cbm booklet
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3 about Encana
4 about coalbed methane
5 CBM development
8 well development
10 what to expect
14 safety
18 environment
24 our relationship with the community
26 building rapport, respect and trust
table of contents
We take pride in being a trusted
contributor in the communities
where we work and live.
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about Encana 3
about EncanaEncana is a high-growth, low-cost leader in natural gas production,
including coalbed methane. By providing a clean, affordable,
abundant resource for future generations, Encana is helping reshape
North Americas energy portfolio. We take pride in being a trustedcontributor in the communities where we work and live. And by
helping to grow the North American economy, Encana helps to
build sustainable communities.
We have the skills, expertise and current technology to maximize the value of our
vast North American assets. A leader in innovation, Encana is pioneering a low-costapproach to maximize margins and efficiencies. We apply the latest technologies
endeavor to use existing infrastructure to extract natural gas and coalbed methane
more efficiently, while minimizing our developmental footprint. This involves drilling,
completion, tie-in and production of multiple wells from a single well pad.
Even though the natural gas game has changed, our commitment to safety, the
environment and the community has not. We conduct our business ethically andresponsibly. The health and safety of our employees, contractors and the community
continue to be our priorities.
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about coalbed methaneEncana is the leading producer of coalbed methane (CBM)
in Alberta, with the majority of our CBM activity situated in the
south central area of the province. This booklet provides an
overview of our CBM resource play.
CBM is:
composed primarily of methane, carbon dioxide and other components derived
from coal
produced at the surface in the form of a low-pressure, sweet methane gas. This
methane gas is processed and developed at only five pounds per square inch (psi),
lower than the pressure of gas supplied to your home (about 15 psi)
similar to pipeline-quality sweet natural gas with a high methane content
(often greater than 90 percent)
widely recognized as the cleanest-burning fossil fuel, producing the fewest emissions
of any hydrocarbon
used in homes and businesses every day to fuel furnaces, dryers, water heaters and
gas stoves
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Encana 5
A resource play is a large-
scale, repeatable development
program that unlocks gas
assets through the innovative
application of technology.
Encana has nine natural
gas resource plays across
North America.
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6 Coalbed Methane
how is CBM produced?
Continuous improvement in our operations in safety, environmental protection
and cost reduction is simply good business. By applying innovative approaches to
existing technology, and with a focus on consistently reducing our costs by applying a
manufacturing approach that involves repeatable, transferable applications, weve been
able to create greater efficiencies and reduce our environmental footprint.
The Horseshoe Canyon extends across a vast area where each square kilometre ishighly gas-charged, making it an ideal formation in which weve successfully applied
these repeatable applications.
Stimulation when applied to CBM is different from what might be called traditional
fracturing. Thats because coal, unlike other rock formations, is naturally fractured.
This natural fracturing is called a cleat system. In CBM stimulation, we pump nitrogen
(N2) into a coal zone, which causes the natural cleats in the coal to be furtherinterconnected. This allows the methane gas to flow into the well. Nitrogen is inert and
safe in fact, 78 percent of the air we breathe is composed of nitrogen.
CBM stimulation is a safe and proven way to develop natural gas. We meet, and strive to
exceed, the requirements for CBM stimulation set out by government regulatory agencies.
By applying repeatable applications and using and improving upon proven technologies,
we have and expect to continue to achieve sustainable production growth of low-cost
natural gas supplies for years to come.
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Encana 7
CBM developmentan energy source for North America
Much of Canadas CBM resource potential is in Alberta, where multiple layers of coal
underlie half of the province. The Alberta Geological Survey estimates there may be up
to 500 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in Albertas coals. The main formations include
the Horseshoe Canyon coals and Mannville coals. To date, about 90 percent of the
current CBM development in Alberta has occurred in the Horseshoe Canyon coals.
CBM wells are tied-into existing pipeline
infrastructure whenever
possible, and flaring
is not part of normal
production operations.
