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Domestic News
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2009 Domestic News
September 3, 2009 – New NIOSH Software Offers Prediction Capabilities and Solutions to Methane Emission and Control Issues
Researchers at the Pittsburgh Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) have developed a software suite to help longwall coal mine operators and gas producers. The software will provide accurate prediction methods related to coal bed and coal mine methane control and emission problems. This first version of the software offers four modules that were developed under the MS-Access™ shell environment. The current version of the software can be used to predict:
- dynamic elastic properties of coal-measure rocks;
- ventilation emissions from longwall mines;
- the type of degasification system that needs to be utilized for given situations; and
- production performance of gob gas vent holes.
The software contains a help file and accompanying users manual to guide users on not only how to install and use the prediction modules, but also about the technical details of each module. The application of these modules (separately or in combination) for methane capture and control-related problems will help improve the safety of mines and identify opportunities for capturing and utilizing methane, an important energy source and potent greenhouse gas. Additionally, these models can be used to predict some of the input parameters for the USEPA/CMOP Coal Mine Methane Project Cash Flow Model.
The software and users manual are available upon request from Dr. C. Özgen Karacan (cok6@cdc.gov) or Heather N. Dougherty (igq0@cdc.gov) of NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory.
August 20, 2009 – Coal Mine Methane News
VAMOX ™ CMM Abatement System Fully Operational (Reuters)
Cleaner Energy from Coal Mine Methane (China Mining)
Methane Recovery Systems Improve Coal Mine Safety (Mine Web)
August 13, 2009 – Climate Action Reserve to Release CMM Project Protocol
The Climate Action Reserve will release its Coal Mine Methane (CMM) Project Protocol for public comment the week of 17 August 2009. The CMM Project Protocol will provide a standardized approach for quantifying and monitoring the greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions from projects at active underground coal mines in the United States that destroy methane that would have otherwise been vented to the atmosphere. This version of the protocol will include guidance for ventilation air methane (VAM) projects and non-pipeline drainage projects. A public workshop will be held on 25 August 2009 to provide a venue for feedback on the protocol.
More information on the protocol and the public workshop can be found at: http://www.climateactionreserve.org/how-it-works/protocols/protocols-in-progress/coal-mine-methane-project-protocol/.
August 6, 2009 – MOU on Enhancing Cooperation on Climate Change, Energy and the Environment at the U.S. - China Strategic and Economic Dialogue
The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the People’s Republic of China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on 28 July 2009 to enhance cooperation on climate change, energy and the environment.
According to a U.S. Department of State press release, the MOU, signed at the U.S. - China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, recommits the U.S. and China to a reach a successful international agreement and expand cooperation to accelerate the transition to a sustainable low-carbon global economy.
The MOU places emphasis on expanded cooperation in combating climate change and promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy, smart grid technologies, electric vehicles, cleaner uses of coal, and carbon capture and storage, joint research and development, clean air and water, and the protection of natural resources.
The MOU can be found on the U.S. Department of State Web site.
July 16, 2009 – VCS Association Announces Proposed Methodology Revision to ACM008
The Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) Association recently announced a proposed methodology revision to the UNFCCC approved consolidated methodology ACM008 titled, “Consolidated methodology for coal bed methane, coal mine methane and ventilation air methane capture and use for power (electrical or motive) and heat and/or destruction through flaring or flameless oxidation”.
The proposed revision will modify ACM0008 to include a calculation methodology for estimating baseline emissions of methane from abandoned/decommissioned coal mines. Comments are due to VCS by 13 August 2009.
Further information on the proposed revision can be found on the VCS website at: http://www.v-c-s.org/methodology_rtatimcadfacm.html
June 26, 2009 – Revised Agenda Available! CMOP U.S. Coal Mine Methane Conference, September 30 – October 1, 2009, Boulder, Colorado
US EPA’s Coalbed Methane Outreach Program (CMOP) will hold its annual US Coal Mine Methane Conference from September 30 – October 1, 2009, in Boulder, Colorado. The event will be held at the historic Millennium Hotel. http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumboulder/index.html
The two-day event will feature presentations and case studies of the latest technological developments in coal mine methane projects in the US and around the world. It will also include some breaking policy developments that will impact project growth in the US.
The revised agenda and online registration for the event can be found on our website at:
http://www.epa.gov/cmop/conf/cmm_conference_sept09.htm
May 14, 2009 –Public Comment Period on EPA Proposed Mandatory Greenhouse Gas Reporting Rule is Open until June 9, 2009
In response to the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 2764; Public Law 110–161), EPA has proposed a rule that requires mandatory reporting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from large sources in the United States. The proposed rule was signed by the Administrator on March 10, 2009, and published in the Federal Register (www.regulations.gov) under Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0508 on April 10, 2009.
