Cahaba Coalbed Methane Project - Oil Extraction Facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The Cahaba Coalbed Methane Project is an oil extraction facility located at 16127 Yellow Creek Road in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States. The facility is operational and focuses on extracting coalbed methane, a form of natural gas found in coal seams. This project is part of the broader oil and gas extraction sector in Alabama, which has a history of energy production. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the Clean Air Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Coalbed methane extraction typically involves dewatering coal seams to release methane, which is then processed and transported. The project's NAICS codes (211111 and 211120) indicate crude petroleum and natural gas extraction, as well as natural gas liquid extraction. The Cahaba Coalbed Methane Project plays a role in the local energy infrastructure, supplying natural gas to the region. Its location in Tuscaloosa County places it within an area with a mix of industrial and residential land use, and the facility adheres to environmental regulations to manage water and air emissions.

Coalbed methane extraction involves managing produced water, which can contain salts and metals. In Alabama, facilities must comply with the Clean Water Act for discharge permits. The project's location in the Black Warrior Basin may involve interactions with local groundwater and surface water systems. Proper management of water resources and methane emissions is critical to minimize environmental impact.