In a ruling with potentially statewide impacts, a 6th Judicial District water judge ruled that coal-bed methane gas producers are no better than other water users: They need a water-well permit the same as farmers and ranchers. The ruling stems from a 2005 filing to sue the State Engineer's Office on the basis that chemical-laced water that is injected under pressure to separate gas from a coal formation and then is extracted along with subterranean water depletes the supply of irrigation water and could result in dry wells or contaminated ground water.

To view the full article, visit the Durango Herald. A similar article was published July 4, 2007--Ruling could have major effect on oil and gas industry (Farmington Daily Times). For copies of the original articles contact the WIP at (970) 247-1302 or stop by the office at 841 East Second Avenue in Durango.