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8 Coalbed Methane
Encanas CBM resource
play has been guided by
our decades of experience
in southern Alberta shallow
gas operations. For more
than 50 years our sweet
gas wells have produced
natural gas from shallow
conventional reservoirs.
We are applying that same
knowledge in developing CBM.
why develop CBM?
Natural gas is the viable energy option for a carbon-constrained world.
natural gas is clean, producing up to 65 percent fewer emissions than coal and
25 percent less than oil
natural gas is affordable, in many regions up to 30 percent less expensive as a
transportation fuel than diesel or gasoline
natural gas is abundant, with vast unconventional reserves unlocked by sweeping
technological advancements
Recent industry estimates reveal upwards of 100 years of natural gas supply available
in North America (based on current usage) which could significantly reduce U.S. and
Canadian dependence on foreign oil.
Every day, many North Americans rely on natural gas to heat their homes, cook their
food and generate the electricity they use. Given the abundance of natural gas in North
America, we see great potential in expanding its use as a cleaner energy alternative for
generating electricity and as a viable fuel source for transportation.
Natural gas electrical generation produces zero mercury emissions, 99 percent fewer
sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions and up to 80 percent fewer nitrogen oxides (NO
X)
emissions compared to electricity generated by coal. It also emits up to 65 percent less
carbon dioxide (CO2). Thats cleaner, healthier air.
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Encana 9
Edmonton
Calgary Horseshoe Canyon Coals
Mannville Coals
To date 90 percent of CBM
development in Alberta occured in
the Horseshoe Canyon coals
map source: www.crcb.ca/docs/images/zone/coalzonesCBMmap
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10 Coalbed Methane
our Horseshoe Canyon CBM development
The Horseshoe Canyon Coals of Alberta are dry coals and produce negligible amounts
of water. Other documented CBM projects in North America have water production
associated with at least the initial start-up (or dewatering) phase. The absence of watermakes the development of Horseshoe Canyon coals more viable.
The CBM we produce from the Horseshoe Canyon coals is high-quality and almost
pure methane, producing the fewest emissions of any hydrocarbon. As a shallow
formation, it enables us to apply minimal disturbance techniques resulting in lower
impact on the land base.
Having been in the area for over five decades, we endeavour to use existing
infrastructure and facilities as much as possible.
Horseshoe Canyon CBM
Well depth: ~200 950m
Encanas Clearwater
Business Unit
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11 CBM development
our Mannville coals CBM development
The next development of Albertas CBM resources is taking place in the Mannville
coals, which are about 900 metres deeper than the Horseshoe Canyon coals. This
formation is located from northwest of Edmonton to southeast of Calgary.
Encana has been developing the technology necessary to economically and responsibly
produce CBM from these deeper Mannville coals. We anticipate technological
breakthroughs to continue, which will advance the efficiency and extend the life cycle
of our operations.
The deeper Mannville coals provide us the opportunity to use proven drilling
techniques that make it possible to drill a number of wells from the same well pad,
lightening our environmental footprint.
Edmonton
Mannville CBM
Well depth: ~800 1,800m
Encanas Clearwater
Business Unit
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well development
meeting with landowners well site selection/preparation drilling
our Surface Land agent discusses
the proposed lease location with
you, gathers information about
your land and obtains your
permission to survey
the land is then surveyed and other
pre-application work is undertaken
(archaeological, soil, environmental
sensitivity and wildlife assessments,
as necessary)
next, we work towards a mutually
beneficial Surface Lease Agreement
and Pipeline Right-of-Way Agreement
as per the Energy Resources
Conservation Board (ERCB)
directives, we will conduct publicinvolvement programs in the area
we will then submit our application to
the ERCB for review and approval
location of the well is decided on by
both Encana and the landowner
after receiving permission from
the landowner and approval from
the ERCB, the location is surveyed
and staked
we strive to limit our impact on
quality of life and land use
drilling can take one day in the
Horseshoe Canyon coals to several
days in the Mannville coals
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completions production reclamation
after the well has been drilled and the
production casing cemented in from
top to bottom, there is a second peak
of activity called the completions phase
First, the wells are logged and
perforated. Most wells then require
a stimulation treatment to help
increase the wells CBM and naturalgas flow rate. Next, the well is tested
or flowed back. During this stage,
the CBM and natural gas is flared or
incinerated. Flaring or incineration
are important safety measures that
dispose of the CBM and natural gas
responsibly. The well will be tied-in to
an existing pipeline whenever possible
to minimize flaring or incineration.
