Associated Press - November 22, 2009 9:05 AM ET

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - A new working group will take another look at how Wyoming regulates the salinity of water discharged from coal-bed methane wells.

Independent consultants have cast doubt on current regulations used by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality.

Tens of thousands of coal-bed methane wells drilled in northeast Wyoming have been pumping millions of gallons of groundwater to the surface. Some of that water is salty, but experts say properly regulating salinity isn't as simple as monitoring water where it comes out of the ground.

A new panel appointed by DEQ Director John Corra will look at controlling salt buildup downstream from coal-bed methane wells. Corra says he's hopeful the 28-member panel will develop good recommendations.

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