Under the proposed Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases rule, owners or operators of facilities that are subject to quarterly or more frequent sampling of mine ventilation systems by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) would report emissions from underground coal mines (40 CFR part 98, Subpart FF).
Also under the rule (CFR part 98, subpart KK), all suppliers of coal (as defined in the rule) would report emissions associated with the complete combustion or oxidation of the coal that they place into commerce.
The public comment period is open until June 9, 2009, 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. Written comments should be submitted to: www.regulations.gov
For more information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange
April 29, 2009 – 2009 Longwall USA Exhibition and Conference
North America’s important coal mining exhibition will once again be hosted in Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The event, which takes place June 16–18, is well established and attended by a range of delegates from all parts of the longwall mining industry. Longwall USA attracts most manufacturers and service providers and the USEPA Coalbed Methane Outreach Program will have a booth at the exhibition. We encourage you to stop by and say hello!
For more information, go to http://www.mining-media.com/events/longwall/
April 23, 2009 – Save the Date – Upcoming Coal Mine Methane and Methane to Markets Partnership Events
US EPA’s Coal Mine Methane Conference 2009
September 30 – October 1, 2009
Boulder, Colorado
http://www.epa.gov/cmop/conf/cmm_conference_sept09.htm
Methane to Markets Partnership Coal Subcommittee Meeting and Meeting of UN Economic Commission for Europe Ad Hoc Group of Experts on Coal Mine Methane
October 12 – 13, 2009
Geneva, Switzerland
http://www.methanetomarkets.org/events/2009/coal/coal-12oct09.htm
Methane to Markets Partnership Expo 2010
March 2 – 5, 2010
New Delhi, India
Web Site coming soon, to be posted on www.methanetomarkets.org
Happy Earth Day / Earth week!
April 16, 2009 – Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) Releases Public Registry, including two innovative coal mine methane projects
The Voluntary Carbon Standard Association (VCSA) launched a public registry and database of projects that have been validated or issued voluntary carbon units (VCUs), enabling them to be tracked from registry to retirement. Two innovative types of coal mine methane projects are included in the registry.
One project is the recovery of methane in advance of mining at the North Rochelle Antelope Coal Mine Complex, a surface coal mine operated by Peabody Energy Corporation in the Powder River Basin of Wyoming. This project, begun in 2002, involves degassing in advance of the highwall, and collecting, compressing, metering, and transporting the gas to the nearest natural gas pipeline. The project is estimated to reduce 200,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually. The project is registered for 341,000 VCUs and underwent a double verification / validation process. To see the Blue Source press release describing this project, see: http://www.ghgworks.com/5c-pr09-04-14.html
To see the VCS Registry project description, see: https://vcsprojectdatabase1.apx.com/mymodule/ProjectDoc/EditProjectDoc.asp?id1=13
The other coal mine methane project in the VCS registry involves the destruction of ventilation air methane from a shaft of an active underground coal mine, the Jim Walter Resources Blue Creek Mine No. 4 in Alabama. This project, which began operation in late January 2009, uses a thermal oxidation technology to destroy the methane from 30,000 cubic feet per minute of mine ventilation air. It is estimated to yield emissions reductions of 32,914 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent annually. To see the Biothermica press release describing this project, see: http://www.biothermica.com/brochure_pdf/press_release_13_04_09.pdf
To see the VCS registry project description, see: https://vcsprojectdatabase1.apx.com/mymodule/ProjectDoc/EditProjectDoc.asp?id1=25
To see the complete VCS registry of projects that have been validated or registered, see: https://vcsregistry1.apx.com/myModule/rpt/myrpt.asp?r=111
April 9, 2009 – The Fourth U.S.-Mongolia Business Forum: June 9, 2009 in Washington DC
The U.S. Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Mongolia; the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mongolia; the Foreign Investment and Foreign Trade Agency of Mongolia; and the Mongolian Embassy will host the Fourth U.S.-Mongolia Business Forum on Tuesday June 9, 2009. The Forum will provide valuable information about commercial opportunities in Mongolia, and give companies a chance to meet potential business partners. The focus of this Forum will be the energy sector, with highlights on coal mining, coal and methane power production, oil extraction and processing, renewable energy, and nuclear energy.
Invited speakers include the Gary Locke, U.S. Secretary of Commerce; S. Batbold, Mongolian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Kh. Bekhbat, Mongolian Ambassador to the United States; senior U.S. and Mongolian government officials and representatives from the U.S. and Mongolian business communities.
Mongolia is in critical need of new energy infrastructure development and new energy sources. In recent years, Mongolia’s demand for energy has risen rapidly and is projected to increase substantially in the regions featuring large-scale mining developments like Southern Gobi. In addition, China and Russia present huge potential markets for Mongolia’s energy exports. Mongolia has abundant coal deposits, which is the country’s major source of energy as well as a cause of severe pollution problems. Introducing clean coal technology is critical in addressing this issue.