on deeper CBM wells, like those
in the Mannville area, production
tubing is installed
the well completions process takes
from one to 60 days once the well
is completed and put on production,
the physical footprint on the lease siteis significantly reduced and remains so
for the entire production phase
if the well is successful, it will be tied-
in to a CBM and gas gathering system
in most cases, after the well is tied-in
to the pipeline, a small red fence will
be installed to protect the wellhead
and the length of pipeline above
ground to the point it connects to
the wellhead sometimes compressors are used
at individual well sites and
centralized gathering points to
collect CBM and natural gas and
compress it for transportation
in areas that are in close proximity
to residents, we install sound
reduction packages on thecompressors in accordance with
ERCB noise control guidelines
eventually every well will stop
producing oil, CBM or natural gas
when a well comes to the end of
its productive life cycle, we are
committed to returning the lease
site as closely as possible to its
original state
in most cases, there will be nophysical evidence of a well ever
having been located on a
particular site
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14 Coalbed Methane
what to expectduring production operations
managing noiseThe noise associated with drilling and well completion operations is temporary, but
could extend until the completions phase is finished. Noise suppression will be in
place to muffle the engine noise from the drilling rig. To minimize noise during the well
testing or flow back, a larger-diameter and tall flare stack will be used during flaring or
incineration, which is the controlled, short-term burning of CBM and/or natural gas that
cannot be processed for sale or use because of technical or economic reasons. During
incineration, there may be elevated noise levels which will stop as soon as the testing is
complete. Throughout the production phase, we do not anticipate any significant noise
during the regular operation of the well.
Encana uses noise
suppression equipment at
compressor stations that
meets or exceeds
regulatory requirements.
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Encana 15
land use
Encana strives to minimize the surface impact of its operations wherever possible. For the
Horseshoe Canyon CBM wells for example, we lease or rent approximately 100 x 100
metre sites for drilling wells. When the wells are tied-in, we only require a three-metre
diameter area for the wellhead. We continue to lease the 100 x 100 metre site, but
return the remaining land back into the surface landowners hands for productive use.
Encana has also introduced new round fences for Horseshoe Canyon CBM wells.
These fences take up less space than the typical square fences and are designed to
make it easier for surface landowners to maneuver their equipment. We will monitor
the well and may need to return to service the well, depending on the wells flow
characteristics and production levels.
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16 Coalbed Methane
potential emissions and odours
Emissions may occur during well clean-up and after reservoir stimulation, when some
flaring is necessary. When pure natural gas and/or CBM is burned, it primarily produces
carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapour (the same products of combustion emitted
from the chimney of a home that is heated by natural gas). Once the well is tied-in and
producing natural gas and/or CBM, there will be no continuous flaring and therefore we
do not expect noticeable odours from the well. However, if you have a concern about
an odour, please call your local field office.
potential flaring or incineration
The flow rates of some wells have the potential to create noise during well testing or
flow back which is when flaring or incineration occurs. Our goal is to limit the amountof natural gas and/or CBM flared and conserve both so they can be marketed. When
we must flare, it will be temporary and we may use a taller and larger-diameter flare
stack, which helps lower the noise but is more visible. Notification of proposed flaring
is provided to members of the public, prior to the start of flaring, in accordance with
ERCB Directive 60.
