Buchanan mine. Bailey mine was not shut down as previously stated; it produced 10.2 million tons of coal in 2006 and 9.9 million tons in 2007. USEPA regrets the error. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The U.S. EPA would like to thank the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration for the ventilation emissions data used in this document. Other industry experts, as well as various individuals at state and federal agencies, were also helpful during the preparation of this document. i Table of Contents Page # Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................. i List of Figures ..................................................................................................................................... v List of Tables ...................................................................................................................................... v Frequently Used Terms......................................................................................................................vi Frequently Used Abbreviations.........................................................................................................vii 1. Executive Summary Methane Emissions and Recovery Opportunities .............................................................. 1-1 U.S. EPA ............................................................................................................................. 1-1 Coal Mine Methane (CMM) Recovery Opportunities.......................................................... 1-2 Overview of CMM Recovery and Use Techniques............................................................. 1-3 Opportunities for Methane Recovery Projects.................................................................... 1-4 Overview of Methane Liberation, Drainage, and Use at Profiled Mines ............................ 1-4 Overview of U.S. Mining Industry Since 2003 .................................................................... 1-5 Summary of Opportunities for Project Development .......................................................... 1-7 2. Introduction Purpose of Report ............................................................................................................... 2-1 Recent Developments in the Coal Mine Methane Industry ................................................ 2-1 Overview of Coal Mine Methane......................................................................................... 2-2 Methane Drainage Techniques........................................................................................... 2-3 Vertical Pre-Mining Wells........................................................................................ 2-4 Gob Wells................................................................................................................ 2-5 Horizontal Boreholes .............................................................................................. 2-6 Longhole Horizontal Boreholes .............................................................................. 2-6 Cross-Measure Boreholes...................................................................................... 2-7 Utilization Options ............................................................................................................... 2-7 Pipeline Injection..................................................................................................... 2-8 Power Generation.................................................................................................2-11 Ventilation Air Methane Use Technologies ..........................................................2-13 Local Use ..............................................................................................................2-17 Flaring ...................................................................................................................2-17 Green Pricing Projects ......................................................................................................2-18 Barriers to the Recovery and Use of Coal Mine Methane................................................2-18 Technical Challenges ...........................................................................................2-18 Ownership of Coalbed Methane...........................................................................2-19 Power Prices.........................................................................................................2-20 Pipeline Capacity Constraints...............................................................................2-20 3. Overview of Existing Coal Mine Methane Projects Alabama ............................................................................................................................. 3-1 Walter Industries ........................................................................................................ 3-1 Blue Creek No. 4, No. 5 and No. 7 Mines .............................................................. 3-1 Cleveland-Cliffs............................................................................................................ 3-2 Oak Grove Mine...................................................................................................... 3-2 Drummond Company .................................................................................................. 3-2 Shoal Creek Mine ................................................................................................... 3-2 Colorado.............................................................................................................................. 3-3 ii Arch Coal ....................................................................................................................3-3 West Elk Mine ........................................................................................................ 3-3 Pennsylvania....................................................................................................................... 3-3 Foundation Coal .......................................................................................................... 3-3 Cumberland and Emerald Mines............................................................................ 3-3 Virginia……. ........................................................................................................................ 3-3 CONSOL Energy ......................................................................................................... 3-4 Buchanan Mine....................................................................................................... 3-4 VP 8 Mine................................................................................................................ 3-4 West Virginia ....................................................................................................................... 3-5 CONSOL Energy ........................................................................................................ 3-5 Blacksville No. 2 and Loveridge No. 22 Mines....................................................... 3-5 Patriot Coal ..................................................................................................................3-5 Federal No. 2 Mine ................................................................................................. 3-5 Cleveland-Cliffs............................................................................................................ 3-5 Pinnacle Mine ......................................................................................................... 3-5 Summary ............................................................................................................................. 3-6 4. Guide to the Mine Profiles Mine Status ......................................................................................................................... 4-1 Drainage System................................................................................................................. 4-1 Use Project.......................................................................................................................... 4-2 2006 Rank........................................................................................................................... 4-2 Geographic Data ................................................................................................................. 4-2 Corporate Information .........................................................................................................4-2 Mine Address ...................................................................................................................... 4-3 General