Section 50. Venting methane; bleeder system

A. Nothing in this chapter shall prevent the operator of a permitted coalbed methane gas well from venting methane from the well in accordance with the requirements of the Virginia Gas and Oil Act, Chapter 22.1 (§ 45.1-361.1 et seq.) of Title 45.1 of the Code of Virginia and the Virginia Gas and Oil Regulation, 4VAC25-150-10 et seq.

B. The mine bleeder system, when operated in conjunction with vertical ventilation holes or coalbed methane gas wells, shall be operated such that changes in the operation of the vertical ventilation holes or coalbed methane wells shall not create hazardous conditions for the miners working underground. If the operation of a vertical ventilation hole or coalbed methane gas well affects any mine's ventilation, the mine shall be adequately ventilated in accordance with the mine's bleeder plan approved under § 45.1-161.220 of the Coal Mine Safety Act. Any changes or adjustments to such VVH's or coalbed methane gas wells shall be recorded as required by the mine's approved bleeder plan.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 17, Issue 20, eff. July 18, 2001.

Statutory Authority

§§ 45.1-161.3, 45.1-161.106, 45.1-161.121, 45.1-161.254 and 45.1-161.292 of the Code of Virginia.