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Encana 17
traffic
While there will be increased traffic during the construction, drilling and completion
phases of our operations, we strive to minimize disruption to local communities.
well abandonment and site reclamation
After production rates have declined to the point where the well becomes unviable
and the location is no longer required, we properly abandon the well. Additionally, we
return the lease site area as close to its original state as possible. Soil and reclamation
professionals assess the land and carry out remediation and restoration of the site. The
landowner is informed of the site work that is carried out. An application for a Certificate
of Restoration is submitted to Alberta Environment. Upon approval, the surface lease
agreement is terminated and the restored land is returned to the landowner.
well spacing
To properly manage the CBM reservoir and maximize CBM recovery, we may
need to drill approximately four to eight wells or more per section. However, this
doesnt necessarily mean using four to eight new surface lease sites. We look for
recompletion opportunities in existing wells where new gas-producing formations can
be reached. We also look for opportunities to drill new wells from existing well sites.
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18 Coalbed Methane
safetyour safety commitment
Operating safely is critical to our business. Through our Environment, Health and
Safety (EH&S) management system and principles, human resources policies and
practices and our Corporate Constitution, we are committed to giving priority to the
health, safety and welfare of our employees and contractors, visitors to our worksites,
and communities which may be affected by our activities. We demonstrate our
commitment to workplace health and safety by identifying issues, providing training,
engaging with our industry peers and regulatory agencies, communicating openly and
working collaboratively with our employees and contractors.
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Encana 19
Our safety program for CBM operations includes:
assigning staff dedicated to safety in the field
offering comprehensive safety training for field employees
putting safety requirements in place for our contractors
reviewing contractor safety performance prior to hiring
providing job-specific safety orientations
performing safety inspections of worksites
requiring only qualified and competent workers on Encana worksites
displaying appropriate warning signage on site
Safety is a top priority for our staff. Key safety initiatives drive continuous
improvement in safety performance by:
focusing on improving employee and contractor safety performance
supporting a drug and alcohol-free work place
stressing the importance of safe driving
We investigate health and safety incidents, create regular health and safety reports and
review them with our operating groups. Action plans are then prepared to ensure we
continue to operate safely.
Worker and public safety is a
top priority for our field staff.
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20 Coalbed Methane
our emergency response plan
At Encana, emergency response and safety are integral to our operations. We
recognize that different emergencies require different responses. As part of our
Emergency Response Plan, all Encana sites incorporate local emergency response and
crisis management procedures. This ensures that incidents will be effectively managed
and that any potential impact on the site, community, environment or business will
be mitigated.
Our employees and contractors also regularly conduct exercises and drills to reinforce
and verify our emergency response capabilities, ensuring we are prepared for an
incident. We work collaboratively with local emergency responders to make these
sessions as realistic as possible.
Assessing and dealing with the cause of the emergency and notifying stakeholders
and communities about what is happening are key elements of our plans. Encanas
systematic approach to emergency response and safety is designed to protect the
community, our employees and contractors, and the environment.
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Encana 21
If you believe there is an emergency that relates to our operations,
please call our 24-hour emergency number collect at 403.645.3333
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22 Coalbed Methane
environmentEncanas environmental objectives are to:
minimize emissions and make efficient use of energy
minimize water use, and when we do use water to do so responsibly
minimize the footprint of our operations on the land base
operate in a responsible manner aligned with our Corporate Responsibility Policy
minimizing our physical footprint
Encana strives to minimize the impact of our natural gas and/or CBM development
activities on the environment. From the use of advanced technologies and planningtools to specific equipment and work scheduling, we have developed a number of
minimal disturbance practices that guide our activities in specific areas.
Minimal disturbance starts with careful preparation and pre-field project planning.
We work closely with communities and individual landowners to gain a thorough
understanding of a specific area and determine the least disruptive locations for access
roads, well sites, pipelines and associated infrastructure.