The Forum will take place from 8:15 AM – 5:30 PM at the U.S. Department of Commerce (Auditorium), 1401 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC. In addition, the Mongolian Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Bekhbat, will host a reception to conclude the Forum. For more information, contact Zhen Gong Cross, Head of Mongolian Affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce. E-mail: Zhen Gong Cross (zhen_gong_cross@ita.doc.gov)
April 3, 2009 – SAVE THE DATE! CMOP Announces US Coal Mine Methane Conference, September 30–October, 1, 2009, Boulder, Colorado
US EPA’s Coalbed Methane Outreach Program (CMOP) is pleased to announce its annual US Coal Mine Methane Conference, which will be held September 30 – October 1, 2009, in Boulder, Colorado. The event will be held at the historic Millennium Hotel. http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumboulder/index.html
The agenda will include presentations and case studies of the latest technological developments in coal mine methane projects in the US and around the world. It will also include some breaking policy developments that will impact project growth in the US.
More information about the conference – registration, agenda, sponsorship opportunities, and site are available on the CMOP Web site: http://www.epa.gov/cmop/conf/cmm_conference_sept09.htm
We look forward to seeing you in September!
March 12, 2009 - EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson signs proposed rule for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting
On March 10, 2009, US EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson issued a proposed rule for mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting from large GHG emissions sources in the United States. The preamble and proposed rule will be published in the Federal Register shortly and will be available at www.regulations.gov.
85-90% of total national U.S. GHG emissions, from approximately 13,000 facilities, would be covered by the proposed rule. Most small businesses would not be required to report GHG emissions to EPA. The first annual report would be submitted to EPA in 2011, for the calendar year 2010.
EPA staff held more than 100 meetings with over 250 stakeholders including trade associations, industries, states, and state- and regional-based groups during the development of the proposed rule. The public will be able to comment on the proposed rule for 60 days following publication in the Federal Register. EPA plans to conduct two public hearings: April 6 and 7, 2009, at the EPA Potomac Yard Conference Center, Arlington, VA; and April 16, 2009, at the Sacramento Convention Center, Sacramento, CA.
For more information on the rule, please see: http://www.epa.gov/climatechange
To see the EPA press release, visit http://yosemite.epa.gov/
February 19, 2009 - North American Coalbed Methane Spring Forum
The North American Coalbed Methane (NACBM) Forum will be held April 20-21, 2009 in Cannonsburg, PA at the Hilton Garden Hotel. The NACBM Forum is held twice a year, in the spring and fall. For more information on the NACBM Forum, contact Khashayar Aminian at Khashayar.Aminian@mail.wvu.edu.
February 12, 2009 - CMOP seeks feedback on two new resources to evaluate and identify CMM projects
CMOP has recently launched two new or enhanced tools related to CMM projects in the US and internationally. We’d like your feedback!
The CMM Project Cash Flow Model (beta version) is an excel-based model that provides financial analyses of site-specific potential coal mine methane projects for several different end-use scenarios. The model is currently geared towards US-specific conditions. CMOP seeks feedback on the functionality, user-friendliness, and CMM-specific features of the model. To launch the model, go to: http://www.epa.gov/cmop/resources/cashflow_model.html
The International CMM Projects Database lists coal mine methane projects in 13 countries that are operating or under development. It is intended to be a comprehensive listing of global CMM projects. The database was developed by EPA in support of the Methane to Markets Partnership. New features allow users to provide edits to existing project entries in the database, or to provide new entries for projects that are not listed. CMOP is seeking assistance from those who are familiar with CMM projects globally to verify the completeness and accuracy of this database. See: http://www2.ergweb.com/cmm/index.aspx
February 5, 2009 - GHG Registry to Include Offsets From Coal Mine Methane Destruction
A newly launched national greenhouse gas (GHG)-offset registry is exploring the development of a protocol that could potentially help companies earn GHG-reduction credits by reducing methane emissions from coal mine activities. This effort, by the Climate Action Reserve (CAR), an arm of the California Climate Action Registry (CCAR), explores developing a GHG offset-project protocol for different types of coal mine methane (CMM) capture or destruction activities. CAR has scheduled an initial stakeholder meeting on the CMM protocol for Feb. 10 in Denver.
In addition to mining companies, CAR invited state and federal agencies involved with mining regulations and the rights to natural gas and mineral extractions. “Tentatively, we envision starting our process with the development of a protocol for projects that capture and destroy ventilation air methane (VAM) from active mines,” states a recent CAR announcement. CAR will explore many different types of coal-mine methane activities that go along with coal mining, including active projects, abandoned projects, pre-mine drilling, capturing and venting during drilling, and ventilation of air methane.
For more information, go to http://www.climateregistry.org/events/calendar.html?extmode=view&extid=72