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Encana 23
minimal disturbance practices
We use the latest technology such as spatial landscaping, to help identify and avoid
ecologically and culturally sensitive areas. In special areas, on-site surveys for vegetation,
archaeological and cultural resources, wildlife and wildlife habitat are conducted by
environmental specialists who identify potential sensitivities, such as nesting migratory birds
or seasonal wetland areas. With this information, planning and timing of our activities can
be coordinated to significantly reduce impact and avoid contact with wildlife.
examples of environmental care in our operations
In some sensitive grassland areas, Encana conducts a significant portion of our drilling
between late fall and early spring when the ground is more likely to be frozen and
protected by snow cover. This practice protects prairie grasses and wildflowers, limits
soil erosion and helps reduce vehicle tracks.
Depending on the environmental sensitivities of the landscape, Encana also uses
specialized equipment, such as construction equipment with rubber tracks that
disperses weight more effectively. This minimizes soil compaction and reduces the
length of time it takes grassland areas to recover from the presence of vehicles
and equipment.
New drilling technology and specialized equipment enables us to drill and complete
wells in less time and to continually look at other ways to reduce our footprint.
Specialized pipeline equipment, rather than trenching, is used to plough in a pipeline in
the majority of cases reducing the need for topsoil handling on the pipeline rights-of-way.
Wherever possible, Encana makes use of existing access roads and/or trails on the
landscape. All employees and contractors are expected to adhere to speed limits and
road safety guidelines for protecting wildlife and the public.
Encana works with farmers
and other members of the
agricultural industry to ensure
their interests are taken
into consideration at the
development planning stage,
resulting in minimal impact or
disruption to their operations.
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24 Coalbed Methane
groundwater
The protection of groundwater is important to Encana. We carefully select our well
site locations and avoid wetlands. We drill and produce natural gas and/or CBM in a
manner that protects aquifers, and we monitor the integrity of our operations.
Encana supports Alberta Environments initiative to map Albertas groundwater. We
partner with Ducks Unlimited Canada to initiate projects that provide protection for
and education about wetlands. We also partnered with Inside Education to build an
interactive curriculum titled Hidden Water for teachers to help grades seven
to nine students understand that groundwater is part of a dynamic system, and to
stress the importance of appropriately managing groundwater for future generations.
Inside Education is a non-profit society that provides natural resources and
environmental education.
We have been safely and responsibly developing CBM in Alberta for more than five
years and have focused our CBM production on the Horseshoe Canyon coals. These
coals are considered dry, as there is little or no associated water production.
We partner with Ducks
Unlimited Canada to
initiate projects that
provide protection for and
education about wetlands
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Encana 25
well construction protects aquifers
Natural gas and/or CBM wells are isolated from freshwater aquifers by the wells
construction design. Steel pipe, also called casing, is placed in the wellbore. The space
between the surrounding rock and the outside of the pipe is then completely filled with
impermeable cement to ensure natural gas and CBM can only flow from the producing
zone up the inside of the pipe to the wellhead at the surface.
We comply with Alberta Governments comprehensive groundwater regulations.
Protection regulations include restrictions on the depths and distance from a water
well at which natural gas and CBM well stimulation can take place, and on the types of
materials that can be used for drilling and completing natural gas and CBM wells.
In the Horseshoe Canyon
formations, thin seams of coal
and gas-bearing sandstone
are situated between
impermeable layers of shale.
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26 Coalbed Methane
water well testing
In April 2006, Alberta Environment introduced water well testing requirements in areas
of shallow CBM development. Encana and all other companies producing CBM above
the base of groundwater protection are required to offer water well testing to residents
for all water wells within 600 metres of a CBM well before its drilled. These water well
tests are intended to help establish baseline data for routine potability, bacteriological
parameters, presence and composition of any hydrocarbon and the water well yield
prior to CBM development. In addition, if a landowner or occupant perceives a changein their well water quantity or quality following our CBM development, the water well
may be re-tested (the landowner or occupant must first register his or her water well
concern with Alberta Environment).
A number of factors including water consumption, groundwater sources, well
maintenance and completion, and precipitation variances can significantly affect water
quality and quantity in a water well. Based on thousands of tests, and our experiencewith investigations of water well concerns, these factors have a far greater potential to
impact water quantity and quality than our operations.
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Encana 27
CBM and natural gas-bearing zones are isolated from freshwater aquifers by the wells
construction. Once the hole has been drilled, usually with fresh water, steel pipe
(also called casing) is placed in the wellbore. The space between the surrounding rock
and the outside of the pipe is then completely cemented from top to bottom, so CBM
and natural gas can only flow from the producing zone up the inside of the pipe to the
wellhead at the surface.
example of drilling and well design to protect aquifers Horseshoe Canyon coals
Outer Steel
Casing Pipe
Ground level Ground level
Inner SteelCasing Pipe
Cement
Cement
Total Vertical
Depth~5
~8
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28 Coalbed Methane
Our approach to
building stakeholder
relationships is
based on respect
and providing timelycommunication about
current and proposed
developments.
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Encana 29
our relationshipwith the community
being a good neighbour
We take our responsibilities to the communities in which we operate seriously.
We understand that in the primary stages of development it isnt always easy
having oil, CBM and natural gas operations in your backyard. We believe in being
a good neighbour and continue to look for ways to improve our relationships with
landowners and other community stakeholders.
we consider stakeholder interests in all our operations by:
conducting public consultation in accordance with industry/regulatory guidelines
consulting with landowners and residents who may have questions about our
proposed or existing activities
providing opportunities for community awareness and input about our operational
plans in proximity to residents, landowners and Aboriginal communities
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30 Coalbed Methane
building rapport,
respect and trustwe are committed to continuous and lasting
improvements by:
conducting regular reviews of our Community Involvement activities, donations and
sponsorships in each of our communities
asking landowners, residents, communities and other stakeholders for feedback on
our role as a corporate neighbour
Our approach to building these relationships is based on respect and providing timely
communication about current and proposed developments. We believe that community
consultation is a collaborative process shared by the company and residents in the
communities where we operate.
In the summer of 2010,
Encana conducted a
Stakeholder Engagement
Survey to gain an understandingof the publics perception
of our approach to
corporate responsibility and
communication. The results
from this survey will guide our
community relations effortsin our operating areas and
are an invaluable part of our
community consultation.
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Encana 31
Courtesy Matters
Our resource play strategy means long-term development in any given area, so our
reputation and the relationships we have with the community are critically important to
the success of our operations. The results of a stakeholder engagement survey that we
conducted in 2006 indicated that contractor practices and behaviours were not always
aligned with Encanas high standards. Common nuisance issues were associated with
oil, CBM and natural gas development and had to be addressed. In response to this
feedback, Encana initiated a company-wide program called Courtesy MattersTM
.
Courtesy Matters focuses on desired behaviour and respecting the needs of our
stakeholders specifically in regards to noise, dust, traffic and garbage issues. The
program encourages Encana field staff and contractors to recognize that they are
essentially working in someones backyard, and that they must act accordingly.
our commitment to landownersAll Encana contractors, including broker land agents, are expected to uphold the same
principles and high standards expected of our employees. When approached by a land
agent, community members should expect to be treated with courtesy and respect.
Agents are expected to have all the relevant facts regarding the location and timing of a
project, as well as general information required by regulatory agencies. Land agents are
not experts in all facets of the oil, CBM and natural gas industry, so we encourage them
to refer specific concerns to designated Encana employees.
We believe open, two-way communication is the key to building relationships with our
communities. We value your feedback and welcome your questions or concerns about
our operations.
Open
communicationis the key
to building
productive
working
relationships.
Courtesy Matters hotline:
1.888.568.6322
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32 Coalbed Methane January 2011
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